Vet on Wheels - VOW - Mobile Veterinary Services, Ottawa

03/08/2026

VET CARE – RIGHT AT YOUR DOORSTEP (NO EXTRA COST)

Vet on Wheels (VOW) Mobile Veterinary Services provides high-quality veterinary care in the comfort of your home, with no additional fee for in-home visits, helping reduce stress for both pets and owners.

Our In-Home Services Include:
• Vaccinations for dogs and cats
• Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
• Internal and external parasite treatments
• Nutrition consultations and weight management
• Ear and eye infections
• Skin and allergy management
• Mild gastrointestinal issues
• Pain management
• Wound and abscess treatment
• Diagnostic laboratory testing (excluding X-rays and ultrasounds)
• Prescription medications
• Supplements and nutraceuticals
• Microchipping
• Humane end-of-life care and cremation arrangements

How It Works
✔ Confirm that your address is within our Ottawa service area and complete the online registration.
✔ The appointment takes place in your home, eliminating the need to transport your pet.
✔ We review your pet’s medical history and perform a thorough physical examination.
✔ A personalized diagnostic and treatment plan is discussed during the visit.

We carry a wide range of medications, parasite preventatives, nutraceuticals, and medicated products for immediate dispensing. If a medication is not in stock, we can provide a prescription or arrange a special order.

To book an appointment or ask a question:
📧 [email protected]

We also encourage you to read our Google reviews to see what clients are saying about their experiences with VOW Mobile Veterinary Services. We are grateful for the trust our clients place in us and are proud to provide compassionate in-home veterinary care.

VETERINARY CARE AT YOUR DOORSTEP

03/02/2026

Yesterday our mobile clinic had the privilege of seeing a litter of eight 7-week-old Great Pyrenees puppies — three boys and five girls — all fluffy, all white, and all absolutely beautiful.

They received their first full physical exam, deworming, and first round of vaccinations. We spent close to two hours with this crew, and honestly, some days we can’t believe we get paid to do this work. Watching healthy puppies grow, ensuring they get the best start possible, and supporting responsible pet parents is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

Thank you, Alexandra, for trusting us to look after these precious little ones. It was a pleasure caring for them, and we look forward to watching them continue to thrive.

02/22/2026

This morning hurts.

You played with everything you had. We love you, we appreciate you, and we truly feel for you. Thank you for a great game.

Despite being without Crosby and Morrissey, you outplayed them. The effort, the speed, the discipline - it was all there. Sometimes sport comes down to moments, and today the US team had that extra, invisible half-goalie. He stopped 41 shots. At least two of them felt impossible.

That’s hockey at the highest level - inches, bounces, and brilliance in net.

We are proud of our team. Proud of the fight. Proud of the heart.

Go Canada. 🇨🇦

02/17/2026

KIDNEY DISEASE IN CATS: KNOW THE SIGNS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE

It’s truly heartbreaking how often we are diagnosing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in our cat patients. 💔 I see it so commonly that I felt it was important to share some information for our client's knowledge and reference. Chronic kidney disease (formerly called chronic renal failure) occurs when the kidneys are no longer functioning adequately. Kidney tissue that is permanently damaged cannot regenerate.

Why CKD Often Goes Unnoticed?
Cats can lose over 75% of normal kidney function before showing visible symptoms. The kidneys have a remarkable “reserve capacity,” meaning disease can progress quietly for months or even years before we see clinical signs. By the time symptoms appear, the disease has often been present for a significant period.

Common Signs of CKD:
Early signs: increased thirst and increased urination. A common misconception is that producing large amounts of urine means the kidneys are working well — in CKD, the opposite is true. Failing kidneys lose the ability to concentrate urine properly.
As the disease progresses, signs may include: decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea, weakness and lethargy, dehydration, poor coordination, oral ulcers and bad breath.
In advanced stages, severe dehydration, vomiting, seizures, and coma can occur.

Diagnosis:
CKD is diagnosed through blood work and urinalysis. Testing is essential not only to confirm kidney disease but also to rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

Treatment Goals:
There is no cure for CKD, but many cats live comfortably for months or years with proper management. Kidney disease treatment focuses on: managing symptoms, correcting electrolyte imbalances caused by kidney dysfunction, slowing further damage and maintaining quality of life. Treatment is individualized and may include:
1. Prescription Kidney Diet: often the first and most important step; reduced but high-quality protein, lower phosphorus and sodium. For many cats, diet change alone can significantly slow progression.
2. Medications: anti-nausea medications, appetite stimulants, antacids, phosphate binders (if phosphorus remains elevated), blood pressure medications and treatments for anemia (if present)
3. Hydration Support: always provide fresh, clean water. Some cats benefit from subcutaneous fluid therapy at home. Hospitalization with IV fluids may be needed in severe cases

Ongoing monitoring is critical. CKD is progressive and can change over time. Regular follow-up exams and lab testing are essential to monitor progression, detect complications early and adjust medications as needed

Quality of Life:
Some cats with early diagnosis respond extremely well and live a comfortable, normal lifespan. Others may progress more rapidly. At every stage, our goal is comfort, dignity, and quality of life. If treatment is no longer providing comfort, compassionate euthanasia may become a discussion — but many cats do very well for a long time with proper management.

If you have a cat (6+ years), routine blood and urine testing can make an enormous difference. Early detection truly matters. If you have any concerns about your cat’s drinking, urination, appetite, or weight — please reach out. We are here to help.

VETERINARY CARE AT YOUR DOORSTEP

02/10/2026

VET CARE - RIGHT AT YOUR DOORSTEP WITH NO EXTRA COST

We receive many calls and emails every day asking what services our mobile clinic provides, so here’s a quick overview! Vet on Wheels (VOW) Mobile Veterinary Services brings high-quality veterinary care to your home - with no additional charges for in-home visits - helping reduce stress for both pets and owners.

Our In-Home Services Include:
• Vaccinations for dogs and cats
• External & internal parasite treatments
• Flea, tick & heartworm prevention
• Nutrition consultations & weight-loss programs
• Ear & eye infections
• Skin & allergy management
• Mild gastrointestinal issues
• Pain management
• Wound & abscess treatment
• Diagnostic lab testing except X-rays and ultrasounds.
• Prescription medications
• Supplements & nutraceuticals
• Microchipping
• End-of-life / humane euthanasia and cremation services

How It Works?
✔️ Confirm with us if your address is within our range of service in Ottawa. If you're with our service area, complete the online registration.
✔️ The appointment will occur inside your home, so you don't have to bring our pet outside. During the home visit, we take a detailed medical history and perform a thorough physical examination.
✔️ A tailored diagnostic, vaccination, and/or treatment plan is discussed with you on the spot.
✔️ Many treatments can be safely and comfortably performed at home. We can share the medical records with your current clinic if you wish.

We carry a wide range of medications, parasite preventatives, nutraceuticals, and medicated products for immediate dispensing. If a specific medication isn’t in stock, we’re happy to provide a prescription or arrange a special order.

Have questions or want to book an appointment?
Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’re always happy to help! Please take a moment to read our clinic’s google reviews and see what our clients are saying about their experiences with VOW Mobile Veterinary Services. We’re grateful for the trust our clients place in us and proud of the compassionate, in-home care we provide every day.

VETERINARY CARE AT YOUR DOORSTEP

02/01/2026

🐾 Meet Winnie & Hades! 🐾

Winnie, a sweet 2-year-old Boxer, once found clinic visits a little overwhelming - but during home appointments she absolutely shines - especially with Dr. JP by her side. Winnie proves that with patience and trust, even anxious pups can thrive.

And then there’s Hades - a 1-year-old Boxer who is pure sunshine in dog form ☀️ Friendly, affectionate, and always ready to make new friends, he’s the definition of a love bug.

Together, they remind us why home visits can make such a difference. Less stress, more tail wags, and lots of love - exactly how vet care should feel 💙

01/19/2026

OBESITY IN DOGS: A COMMON BUT PREVENTABLE HEALTH ISSUE

Did you know that approximately 25-30% of the general canine population is obese, with 40-45% of dogs aged 5-11 years old weighing in higher than normal. Obesity is the most common preventable disease we see in dogs - and it has a significant impact on both quality of life and lifespan.

WHAT IS OBESITY?
Dogs are considered:
• Overweight when they are 10–20% above their ideal body weight
• Obese when they are 20% or more above their ideal body weight
Excess weight usually means excess body fat, which is not just “extra padding”—fat tissue actively promotes inflammation in the body.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Obesity shortens a dog’s life and makes them more likely to develop disease. It was always accepted that heavy dogs lived a shorter lifespan than lean dogs, usually by 6-12 months. But a large, lifetime study of Labrador Retrievers has found that being even moderately overweight can reduce a dog's life expectancy by nearly two years compared to their leaner counterparts. This is a sobering statistic.
Obese dogs develop an increased risk for:
• many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypertension
• osteoarthritis and a faster degeneration of affected joints
• urinary bladder stones
• anesthetic complications as they are less heat tolerant

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR DOG IS OVERWEIGHT?
The very first step in dealing with an overweight or obese dog is to recognize and acknowledge that there is a problem. A simple at-home check: gently feel your dog’s ribs just behind the shoulders. You should be able to feel them easily, similar to feeling your knuckles with a flat hand. If the ribs are difficult to feel, your dog may be carrying extra weight. Your veterinary team can also assess your dog using a standardized body condition score. Most veterinary practices use a body condition scoring system on a scale of either 1-5 (3 is normal) or 1-9 (5 is normal).

HOW DO I ADJUST MY DOG'S MEALS TO HELP HIM LOSE WEIGHT?
Once you have identified that your dog is overweight or obese, it is important to adjust feedings specifically for weight loss – using a specific nutritional product, a specific portion, and a specific meal frequency. Healthy weight loss is not about feeding less of the same food. Dogs need:
• A properly formulated weight-management diet
• Accurate portion control
• Consistent feeding routines
• Limited treats (no more than 10% of daily calories—some dogs can enjoy vet-approved veggies instead!)

Regular weigh-ins every few weeks are key to safe and successful progress. It is important to verify weight loss, to ensure that weight loss is neither too rapid nor excessive, and to determine when enough weight has been lost.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE REACH OUR WEIGHT LOSS GOAL?
Maintaining a healthy weight is just as important as losing it. Portion control and the right diet help prevent rebound weight gain and keep your dog feeling their best. After so much hard work, a relapse in obesity would be disappointing.

If you’re unsure whether your dog is at a healthy weight or would like help creating a safe weight-loss plan, please reach out to Vet on Wheels (VOW) at [email protected] or 6135120126 and we'll be happy to help.

VETERINARY CARE AT YOUR DOORSTEP

01/05/2026

Meet Evie 💕
3 years old superstar. No fur. Big ears. All attitude.

Nervous - but did amazingly well during her vet appointment - calm, curious, and full of personality. She tolerated the vet visit like a queen.

We love helping nervous kitties feel safe at home. Thanks for trusting Vet on Wheels with your precious girl, Evie!

12/14/2025

🎄✨ Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Vet on Wheels - VOW - Mobile Clinic! ✨🎄

Wishing all our wonderful clients and their furry family members a joyful Christmas and a warm, safe holiday season. Thank you for trusting us with the care of your pets throughout the year—it truly means the world to us. 🐾❤️

Please note that our clinic will be closed from December 24 to January 1 as we take a short holiday break. We will reopen in the new year and look forward to seeing you and your pets again soon.

Enjoy the holidays, make beautiful memories, and give your pets an extra cuddle from us!

11/30/2025

🎄 HOLIDAY SAFETY REMINDER: CHOCOLATE & DOGS 🍫🐶

With Christmas around the corner, here’s an important reminder for all pet parents:

✨ Chocolate is dangerous for dogs.
It contains theobromine and caffeine. Theobromine is the main toxin in chocolate and is very similar to caffeine. Even small amounts can make them sick. Dogs cannot metabolize theobromine and caffeine as well as people can. That is why dogs are more sensitive to the chemicals’ effects.

⚠️ What chocolate types are most toxic?
Baking and dark chocolate have very high theobromine levels, while milk chocolate has much less, and white chocolate has almost none.
* Dark & baking chocolate: VERY dangerous
* Milk chocolate: Less toxic, but still risky
* White chocolate: Not usually toxic, but still unhealthy

A 50-lb dog needs only 1 oz of baking chocolate or 9 oz of milk chocolate to show toxicity. Small amounts of milk chocolate are usually not harmful, but still not recommended.

🐕 Signs your dog may have eaten chocolate:
Clinical signs depend on the amount and type of chocolate ingested. For many dogs, the most common clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, and racing heart rate. In severe cases, symptoms can include muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure.

Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning can take hours to develop and last for days. Signs due to large exposures can last for days due to the long half-life of theobromine. This means that it remains in the bloodstream for a longer period.

💡 What to do if your dog eats chocolate:
Call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661) right away. Quick treatment makes a big difference.

❤️ Treatment for chocolate poisoning:
If caught early, your veterinarian may induce vomiting and give activated charcoal to to prevent absorption of theobromine into the body. Additional doses of charcoal may be needed. Dogs often require IV fluids to help flush out theobromine, along with close monitoring for symptoms like agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal heart rhythms. Medications may be given to control restlessness or other signs.

Keep all holiday goodies out of reach and enjoy a safe, happy season with your pets! 🎅🐾 If you have any questions, the Vet on Wheels (VOW), your neighborhood mobile veterinary clinic is here to help. You can reach us at [email protected] or phone 613-512-0126.

11/07/2025

🐾 A HEARTFELT THANK YOU FROM VET ON WHEELS, OTTAWA 🐾

As we head into another Ottawa winter, we want to take a moment to thank all our amazing clients for your continued trust, love, and support. It’s truly a privilege to be part of your pets’ lives and to help keep your furry family members healthy and happy.

Winter brings its share of challenges - from extreme cold and snowstorms to icy roads and short, dark days. Running a mobile veterinary clinic in these conditions isn’t always easy, but our commitment to you and your pets remains as strong as ever.

We’ll continue doing our very best to provide high-quality, affordable and compassionate at-home veterinary care throughout the season. There may be days when we arrive a little later than scheduled or when we have to reschedule due to unsafe weather conditions - we truly appreciate your patience and understanding during those times.

Thank you for being such wonderful clients and for allowing us to do what we love most - caring for your pets.

Here’s to a safe and cozy winter ahead!
– The Vet on Wheels Ottawa Team

VETERINARY CARE AT YOUR DOORSTEP

10/24/2025

FIRST AID FOR BROKEN NAILS IN DOGS If your dog yelps, limps, or holds up a paw, check for a broken or bleeding nail and follow these steps:
1. Gently restrain your dog: Even the sweetest dog might bite when in pain. Have someone hold your dog securely or wrap them in a towel “hug.” A soft muzzle can also prevent accidents
2. Control bleeding: Wrap the paw in a clean towel and apply pressure. If bleeding doesn’t stop within 5–10 minutes, use a styptic powder, silver nitrate stick or cornstarch/flour to help clotting.
3. Don’t trim deeply yourself: If a small loose piece is hanging, you can carefully snip it. Otherwise, see your vet — removing a broken nail can be painful and may require local anesthesia or sedation.
4. Prevent infection: Your vet will clean, apply antibiotic ointment, and bandage the area. Sometimes oral antibiotics are prescribed to protect the bone.
5. Relieve pain: The exposed quick is very sensitive. Your vet may prescribe pain medication to keep your dog comfortable for a few days. If your dog breaks a nail, don’t panic — we’re here to help! Our mobile veterinary team can assess the injury, stop the pain and bleeding, and ensure proper healing right in your hom