Vet on Wheels - VOW - Mobile Veterinary Services, Ottawa

11/07/2025

🐾 A HEARTFELT THANK YOU FROM VET ON WHEELS, OTTAWA 🐾

As we head into another Ottawa winter, we want to take a moment to thank all our amazing clients for your continued trust, love, and support. It’s truly a privilege to be part of your pets’ lives and to help keep your furry family members healthy and happy.

Winter brings its share of challenges - from extreme cold and snowstorms to icy roads and short, dark days. Running a mobile veterinary clinic in these conditions isn’t always easy, but our commitment to you and your pets remains as strong as ever.

We’ll continue doing our very best to provide high-quality, affordable and compassionate at-home veterinary care throughout the season. There may be days when we arrive a little later than scheduled or when we have to reschedule due to unsafe weather conditions - we truly appreciate your patience and understanding during those times.

Thank you for being such wonderful clients and for allowing us to do what we love most - caring for your pets.

Here’s to a safe and cozy winter ahead!
– The Vet on Wheels Ottawa Team

10/24/2025

FIRST AID FOR BROKEN NAILS IN DOGS If your dog yelps, limps, or holds up a paw, check for a broken or bleeding nail and follow these steps:
1. Gently restrain your dog: Even the sweetest dog might bite when in pain. Have someone hold your dog securely or wrap them in a towel “hug.” A soft muzzle can also prevent accidents
2. Control bleeding: Wrap the paw in a clean towel and apply pressure. If bleeding doesn’t stop within 5–10 minutes, use a styptic powder, silver nitrate stick or cornstarch/flour to help clotting.
3. Don’t trim deeply yourself: If a small loose piece is hanging, you can carefully snip it. Otherwise, see your vet — removing a broken nail can be painful and may require local anesthesia or sedation.
4. Prevent infection: Your vet will clean, apply antibiotic ointment, and bandage the area. Sometimes oral antibiotics are prescribed to protect the bone.
5. Relieve pain: The exposed quick is very sensitive. Your vet may prescribe pain medication to keep your dog comfortable for a few days. If your dog breaks a nail, don’t panic — we’re here to help! Our mobile veterinary team can assess the injury, stop the pain and bleeding, and ensure proper healing right in your hom

10/24/2025

FIRST AID FOR BROKEN NAILS IN DOGS: WHAT EVERY DOG PARENT SHOULD KNOW.

Dogs usually have five nails on each front paw and four on each back paw, plus a dewclaw higher up that doesn’t wear down naturally. Dogs often snag or tear nails on carpets, furniture, rough ground, or when jumping off couches or decks. Older dogs’ nails can be brittle, and long nails catch more easily — making regular trimming very important. Inside each nail is a sensitive core called the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves. When exposed, it’s painful and can get infected. Because the quick attaches to bone, an infection here can become serious.

WHAT TO DO IF IT HAPPENS?
If your dog yelps, limps, or holds up a paw, check for a broken or bleeding nail and follow these steps:
1. Gently restrain your dog: Even the sweetest dog might bite when in pain. Have someone hold your dog securely or wrap them in a towel “hug.” A soft muzzle can also prevent accidents
2. Control bleeding: Wrap the paw in a clean towel and apply pressure. If bleeding doesn’t stop within 5–10 minutes, use a styptic powder, silver nitrate stick or cornstarch/flour to help clotting.
3. Don’t trim deeply yourself: If a small loose piece is hanging, you can carefully snip it. Otherwise, see your vet — removing a broken nail can be painful and may require local anesthesia or sedation.
4. Prevent infection: Your vet will clean, apply antibiotic ointment, and bandage the area. Sometimes oral antibiotics are prescribed to protect the bone.
5. Relieve pain: The exposed quick is very sensitive. Your vet may prescribe pain medication to keep your dog comfortable for a few days.

HOW TO PREVENT BROKEN NAILS?
1. Keep nails short — trim every 3–6 weeks depending on your dog’s activity level.
2. Ask your veterinarian or technician to show you safe trimming techniques.
3. If you’re not comfortable clipping nails, book regular nail trims at your vet clinic.
4. Use sharp dog nail clippers — dull ones can splinter nails and cause breaks.
5. Check dewclaws regularly — they grow faster and break more easily.
Pro tip: For dogs with dark nails, it’s harder to see the quick. Trim a little at a time to avoid cutting too short.

Broken nails may look minor, but they hurt a lot and can lead to infection if untreated. If your dog is bleeding, limping, or licking their paw, give basic first aid and see your vet as soon as possible.If your dog breaks a nail, don’t panic — we’re here to help! Our mobile veterinary team can assess the injury, stop the pain and bleeding, and ensure proper healing right in your home.

VETERINARY CARE AT YOUR DOORSTEP

10/16/2025

Meet our legendary trio - Karma, Arya, and Eli!

Karma, the wise 18-year-old matriarch, has seen it all and isn’t afraid to remind the younger ones who’s boss.
Arya, the spirited 9-year-old, believes she’s the true queen of the house and is always plotting her next sneak attack or snack heist.
Eli, the 14-year-old gentleman, just wants everyone to chill so he can nap in peace.

Together, they form the purrfect blend of sass, wisdom, and charm - a feline sitcom that never gets old. After years of house calls, we at Vet on Wheels can confirm: these three are not just patients, they’re family.

10/13/2025

🐾 Does My Dog Really Love Me? 🐾

We all know how much we love our dogs — from braving freezing mornings to forgiving chewed-up slippers ❤️ But do they love us back?

💡 Science says yes!
Studies at Emory University (USA) and in Budapest show that dogs’ brains light up with joy when they smell or hear their favorite humans! The “reward center” in their brain reacts just like ours does when we see someone we love.

💞 How your dog shows love:
1️⃣ Gets excited when you come home
2️⃣ Brings you toys or “gifts”
3️⃣ Snuggles with you after eating
4️⃣ Sleeps close to you
5️⃣ Looks at you with soft, loving eyes
6️⃣ Stays by your side no matter what
7️⃣ Follows you everywhere

🐶 In short — your dog’s loyalty, affection, and closeness are proof of real love. You’re their world! 💕

10/05/2025

WE ARE HIRING - RVT and VA

Vet on Wheels (VOW) is looking into expanding our service area in Ottawa! As we continue to grow, we’re looking to add passionate animal lover professionals to our VOW family. We are hiring:
1. Part-time Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
2. Part-time Veterinary Assistant (VA)

✨ Why Join Us?
If you’re looking to earn extra income while doing what you love, this is a great opportunity! We’re seeking friendly, positive team players who enjoy working in a caring and supportive environment.

🕓 Work Hours:
Evenings: 4 PM – 9 PM
Weekends: 10 AM – 5 PM
(Hours may vary)

Whether you’re experienced or a new graduate, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 For more information about our clinic, visit www.vowottawa.ca
or email us at [email protected]. We’ll be happy to connect!

Join us in making veterinary care more accessible and more affordable for Ottawa pet parents.

09/27/2025

Meet Susie, one of our youngest patients at just 10 weeks old!
She’s already a little star - whether it’s playing piano keys 🎹 or melting hearts with those big eyes.

At Vet On Wheels, we love watching tiny paws grow into healthy, happy pets.

09/20/2025

✨🐩 Meet Francine! ✨
This fabulous 5-year-old miniature poodle knows how to strike a pose and steal hearts. 💕 With her curly coat and soulful eyes, she’s living proof that a little fluff brings a lot of joy! 🐾

09/17/2025

🐾 DO DOGS MOURN?🐾
Yes! Dogs can grieve the loss of a loved one—human or animal.

Signs of Mourning:
• Sadness, sulking, or depression
• Eating or sleeping changes
• Loss of interest in play
• Vocal changes (whining, howling, or quietness)
• Seeking extra affection

How to Help Your Dog Cope:
❤️ Spend extra time together
🐶 Give affection & comfort
👫 Encourage social interaction
🧩 Use toys & activities for stimulation
✨ Reward calm behavior
💊 Ask your vet if grief feels severe
🐕 Don’t rush to bring in a new pet

With patience, love, and support, most dogs heal and form even stronger bonds. 💕

📧 Questions? Reach us at jp@vowottawa

09/15/2025

🐾 DO DOGS MOURN? 🐾
Many pet parents wonder if dogs grieve when they lose a companion - whether human or animal. Research and experience suggest that dogs do feel emotions such as happiness, sadness, fear, and even grief.

SIGNS OF MOURNING IN DOGS
It is difficult to assess what those mournful eyes mean because our canine friends cannot tell us what they are feeling. Even though dogs do not verbalize that they are happy or sad, astute pet owners interpret their pets’ emotions based on behavior.
When a dog loses a loved one, you may notice changes similar to human grief:
• Depression, listlessness, or sulking
• Decreased appetite or refusing food
• Sleeping more than usual—or sometimes insomnia
• Loss of interest in play and daily activities
• Changes in vocalization (more whimpering, howling, or unusual quietness)
• Seeking extra affection and becoming clingier

A study found that:
• 36% of dogs ate less after losing a companion, with 11% refusing food completely
• Many changed sleeping habits or locations
• 63% showed vocal changes
• 66% displayed at least four behavior changes linked to grief

HELPING YOUR DOG COPE WITH GRIEF
If your dog is mourning, here are some ways you can support them:
1. Spend extra time together – Walks, games, car rides, or favorite pastimes can lift their spirits.
2. Show more affection – Gentle petting, eye contact, and talking to your dog can provide comfort.
3. Offer social interaction – If your dog enjoys people, invite friends over for play and companionship.
4. Keep them entertained – Hide treats, use puzzle toys, or provide stimulating activities while you’re away.
5. Encourage good behavior – Reward calm behavior and avoid reinforcing howling or whining with treats.
6. Ask your vet about medical support – In prolonged or severe cases, medication may help alongside behavior strategies.
7. Don’t rush to replace a pet – Give your dog time to grieve before introducing a new companion.

THE HEALING PROCESS
Dogs have smaller social circles than humans, often limited to the family and home. When a loved one is gone, it leaves a large void. With time, love, and support, most dogs adjust and form even stronger bonds with their remaining family.
Just like us, dogs need time to heal. Offering patience, comfort, and understanding can make all the difference.

Feel free to reach us at jp@vowottawa if you have any questions. Please read our Google reviews to see what our clients are saying about our services.

08/29/2025

IS MY CAT CONSTIPATED?

Constipation is common in cats, especially as they get older. It means hard, dry stools that are difficult (or sometimes impossible) to pass. Cats may strain, cry in pain, or even pass small amounts of liquid that can be mistaken for diarrhea.

Possible Causes:
1. Hairballs (especially in long-haired cats)
2. Swallowing bones or foreign objects
3. Obesity or lack of exercise
4. Pelvic injuries that narrow the passage
5. Megacolon (a weak, enlarged colon that cant' push stool out)

Why It Matters:
Constipation can cause pain, straining, vomiting, loss of appetite, and even serious complications like megacolon, which may require surgery if not managed early.

Treatment Options:
1. Enemas or manual stool removal (by a vet)
2. IV fluids for dehydration
3. High-fiber diets, hairball remedies, or stool softeners
4. Medications to stimulate the colon
5. Surgery (colectomy) may be needed if severe megacolon develops

What Can I Do to Help Prevent Constipation:
1. Provide fresh water at all times.
2. Feed a balanced diet (sometimes with extra fiber or hairball-control diets for longhaired cats).
3. Keep your cat active to avoid obesity.
4. Groom regularly to reduce hairball formation.
5. Keep litter boxes clean and easily accessible
6. Always consult your vet before making changes to diet or medication

Most cats do well with proper treatment and can get back to a healthy, comfortable life.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] if you need help as we are your neighborhood’s mobile veterinary clinic. We provide veterinary services at your home with no extra cost. Please read our Google reviews to see what our clients are saying about their experience with VOW services.

VETERINARY CARE AT YOUR DOORSTEP