Vet on Wheels - VOW - Mobile Veterinary Services, Ottawa

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! 💕

10/13/2025

DOES MY DOG LOVE ME?

“Wishing all our amazing pet parents and their furry companions a Happy Thanksgiving filled with joy and love!”

As dog owners, we readily acknowledge that we love our dogs. Why else do we get out of a warm bed and take them outside in freezing temperatures early in the morning? Why do we leave a great restaurant before dessert and head home to feed them? Why do we immediately forgive them after they chew our favorite slippers? To say that dogs are “man’s best friend” is an understatement for many of us. Yet, the lingering question remains....Do our dogs love us back?

WHAT DOES RESEARCH SAY?
Scientists at Emory University in Atlanta studied how dogs experience emotions using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). They exposed dogs to different odors—both familiar and unfamiliar—and scanned their brains to see how they reacted. Since dogs rely more on smell than sight, odors are a key way they interpret the world around them.

The study found that when dogs smelled their owner’s scent, a part of their brain called the caudate nucleus—the “reward center”—became active. This region is rich in dopamine receptors and reacts to pleasurable experiences, similar to how human brains respond to favorite foods or loved ones. Interestingly, dogs showed stronger positive responses to human scents than to other dogs’ scents, especially when the smell belonged to someone they knew.

A related study in Budapest looked at how dogs’ brains respond to sounds. It found that when dogs heard happy tones, the auditory part of their brain lit up in a way similar to humans. Together, these studies show that dogs process both smell and sound in emotionally meaningful ways, supporting the idea that they share a deep emotional bond and form genuine connections with humans.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR DOG LOVES YOU - SIMPLE SIGNS:
1. Excited to see you: Your dog jumps, barks, or wags its tail (especially to the right) when you come home.
2. Brings you gifts: Your dog may bring favorite toys—not just to play, but as a way to “share” with you.
3. Chooses you after food: Once the food is gone, your dog looks for affection and wants to be near you.
4. Sleeps close to you: Snuggling beside you means your dog feels safe and considers you part of its pack or family.
5. Gives you gentle eye contact: Relaxed eyes and normal pupils show trust and affection, not aggression.
6. Loves you no matter what: Your dog cuddles you even when you’re sweaty, messy, or not at your best—true unconditional love.
7. Follows you everywhere: Constantly being by your side means your dog enjoys your company and feels deeply connected to you.

In short: your dog’s excitement, closeness, eye contact, and loyalty all show genuine love and trust.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. We are your neighbourhood mobile veterinary clinic and we are still accepting new clients.

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

07/30/2025

🌞 SUMMER VACATION NOTICE 🌞

Vet on Wheels (VOW) will be closed for summer holidays during the weeks of August 4 and August 18. We are open August 11 week.

Please plan ahead for medication refills or appointments. We’ll be back to care for your furry family members soon! Wishing you all a safe and happy summer!
— Dr. JP & the Vet on Wheels Team

07/11/2025

🐶 HELPING OUR SENIOR DOGS AGE GRACEFULLY 🐾

Is my dog old?
Dog aging depends on breed and size. Large breeds like Labs may be seniors by 7–8 years, while smaller breeds like Shih Tzus often don't reach senior status until around 10. The general guidelines suggest that dogs are considered ‘mature’ when they have reached 50% of their lifespan (middle-aged), ‘senior’ when they have reached 75% of their lifespan and ‘geriatric’ when they have passed their life expectancy.

Why do older dogs need special care?
Aging isn’t a disease, but it brings changes:
• Vision/hearing loss can cause anxiety
• Slower metabolism may lead to obesity
• Arthritis becomes more common
• Cognitive decline can resemble dementia
• Weakened immunity raises infection risk

Isn’t my dog just getting older?
Yes - but age-related diseases need attention:
• Dental disease is painful and can harm organs
• Arthritis affects movement and joy of life
• Kidney, thyroid, liver, and heart issues are common
• Vision loss and cognitive changes often appear
Early recognition and care can improve comfort and quality of life.

How can I help my senior dog?
- Watch for changes in energy, behavior, appetite, or bathroom habits.
- Brush or massage regularly to check skin, coat, and nails.
- Look at gums for hydration and check teeth for signs of dental issues.
- Engage your dog with walks, playtime, and puzzles to stimulate mind and body.
- Nutritional needs change—ask your vet about a diet that fits your dog’s age and health.

How can my vet help?
Senior dogs benefit from more frequent check-ups. Exams and lab tests (blood, urine, stool) help catch issues early - before symptoms show. Regular weight and muscle checks, plus open conversations with your vet, help tailor care and keep your dog feeling their best.

Vet on Wheels (VOW) is your neighbourhood mobile veterinary clinic. Please read google reviews what clients are saying about our services. Please visit our website at www.vowottawa.ca and e-mail us at [email protected] if you are looking for an affordable at home veterinary care for your furry friends. We are here to help.

06/25/2025

🐾 From “Nope!” to “Dope!” — Piper’s Vet Visit Glow-Up 🐾

Once a vet-clinic escape artist and full-time drama queen, Piper is now living her best stress-free life! Thanks to her home visit with Vet on Wheels, this 3-year-old queen stayed cozy, calm, and VERY well-vaccinated — without ever leaving her throne (aka the laundry pile).

06/23/2025

🎉 WE JUST TURNED 2! 🎉
Last week marked the second anniversary of Vet on Wheels (VOW), and we couldn't have done it without YOU - our amazing clients and their beloved pets! 🐾

Thank you for your continued trust, support, and referrals over the past two years. We’re truly honoured to provide compassionate, cost-effective veterinary care right in the comfort of your home.

We are still accepting new clients, and welcome the opportunity to serve more pets and families in Ottawa.

We proudly serve the following neighborhoods:
Barrhaven, Nepean, Craig Henry, Centrepointe, Riverside South, Findlay Creek, Manotick, Greely, Greenboro, South Keys, Alta Vista, The Glebe, Westboro, Hintonburg, Sandy Hill, Gloucester, and Heron Gate. If you're outside of these areas, please don't hesitate to contact us—we’ll do our best to accommodate!

To learn more or to register your pet, visit: www.vowottawa.ca

Here’s to many more years of keeping Ottawa’s pets healthy and happy - one home visit at a time! 🐾🩺💙