Otonabee Animal Hospital

01/25/2025

Privately owned, NOT corporate, since 2001.

01/24/2025

Today is National Change A Pet’s Life Day! 🐕🐶🐱🐈
We would love to hear stories about how you change your pet's life! 💕

Here's a story from one of our staffs rescues;
Originally Daisy-Duke, now Poppy was adopted and returned to the shelter through Covid-19. Through no fault of her own, she found herself back in the shelter as the family who adopted her didn't think she was the happiest that she could be.
She now has a massive yard, plenty of walks and snuggles, the BEST vet care and a whole extra family at OAH that adore her too!

Check out this adorable video of when she was at the humane society!
https://www.facebook.com/PTBOHumaneSociety/videos/356608579986775

01/13/2025

January, designated as National Train Your Dog Month! ⛄

At Otonabee Animal Hospital, we recognize the crucial role training plays in your dog's overall well-being, particularly when it comes to vet visits. A well-trained dog is not only a joy to live with, but also much more comfortable and cooperative during examinations and procedures.

This January, let's focus on making those vet experiences less stressful for your furry friend.

Here are two links that Doctor Rorke suggests to assist with your pet being more comfortable and confident at the vet!

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/make-vet-visits-stress-free/
https://k9basics.com/train-dogs-peaceful-vet-visit/

01/01/2025

A Pawsitive Start to the New Year From Otonabee Animal Hospital⛄

As the confetti settles and the echoes of New Year's celebrations fade, Otonabee Animal Hospital wants to extend a heartfelt Happy New Year to all our cherished clients, their beloved pets, and the entire Peterborough community! We hope you had a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and plenty of tail wags.🐈🐕‍🦺🐶🐱

12/25/2024

A Christmas at Otonabee, muffled paws tread soft and light,❄
Where whispers of love linger on, beneath the stars so bright.✨
Though the doors are closed, our hearts stay open,💕

Here’s to the friends, both furry and wise,🐈🥰🐕
Who fill our hospital with joy and surprise.
Though Otonabee sleeps ’neath the starry night,
Love for our animals shines ever so bright.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!🎄⛄

12/17/2024

Thank you everyone for your donations so far! 🐾 We have delivered our first load of donations which also included 2 harnesses!! The shelters often use these as they regularly get sent home with other pets, on top of food donations, harnesses, collars and leashes are also appreciated!
Here is a photo of Cheryll and her Belgian Malinois Dax delivering the donations on Saturday to Lakefield Animal Welfare Society🎄
Thank you again!
We are still accepting donations until December 24! 🥰

12/13/2024

We are doing our first delivery of our food drive tomorrow! It's all loaded and ready to go! Thank you to those who have donated so far! ❄️⛄️🎄
Don't worry! There's still time to donate! Our donation box is on the counter in reception! 🥰

12/10/2024

Important Announcement for Pet Owners: Place Your Food and Medication Orders Before December 18th;☃️❄️

As the holiday season approaches, it's essential to ensure that our beloved pets continue to receive the care and nutrition they deserve. We want to remind all pet owners to place their food and medication orders before December 18th. This deadline is crucial to ensure that your furry friends have everything they need during the holiday season.🎄🐾

12/09/2024

We are closing the clinic early today due to the freezing rain so that we can ensure all our staff and clients make it home safely!
If you need to contact us for a medication or food order, please call and leave a message and we will receive it tomorrow morning. ❄️☃️

12/09/2024

International Day of Veterinary Medicine: Celebrating Our Unsung Heroes

On December 9th, we celebrate the International Day of Veterinary Medicine, a significant occasion to recognize the vital role veterinarians play in society. This day serves as a reminder of the dedication, expertise, and compassion that veterinarians, like Dr. Mary Rorke, bring to the field. Their commitment extends beyond treating ailments; they are pivotal in promoting animal health, contributing to public health, and ensuring the public's safety against zoonotic diseases.

Dr. Rorke's work exemplifies the ideal of the modern veterinarian, who not only diagnoses and treats animals but also engages with communities to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and the importance of veterinary care. On this day, we reflect on the challenges faced by veterinary professionals, including the increasing demand for their services and the emotional toll that comes with caring for sick animals.

This day is an opportunity to recognize the dedication and expertise of veterinary professionals who work tirelessly to ensure the welfare of animals, control zoonotic diseases, and provide essential healthcare services for pets, farm animals, and wildlife. The contributions of veterinarians extend beyond clinical practice; they also engage in research, policy-making, and education, addressing pressing issues, animal welfare, and emerging infectious diseases.

12/01/2024

December is National Cat Lovers’ Month! 🐱🐈🐈‍⬛

December is a month filled with festive cheer, but it's also the perfect time to celebrate our beloved feline friends during National Cat Lovers’ Month! As winter approaches, many of us find ourselves snuggling up with our cats, enjoying their warmth and companionship during the chilly nights. 🥰

At our office we invite you to join us in honouring all of the wonderful cats in our lives. Whether you’re a lifelong cat owner or considering adopting a furry friend, now is the perfect time to prioritize their health. Schedule a wellness check-up to ensure your kitty is happy and healthy for the winter months ahead!

11/29/2024

11/29/2024

Masks are not mandatory, but we do ask if you are coming in and you aren't feeling 100% that you put a mask on to protect yourself and our team members.
Masks are provided at the front desk.
Thanks so much!

11/22/2024

As the weekend rolls around, we find ourselves looking forward to some well-deserved relaxation and quality time with our furry/feathery friends. 🐶🐱🦜Whether you prefer to embark on outdoor adventures, cozy up on the couch for a movie marathon, or explore new parks and trails, we hope you embrace these moments with your pets. They bring boundless joy and companionship, making every small outing a grand adventure. Share some treats, go for a long walk, or even just enjoy a playful session in the backyard—whatever it is, make sure it’s filled with love and laughter.🥰

Even if your weekend plans are simple, remember that the best memories often come from the quiet moments spent together.🤩 A lazy afternoon filled with cuddles, soft scratches behind the ears, and the unmatched comfort of having your pet by your side can be incredibly fulfilling.🐕‍🦺Pets have a unique way of reminding us to slow down and appreciate life’s little pleasures, so take a moment to soak in that joy. We hope that as you navigate through whatever activities lie ahead, you find plenty of time for connection and fun with your beloved companions. Enjoy every wag, purr, and happy bark—here’s to a wonderful weekend with your pets!! 🐱

11/20/2024

We’re often asked: “Do fleas and ticks survive during fall and winter? Can they live in freezing conditions?” Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding YES!🪳

We often get asked why we feel our clients should continue flea and tick prevention through the winter. The answer is simple: Due to our milder winters recently and the ticks in our area becoming more resilient to cooler temperatures, it is vital to protect your pet year-round against anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Lyme disease.
That's right! Ticks carry more than just Lyme disease. This is why flea and tick prevention is so important!

We also offer 4DX testing (flea and tick-borne disease testing) year-round! It is recommended that you test 6-8 weeks after a tick bite to ensure that your pet hasn't contracted anything from the tick.

These are some ticks that we have collected from client pets this year. (Yes we keep them! Mostly for demonstration purposes.)

The size difference is largely based on the amount of time that a tick is feeding. Most of the time, despite being vigilant about tick checks, it can be hard to find a tick that is unfed on your pet, which is why we recommend prevention. Even if you are doing regular tick checks it can be difficult to find one that's unfed. Especially on a double-coated dog!

Ticks in our area are becoming more prevalent, and although they don't look like they could survive the winter, with the milder winters we have been having we are seeing increased tick activity throughout our winters and an increase in Lyme disease in our area.

This tick forecaster is a great way to tell how active the ticks are in your area at any given time:

https://www.tickmaps.ca/?location=

11/19/2024

⛄️ As the holiday season approaches, we are excited to announce our initiative to collect donations for local food banks and animal shelters. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community and support those in need during this special time of year. We invite you to consider bringing non-perishable food items, toiletries, or pet supplies to your appointment before Christmas. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of families and animals in our area.🎅

During the festive season, the need for support often increases, and your generosity can help ensure that no one goes hungry and that our furry friends receive the care they deserve. By participating in this collection drive, you'll not only make a positive impact on the lives of others but also inspire kindness and compassion within our community. Let’s come together to spread joy and support one another as we approach the holidays. Thank you for your willingness to contribute and for helping us make this season brighter for those who need it most!🎄

11/17/2024

Take a hike!

No, we’re not trying to be rude. We mean it literally. In honour of National Take a Hike Day (Nov. 17), we're shining a spotlight on the benefits (both physical and mental) of hiking with your dog.

Mental Stimulation
Regular walks are great for mental stimulation as well. No one likes being bored, human or dog alike. Getting out for a walk or into the woods or countryside for a hike provides a plethora of excitement. New sights and smells, bumping into other people and dogs… there’s nothing boring about it.

The less bored your dog is, the less likely he is to act up at home, as well.
Being out with the dog is also good for owners, who report feeling happier, more relaxed, and closer to their dogs after a walk.

Safety First:
Nothing ruins a day on the trail with your pup faster than a lost dog or an unfortunate encounter with the local fauna and flora. The easiest way to avoid both? It’s simple; leash your dog.

By keeping your dog on a leash and under control at all times, you cut the chance she’ll run off after the local wildlife. This also saves the resident wildlife unnecessary scares. And, helps prevent the destruction of their native habitat.

Keeping your dog close by also means you can stop him from eating anything he shouldn’t … like a poisonous mushroom.

Not to mention, not all your fellow hikers (or their dogs) appreciate running into an off-leash dog.

(If you’ll be doing any hiking during low-light situations, we highly recommend a reflective collar and leash to help you keep an eye on your dog. And, help others spot both of you as well.)

Your dog should also know basic commands like sit, stay, and come. This will help you maintain control of your dog if the need arises.

Even with a leash, accidents can happen, and you should always have a first aid kit on you. Stock your kit with bandages, and gauze.

We hope you have a blast and would love to see photos of your pets and you hiking! 🐕

11/12/2024

Environmental Enrichment for Dogs

There are many ways to provide enrichment for your pups that will keep their tails wagging:

Socializing your dog fulfills their need to interact with people and other pets!
Examples include:

- Walk your dog
- Obedience classes

Giving your dog a “job” provides mental stimulation and helps alleviate boredom.
Examples include:

-Playing fetch
-Learning tricks to earn treats
- Feeding puzzles (also nutritional enrichment)

Encourage your dog to release natural behaviors and energy in a positive, safe way.
Examples include:

- Various interactive toys
- A safe place to run around
- Comfortable dog bed to rest and observe their surroundings

Appeal to your pup's senses by providing an environment that stimulates their senses of sight, smell, and hearing.
Examples include:

- Ensuring your dog has a view outside (or inside) their environment
- Allowing your dog to sniff during their walks/runs
- Playing classical music occasionally and at a low volume has been shown to reduce stress in dogs

Dogs naturally forage for food so allowing them to do so is important.
Examples include:

- Food toys
- Feeding puzzles
- Hiding treats and having your dog go find them

As you celebrate this day with your pets, remember that small efforts can make a world of difference in their happiness and overall health. Together, we can make every day a celebration of love, enrichment, and compassion for our furry friends. 🥰