West Kootenay Animal Hospital

11/14/2024

🎄🐾 West Kootenay Animal Hospital Christmas Pet Food Drive! 🐾🎄

This holiday season, let’s make a difference! From Nov 6 to Dec 6, we’re collecting pet food for our local food bank, with a goal of $1,000 in donations.

✨ How You Can Help:
• Shop for a Cause: Buy a bag of Canine or Feline Dental or Adult food at WKAH, and 100% goes to the food bank!
• We’re Matching Every Donation! WKAH will match each pet food purchase, doubling the impact.

Help us spread joy to pets and families in need. Thank you for your generosity! 🐶❤️🐱

11/12/2024

🎄🐾 West Kootenay Animal Hospital Christmas Pet Food Drive! 🐾🎄

This holiday season, let’s come together to make a difference for pets and families in our community! From November 6th to December 6th, we’re collecting pet food donations to support our local food bank.

✨ How You Can Help:

Shop at WKAH for a Cause: Purchase a Canine or Feline Dental or Adult bag of food to donate at our clinic, and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the food bank!

We’re Matching Costs! WKAH will match the cost of every pet food donation, doubling the impact for pets in need.

Already have pet food to donate? Bring it in along with your purchase, and we’ll gladly add it to our collection!

Let’s spread joy and kindness to our furry friends and families in need. Thank you for your generosity, and happy holidays! 🐶❤️🐱

11/08/2024

🐾 Today is National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day! 🐾

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers found in dogs, and it can affect any breed, age, or size. While the diagnosis can be scary, awareness is the first step toward early detection and treatment.

Signs of lymphoma in dogs can include: 👉 Swollen lymph nodes (under the chin, in front of the shoulders, behind the knees) 👉 Sudden weight loss 👉 Loss of appetite 👉 Increased thirst or urination 👉 Lethargy

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get your pup checked by a vet as soon as possible. Early detection can lead to better treatment options and a higher quality of life.

Let’s raise awareness today to help protect our beloved furry friends! Share this post and educate others. 💙🐕

11/04/2024

November is Pet Diabetes Awareness Month! 🐾💙

Diabetes isn’t just a human condition—our furry friends can get it too! 🐶🐱 Pet diabetes is a serious but manageable condition, and early detection is key to helping our pets live long, happy lives.

Signs of Diabetes in Pets:
Excessive thirst (drinking more water than usual) 💧
Frequent urination 💦
Increased appetite 🍽️ (or loss of appetite)
Weight loss despite eating more 🐾
Lethargy or lack of energy 🛋️
Cloudy eyes or cataracts (especially in dogs) 👁️

Managing Diabetes:
With the right care, pets with diabetes can lead a full life! Here’s how:

Insulin therapy (injections, usually twice a day) 💉
Diet changes (high-fiber, low-carb foods) 🥗
Regular exercise 🏃‍♂️
Routine vet checkups 🩺

Don’t wait—if you notice any signs, schedule a vet visit! Early diagnosis and management can make all the difference in your pet's health. Let’s raise awareness and give our pets the care they deserve! 🐕🐈❤️

11/01/2024

November Patient of the Month: Ollie 🐾❤️

We’re thrilled to spotlight Ollie as our November Patient of the Month, a true weight-loss champion! Ollie, a handsome 11-year-old tuxedo cat, shed 2kg (4.4 lbs.).

Ollie’s Weight Loss Journey: A Lifesaver!

When Ollie visited our clinic, he was carrying extra pounds that could start to impact his overall health. Overweight cats are at risk for a range of serious conditions. In fact, 60% of cats in Canada are considered overweight/obese.

Recognizing the need for change, Ollie’s family partnered with us to develop a personalized weight loss plan. This plan involved a balanced, calorie-controlled diet, portion control, and a gradual increase in activity to support Ollie’s weight loss without compromising his well-being.

Why It Matters:

Obesity in pets is a serious and growing concern which can lead to painful conditions like arthritis and breathing difficulties. For cats, extra weight often means a higher risk of diabetes, and it can affect their ability to groom, move comfortably, or even use the litter box. We’re proud of Ollie’s success, and grateful to his owners for their unwavering commitment to his health. Ollie’s story is inspirational for pet owners to take weight management seriously and to seek guidance from their vet when necessary.

Keep Up the Great Work, Ollie!

Ollie, we’re so proud of you! Your hard work is an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to seeing you continue to shine in the months ahead.

10/31/2024

🎉 Congratulations to our 2024 Halloween Contest Winners! 🎉

A big round of applause for Siren and Trogdor and their perfect "You Got a Friend in Me" duo costume! These two adorable black-and-white domestic shorthairs stole the show and our hearts! 🐾👻

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared your pets' festive spirit with us

🎉 Please contact the clinic at 250-364-1910 tomorrow to arrange for picking up their prize.

Thanks again for joining the fun, Kaylee!

10/23/2024

🌟 Convenience at Your Fingertips! 🌟

Skip the trip and order your pet’s food online through West Kootenay Animal Hospital’s webstore! 🐾💻

If you are a client, simply visit www.myvetstore.ca to sign up, and you can choose to have your order delivered directly to the clinic for easy pickup, or straight to your door — FREE of charge! 🚚🏠

It's never been easier to make sure your pets get their food without any hassle. 🐶🐱

📞 Need help signing up or want an invite sent to your email? Speak with our amazing CSR team today!

We’re all about convenience for our clients and care for our patients. ❤️

10/18/2024

🎃👻 Halloween Costume Contest!
It’s that time of year again – spook-tacular fun is just around the corner! 🕸️ Get your furry friends ready for some frightfully cute fun by showing off their best Halloween costumes! 🐾

📸 How to Enter:

Snap a pic of your pet in their Halloween costume.
Post it in the comments below OR tag us in your post!
🏆 Prize: A surprise WKAH gift bag! 🎁

📅 Deadline for Entries: October 30th. Winner will be announced on Halloween! 🎃

Let’s make this the most fang-tastic contest yet! We can’t wait to see all the adorable, spooky costumes! 🕷️

10/15/2024

“In honor of RVT Week, we want to give a special shoutout to our wonderful, dedicated, and highly skilled Registered Veterinary Technicians—Caitlin, Sean, Sunny, and Jessica! 🐾 Your expertise and compassion make a lasting impact on the lives of our patients and their families. From ensuring the best care to going above and beyond every day, we are incredibly grateful for all that you do. Thank you for your dedication and passion every single day! 🐶🐱 ”

10/11/2024

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from West Kootenay Animal Hospital! 🍁

This Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our amazing clients and their beloved pets. 🐾❤️

Thank you for trusting us with the care of your furry family members! Your support means the world to us, and we’re honored to be a part of your pet’s life.

Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and plenty of cuddles from your cats and dogs! 🦃🐶🐱

Our office will be closed for the holiday from Saturday October 12th to Monday October 14th. The clinic will reopen Tuesday October 15th at 8:15am. If your pet is experiencing an emergency please contact the clinic at 250-364-1910 and your call will be directed to the appropriate on-call service.

Thank you!

10/09/2024

🐾 October 9th is Pet Obesity Awareness Day! 🐾

Did you know that over 50% of pets in Canada are considered overweight or obese? Pet obesity is a growing concern, leading to serious health issues like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and a reduced lifespan. The good news? It’s preventable with a little care and attention!

Here are some tips to help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight:

🍖 Portion Control – Ensure you're feeding the right amount for their size, breed, and activity level.

🍎 Healthy Treats – Opt for nutritious, low-calorie treats and avoid overfeeding.

🐕 Regular Exercise – Keep your pet active with daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.

🏥 Vet Checkups – Regular vet visits can help monitor your pet’s weight and overall health.

Let’s help our pets live longer, healthier lives! 💪🐶🐱

💙

10/01/2024

🐾 October is Black Cat Awareness Month! 🐾

As the leaves change and Halloween approaches, let's take a moment to celebrate our magnificent black cats. Often misunderstood due to myths and superstitions, these sleek and elegant felines deserve all the love and appreciation we can give. 🖤🐱

Why Black Cats Matter:
Unfortunately, black cats are often overlooked in shelters and associated with outdated superstitions. But in reality, they are just as affectionate, playful, and wonderful as any other cat!

✨ How You Can Celebrate Black Cats This Month:
🏠 Adopt: If you’re looking for a new furry friend, consider adopting a black cat and giving them a forever home.
📸 Share: Help debunk the myths by sharing posts, photos, and stories about black cats and their amazing personalities.
❤️ Volunteer: Support local shelters and rescues that work tirelessly to find homes for black cats. Volunteering or donating can make a world of difference!

Let’s make this October a month of appreciation for our beautiful ebony companions! Share your black cat stories and photos with us in the comments, and let's spread the love for these magical creatures far and wide. 🖤🐾



🐾 Meet Frank aka Frankenstein! 🐾

Frank was adopted from the West BC SPCA West Kootenay Castlegar Branch and has since found his forever home with our Practice Manager and her family. 🏡💖

This little guy loves starting his day with morning showers, enjoying some afternoon playtime in the sink, and even playing fetch with his humans! 🖤🐱

We’re so thrilled Frank found his perfect family, and we love watching him thrive in his new home! Have a special black cat in your life? Share your stories below!

10/01/2024

🐾 Patient of the Month: Remy! 🐾

This October, we are excited to celebrate Remy, a spirited 12-year-old German Shepherd mix who embodies the spirit of resilience and adventure. Known for his boundless energy and passion for mountain biking with his owners, Remy is a beloved Kootenay pup with a truly inspiring story. 🚴‍♂️🐶

In 2021, Remy faced a tough health challenge when a large swelling appeared on his neck. After thorough investigations with veterinary specialists and our team at West Kootenay Animal Hospital, he was diagnosed with lymphoma. It was a tough blow, but Remy's journey from there is nothing short of incredible.

He embarked on an extensive treatment plan, including chemotherapy, over a period of seven months. The treatment was intensive, but Remy’s unwavering spirit and the incredible support of his owners carried him through. 💪

The hard work paid off—Remy achieved remission and continues to thrive today! Whether he’s out enjoying his mountain biking adventures or simply spending time with his family, Remy’s recovery is a powerful reminder of the resilience of our furry friends and the importance of comprehensive care.

Congratulations to Remy for being our Patient of the Month! 🎉 Here’s to many more healthy, happy adventures ahead! 🏞️🐕❤️

09/28/2024

📢 Notice: West Kootenay Animal Hospital will be closed on Monday, September 30th in observance of Truth and Reconciliation Day.

We encourage everyone to take this time to reflect on the significance of this day. We will resume regular hours on Tuesday, October 1st.

Thank you for your understanding!

09/24/2024

Paint Night for the West Kootenay Animal Hospital Team! 🎨🎃

A BIG thank you to Wendy Franz Art for hosting an amazing night full of fun, laughter, and creativity! Our team had a blast turning into pumpkin painters, and we couldn’t have done it without your guidance. 🎨🖌️

09/18/2024

09/11/2024

🐾 Meet Charlie, Our Golden Star Golden Retriever! 🐾

Charlie is 11 years old and recently came in for his routine annual exam and vaccines. During the examination, Dr. April noticed something unusual in Charlie’s abdomen, possibly on the spleen. After a follow-up ultrasound, Charlie was scheduled for surgery, where his spleen was successfully removed.

This story is a reminder of the importance of annual assessments for our pets. We are thrilled to share that Charlie has made a full recovery! 🐶💖

Here are some heartwarming photos of Charlie with his loving owner and Dr. April. We’re so glad to see him happy and healthy again! 😊