VCA Canada

VCA Canada | Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

Ever tried brushing your dog's teeth and felt like you were wrestling a tiny, furry alligator? Yeah, us too (don't worry, that's normal)! But trust us. Keeping those pearly whites clean is super important for their health and happiness. So here's some quick tips for getting the job done.

VCA Canada | Cat Health

You may not be able to ask your #cat questions to find out what they're thinking, but there are some basic things you can do to ensure they are happy and healthy. Start with a well-rounded diet and plenty of playtime to prevent any weight-gain or issues with obesity. A healthy weight helps avoid issues like diabetes and joint problems down the line. 🦷 Don't forget about their teeth—regular brushing and #dentaltreats can make a big difference in preventing gum disease and tooth loss. 💧 #Hydration is super important so make sure your cat is drinking enough water daily, or try some #wetfood to help them out. Urinary tract problems can be a concern, especially in male cats, so keeping them hydrated and making sure the litter box stays clean is key. 🐈 Cats naturally need to shed the outer layer of their claws, and scratching helps them do that. By using a #scratchingpost, they can safely shed old claw sheaths and keep their claws sharp and healthy. Without a proper outlet, cats may scratch furniture, carpets, or even themselves, potentially causing injury or damage. As your cat ages, kidney health becomes more important, so regular #veterinary visits will help catch any issues early. Watch for signs of diabetes, like excessive thirst or weight loss, and keep an eye on their food intake. 💡 Pro Tip: Make sure your cat gets their regular #vaccinations to stay protected. #VCACanada #NationalCatHealthMonth #PetParentTips

VCA Canada | Pet Travel Tips

🫣 Take the Ruff Out of the Ride - Tips for Transporting a Scared or Timid Pet 🫣 Getting your nervous pet from home to the car and back can feel tricky, but with a little prep and care, you can make it a smoother experience for both of you. Here’s some #VCACanada tips: 📌 Before You Go: ✔️ Get them comfortable. Let your pet explore the carrier or car beforehand with treats, toys, or a cozy blanket. ✔️ Small pets do best in secure carriers; for dogs, a harness and leash are a must. ✔️ Add a blanket with your, or any familar, scent or try a calming pheromone spray to help them feel at ease. ✔️ Pick a quiet time to travel and try to avoid peak business hours when loud noises or distractions might add to their stress. 📌 On the Way: ✔️ Keep it calm in the car with soft, tranquil music or white noise. Avoid loud sounds or sudden movements. ✔️ Use pet seat belts or secure carriers to keep them steady and secure. Offer treats, praise, and lots of gentle encouragement throughout the ride. 📌 At the Vet: ✔️ Take a pause and wait until your pet is in a calm(er) state before getting them out of the car and bringing them inside. ✔️ Let the staff know your pet’s personality so they can prepare for a low-stress visit. Extra Tips for Timid Pets: Be patient and stay calm, as pets often mirror your emotions. And encourage, don’t force your pet to do anything. Use treats or toys to guide them into the carrier or car. With a bit of patience and preparation, you can help your pet feel more secure with travel. If your pet’s anxiety is extreme, chat with us about additional options like calming medications. You’ve got this—and VCA Canada is here for you, every step of the way!

As we embrace fall and prepare for winter, it’s a great time to make sure our pets are ready for the season ahead. Here are some tips to keep your furry friends healthy, safe, and comfortable as the seasons change: 🧣 Cooler Temps, Cozy Pets: As the weather cools down, some pets may feel the chill. Consider a cozy sweater for short-haired pets or adding extra bedding to their sleeping spots to keep them warm. 🦴 Watch for Seasonal Hazards: Fall and winter can bring certain hazards to your outdoor adventures. Be mindful of what your pet can get into during walks like their feet, legs and belly picking up de-icing products, antifreeze, or other chemicals that could be toxic. When you get back inside, wipe down (or wash) your pet's feet, legs and belly to remove these chemicals. 🍁 Health Check for the Season: Fall is the perfect time to schedule a health check with your #VCACanada #veterinarian. A wellness exam can ensure your pet is ready for the colder months and help prevent any seasonal illnesses. (Cold weather may worsen some medical conditions such as arthritis). So, enjoy the fall season🍂🍁(let's be real ❄️), and let #vcacanada help you #prepyourpets for winter.

🐶🩺 First Time Wellness Exam for Your Pup? Here’s What to Expect!🩺🐶 Is your dog about to have their first wellness exam? Whether it's your pup's first check-up or just an important milestone, a thorough exam is a great way to make sure they’re feeling paw-some and healthy! 💪 What’s involved in a first veterinary check-up? 🤔 Your Veterinarian will give your dog a full body check, from head to tail! They'll listen to the heart ❤️, check the skin, feel the tummy, and look at the teeth🦷 and eyes 👀. It's all about catching any health issues early—before they become a bigger problem! Plus, after the physical exam, your Veterinarian might suggest some wellness screening tests to get a deeper look at your dog’s health. Here’s what you might hear about: 🔬 1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) 🧪 2. Biochemistry Profile 💧 3. Urinalysis 🧬 4. Thyroid Hormone Testing For young dogs, simple tests usually do the trick. But for middle-aged, senior, or geriatric dogs, more detailed testing is often recommended to stay ahead of any health issues. For older pups, that might even mean X-rays (chest, abdomen, or joints) to keep an eye on internal organs, bones, and joints! Your Veterinarian will walk you through everything and answer any questions you have at this appointment. It's a super important step to keep your furry friend in tip-top shape for years to come!

🍖 Treats and Calories: 5/5 Veterinarians Say Keep it Balanced! 🍖 Don't let Onyx here (or any other tech-savy pups) fool you. Treats are a fun way to spoil your dog, but remember: they add extra calories! In fact, treats should only make up about 10% of your dog's daily calories. That might sound like a lot, but it can add up fast—especially if your dog doesn’t need many calories or if the treats are high in calories. Too many treats can mess with your dog’s appetite for regular meals and even lead to weight gain. 🐕 Overweight dogs are a big problem, and it’s happening more and more. To keep your dog healthy, it’s important to remember that "calories in" (from treats) matters way more than "calories out" (exercise). And just because a treat is labeled “light” or “low calorie” doesn’t mean it’s actually much better. These treats still add calories and can sneakily push your dog’s daily intake higher. So, let’s keep treats special, not a regular habit. Your dog’s health will thank you! Hit the #KnowYourPet section of our website for more tips like these. https://bit.ly/3UXWoRv

VCA Canada | AMR Awareness

💊🐾#AMRweek is here! Time to Educate. Advocate. Act Now. 🐾💊 #Antimicrobialresistance (AMR) is a growing threat that impacts the health of humans, animals, and the environment. AMR happens when harmful microorganisms (like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) evolve to resist the medications designed to treat them—like antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. Why should you care?🤔 As AMR spreads, these essential medicines become less effective, which means infections can persist and become harder to treat. This increases the risk of infections spreading and can make previously manageable diseases much more serious. The effects aren’t just limited to humans—AMR also affects #veterinarycare, livestock health, and even our food systems. It's a global issue that requires global action. ✅ What can we do about it? We all have a role to play in tackling AMR! Here's how you can help: Use antibiotics responsibly—whether for yourself, your pets, or animals in your care. Follow your veterinarian's advice when it comes to treating infections. Educate yourself and others about AMR and its growing impact. Advocate for sustainable practices in both human and animal healthcare. Together, we can protect the future of our communities and ensure that antimicrobials remain effective. 🌱💚

#RVTs are the heart and soul of any vet clinic🫶 Their tireless contributions are felt and seen on a daily basis, 365 days a year. Happy #rvtmonth! #VCACanada is forever grateful for every single one of you ❤️💐

🐴 THERE'S NO TWO NEIGHS ABOUT IT 🐴 #RVTs are the heart and soul of any vet clinic, and without every single one of you, we wouldn't be able to care for life's greatest companions like we do. While #October is a month of dedication to you, please know that your tireless contributions are felt and seen on a daily basis, 365 days a year. #VCACanada is forever grateful for you ❤️💐🫶 #rvtmonth

💐👏Appreciation post for all the mixed animal #RVTs out there 👏💐 We often stick to thinking about household pets when we think of #animalcare, but the farm friends need us too! Here's a peek at Jorieke's favourite aspects of #mixedanimalvet care at @accofstrath. #vcacanada #rvtmonth

🐾 A HUGE PAW-FIVE TO ALL OUR AMAZING RVTs 🐾 Come along to see a #dayinthelife of a #registeredveterinarytechnician at @vcacanada.district! From vital checker and dewormer to treat dealer and cuddle dispenser, vet techs are the heart of the treatment area and we couldn't be more proud of the work they do every day! #vcacanada #rvtmonth #vettechlife #nvtw

We are excited to announce that VCA Canada has been named one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2024, which recognizes Alberta employers whose head offices are located within the province and lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. At VCA Canada, we are proud of the Associate experience we’ve built that prioritizes employee well-being, professional development, and community engagement. Being recognized for this award is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication not only in Alberta but across the country in each of our hospitals. Thank you to all our Associates for the support and care they provide life’s greatest companions on a daily basis and for making VCA Canada an excellent place for Associates to work and grow. For the full story: https://bit.ly/3HJmkck #ABTopEmployers #TopEmployers2024