VCA Canada Eastside Animal Hospital

11/15/2024

🎅🎄BREAKING NEWS: Santa’s Coming to VCA Eastside Animal Hospital!🎄🎅

This holiday season, Mr. and Mrs. Claus are spreading festive cheer and helping animals in need! Join us on December 11th from 8 AM to 6 PM for a jolly good time! 🎁

📸Pictures with Santa: Bring the whole family (furry friends included!) for a memorable photo with the Claus couple! In exchange for a $5 minimum donation, you’ll get a photo, and all proceeds go to Paw it Forward, supporting local animals in need. 🐾

📝Please note: Clients must call ahead to book a time slot for pictures with Santa. Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early!

🎂Bake Sale: Grab some sweet treats while you’re here—perfect for the holiday season! 🍪

🎟️Raffle: You could win some amazing prizes! 🎉

Mark your calendars and spread the word—let’s make this a holiday to remember while supporting a great cause. ❤️🐶🐱

11/15/2024

🎉🐾 Happy 3rd Birthday to the paw-some Otis! 🎂🎈

From endless tail wags to all the belly rubs, you've filled every day with love and laughter. You're not just a patient, you're family. Here's to more playtime, treats, and all the cuddles in the world! 🐶💙

May your day be filled with squeaky toys, treats, and the best snuggles ever. 🦴🎉

🎉🐾

11/14/2024

At , we believe that a strong VCPR (Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship) is at the heart of compassionate care for your pets. 🐶🐱🐴 It’s the bond between you, your pet, and your veterinarian, and it’s what helps us provide the best possible care tailored just for your animal.

When we get to know your pet with regular check-ups—whether it’s a shy dog, a curious cat, or a hardworking farm animal—we can spot health issues early, prevent bigger problems, and create a relationship built on trust. Plus, if your pet ever needs emergency care, having an established VCPR means we already know their health history, so we can act quickly and provide the most effective treatment.

When we work together as a team, we can help your family member live a long, healthy life. ❤️🐾

11/11/2024

Today, on Remembrance Day, we honor and remember the brave men, women, and service animals who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom and keep us safe. 🇨🇦❤️

A special thank you to our veterans—your courage, dedication, and unwavering service inspire us all. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. We stand in gratitude for all you’ve done for this country.

We also remember and thank the incredible K9 units, whose loyalty and skill have saved countless lives. These four-legged heroes play a vital role in ensuring safety and security, and we owe them our deepest respect and admiration. 🐾🇨🇦

Lest we forget.

11/07/2024

🎉 **Congratulations to our incredible RVT, Melissa, for being named Hill’s Pet Nutrition's RVT of the Month!** 🎉

Melissa was nominated by her fellow RVT, Val, for her outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care to our furry patients. We couldn’t be prouder to have her on our team! 🐾

For those who may not know, RVTs (Registered Veterinary Technicians) are highly skilled professionals who play a critical role in animal care. They assist veterinarians with medical procedures, administer treatments, provide emergency care, and perform diagnostics—just to name a few. They are the backbone of any veterinary team, ensuring that pets receive the best possible care every day. 🐶🐱

Thank you, Melissa, for all that you do! We are so lucky to have you. Here's to many more well-deserved accomplishments! 🌟

11/06/2024

🦴 Bone Appetit? 🦴

While it might be tempting to share bones with your furry friends, it’s important to know that there are no truly safe options for dogs (or cats). Both cooked and raw bones can lead to serious issues, including broken teeth and digestive problems.

In fact, raw diets containing bones can not only result in tooth fractures but also pose risks of bacterial contamination. A recent case highlighted the dangers of raw food diets, emphasizing that we need to be cautious.

Though dogs love bones--the bones don't love the dogs and can lead to dental fractures, perforation of the bowel as well as obstruction of the intestinal tract, necessitating emergency surgery.

Let’s prioritize our pets’ health and explore safer alternatives together! ❤️

11/01/2024

🎉 Thank you to everyone who voted in our door decorating contest!

The team’s creativity and enthusiasm truly made it a success.

We're excited to announce that Door #4 is the winner! Congratulations!🥳

Door #4

10/31/2024

🎃 NO TRICKS, ALL TREAT 🎃

! Why not treat your furry friend to some ? It's a superfood packed with nutrients!

Pumpkin is low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, helping support and . It also moisturizes skin promoting a shiny coat and reducing dryness. Plus, pumpkin is great for digestion—its natural fiber can help with upset stomachs and even support urinary health.

Some say it even helps keep pesky parasites at bay! (Pumpkin has high amounts of the amino acid cucurbitacin, which is actually toxic to many common and has been used to expel worms in ruminating animals).❗Grinding up a teaspoon of ground pumpkin seeds and mixing them into canned food (or a little canned pumpkin!) is a good preventative measure, but don't use this to replace your pet's usual parasite treatments, as they are very important.

Add a scoop of pumpkin to top your dog’s meals for a tasty, healthy treat this ...just make sure to not confuse it with pumpkin pie filling. (That stuff's full of sugar and no-good for doggos).

10/31/2024

🎃 Hey ghouls & gals! 🎃

Get ready to see some of Eastside’s spooky creativity! Our team held a friendly door decorating contest, and now we need your help deciding who had the best door.

The door with the most likes will be crowned the winner!

Voting ends tomorrow at 12PM.

May the best door win! 🕷️👻

10/28/2024

Update on Associate Molly's Mars, Incorporated Ambassador Trip to Ghana!

It was an exciting week of learning and collaboration.

There was a seminar in Obodan focused on the health of sheep, goats, and poultry, bringing together a fantastic group of women dedicated to animal welfare.

Following that, were the farms in Noka, where we engaged directly with local farmers to share knowledge and practices. The camaraderie was evident in our post-seminar group photo!

A special highlight was receiving a beautiful hand-woven Kente cloth from the Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET) director and volunteers—what a thoughtful gift!

In Nsawam, we had the pleasure of working alongside local veterinarians and vet students, collaborating on cases and sharing insights. The experience has truly enriched our understanding of veterinary practices in the region.

From taking histories on sheep farms to fostering connections, this week has been filled with valuable experiences and new friendships.

We're looking forward to seeing more impactful work ahead! 🐑🐐🐔

10/23/2024

It’s Still Tick O’Clock!

Did you know that ticks can remain active well into the fall? As long as temperatures are above 0-2°C, these little critters can survive even our cold winters!

🔍 Here’s some important info: Adult start searching for hosts to feed on when temperatures rise above that threshold. In fact, they tend to be most active during the fall when the cooler weather is just right for them.

💡 Did You Know? Ticks active during fluctuating winter temperatures and in spring can pose the greatest risk! Blacklegged ticks carrying the bacteria that cause are particularly resilient and are often the first to emerge on warmer days.

Whether you're enjoying a hike or relaxing by the campfire, it’s crucial to check your pets and have a first aid plan in place. Check out our guide for tips on staying prepared!

Stay safe out there! 🐾

10/16/2024

🌍 Mars Ambassador Trip Update 🌍

Our associate Molly is checking in from her first day in !

There was an orientation with the Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET), our partner organization for this placement, followed by a visit to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Veterinary Services Directorate.

During the visit, they had the privilege of meeting with the Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Allegye Cudjoe, and the Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Ghana, Dr. Kigsley Mickey Aryee. The team also toured the Veterinary Laboratory, gaining valuable insights into local veterinary practices.

Check out a few photos from the day: 1️⃣ Meeting with Dr. Akunzule (Director of GAPNET), Dr. Emmanuel Allegye Cudjoe (CVO of Ghana), Dr. Katie McCullough (Mars Ambassador), and GAPNET volunteer Diana Asaname. 2️⃣ A glimpse of the Veterinary Laboratory. 3️⃣ Connecting with Dr. Akunzule and Diana at the GAPNET office.

Stay tuned for more updates as the journey continues!

10/11/2024

🎉🐾 : Celebrating Our Amazing RVTs! 🐾🎉

Did you know that and Technicians (RVTs) wear many hats in the world? 🐶✨ Let’s dive into some pawsitively fascinating roles they take on every day!

🔍 Triage Masters: RVTs are the first responders of our clinic! They obtain your pet’s history and check their vital signs, ensuring they’re healthy and ready for their visit.

💉 Anesthesia Experts: From placing IV catheters to monitoring vital signs during surgery, RVTs ensure our furry friends are safe and comfy while they snooze through procedures.

🛠️ Surgical Sidekicks: Whether it’s a spay or orthopedic surgery, RVTs are right there assisting veterinarians to make sure everything goes smoothly.

💊 Medication Maestros: Once the veterinarian prescribes medication, RVTs are the ones who dispense it and guide pet owners on what to expect—side effects included!

📚 Knowledge Nuggets: Passionate about animals, RVTs love to share their expertise, advocating for both pet welfare and owner success!

🧪 Lab Legends: From blood draws to analyzing samples, RVTs work behind the scenes to provide vital diagnostic information to your vet.

📸 Imaging Innovators: RVTs ensure that the diagnostic images taken are crystal clear, helping veterinarians make the best decisions for your pet's health.

📖 Lifelong Learners: To stay on top of the latest in veterinary science, RVTs commit to ongoing education—because there’s always something new to learn!

🧠 Quick Thinkers: In emergencies, RVTs are the cool-headed problem solvers, making swift decisions to help pets in need.

🤝 Team Players: Finally, RVTs are an essential part of the veterinary healthcare team, working collaboratively to provide the best care possible.

This month, let’s give a shoutout to our incredible RVTs who are dedicated to keeping your (slightly hairier) family members healthy and happy! 🥳❤️

10/11/2024

🌟 Exciting news for all cat lovers! 🌟

We’re thrilled to announce a sale of our handcrafted catnip pillows, with all proceeds going to the Farley Foundation! These cozy pillows are sure to keep your feline friends happy and entertained.

But that’s not all! Don’t forget our bake sale happening on tomorrow and Saturday, with every penny supporting the Farley Foundation as well.

Join us in supporting a great cause while treating your furry companions! 🐾❤️

10/08/2024

We are thrilled to announce that one of our amazing associates, Molly, has been selected for the prestigious Mars, Incorporated Ambassador Program! 🎉

She's headed off to to train Community Animal Health Workers, focusing on disease recognition and antibiotic use in sheep, goats, and poultry. This incredible opportunity aims to enhance food security in rural communities, and we couldn’t be more proud of her commitment to making a difference! 🙌

With her extensive background in large animals and her volunteer experience with Maasai tribes in Eastern Africa, she knew she was a perfect fit for the Animal Health Advisor role alongside Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET) and Veterinarians without Borders.🐄

Molly is eager to learn about the unique challenges small-scale farmers face and how she can empower communities to improve animal health and food production. Plus, she can’t wait to soak in the rich culture of Ghana and explore its beautiful sights during her downtime!

As we say goodbye to Molly, let’s show her some love and support! ❤️ Keep an eye on her journey and the amazing work she’ll be doing through our socials.

You can also follow and for updates on their impactful initiatives.

Wishing you all the best, Molly! Go make a difference!

10/03/2024

✅ SKILLS CHECK!✅
Hands-free

Check out Amanda, extraordinaire at Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital, learning some hands free tips and tricks!

There is such a positive impact these techniques have on both staff AND patients because you’re lowering the exposure to harmful radiation while incorporating fear free techniques with the benefit of less stressed patients!

Kudos for being leaders in the industry and promoting change within your hospital! 🙌

10/03/2024

🎉🐾 Get ready for a paw-some October with us! We’re on a mission to raise funds for the Farley Foundation, and we need your help!

This month, grab a super cute, handmade bandana crafted by one of our talented team member. Perfect for your furry friend!

Join us for special nail trim days on October 7th and 21st—every penny from these trims goes straight to the Farley Foundation!

Plus, don’t miss our delicious bake sale on October 11th and 12th, where you can snag some tasty treats while supporting a great cause!

Let’s make a difference together! 💖🐶

10/01/2024

🎉 WE'VE GOT OUR EYES ON RVTS THIS MONTH🎉

October is here, and that means it's time to celebrate and honour the incredible work of - a vital role in the world.

From being triage nurses who record your pet’s history and perform vital checks, to anesthesiologists who expertly manage anesthesia and monitor vital signs during surgery, play a crucial role in your pet's care.

They ensure that our furry, feathered, and scaled companions are happy and healthy, contributing greatly to the wellbeing of our communities.
🐶🐱🦜🐢

They also help safeguard the health and safety of animals (and all Canadians) through their expertise in biosecurity and infectious disease control! Talk about cool!

Stay tuned to our socials all to see our wonderful RVT's and all the work they do here at and !

Happy !