Canada West Veterinary Specialists

05/12/2026

Tiny Tick, Big Impact

At Canada West we see firsthand how something as small as a tick can lead to serious illness for pets. From Lyme disease to neurological complications, ticks are more than just a seasonal nuisance. They can become a medical emergency.

As the weather warms up, ticks are becoming more active across trails, parks, backyards, and even urban areas. The good news? Prevention goes a long way.

Here are a few ways to help protect your pet this season:
• Check your pet after walks, hikes, or outdoor play
• Pay close attention around the ears, neck, toes, and armpits
• Keep your pet on veterinarian-recommended tick prevention
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet seems lethargic, painful, weak, or develops changes in appetite after a tick exposure

At Canada West, we never want fear to stop adventure, we just want pets to explore safely. A quick tick check today could prevent a hospital visit tomorrow.

04/16/2026

Spring Toxins

Spring is beautiful but it comes with hidden dangers for pets.

🌼 Lilies

Extremely toxic to cats — even small amounts (pollen, water from the vase).
• Can cause acute kidney failure
• Emergency if ingested
Common types: Easter lilies, daylilies, Asiatic lilies

🌷 Tulips & Hyacinths

Most toxic part = the bulb
• Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea
• Large ingestions can affect heart rate

🌿 Daffodils

Especially bulbs
• Severe GI upset
• Can cause tremors or heart rhythm issues

🌱 Sago Palm

Highly toxic (seeds most dangerous)
• Liver failure
• High fatality rate without fast treatment

⸻

🐜 Lawn & Garden Chemicals

Fertilizers

• Mild GI upset common
• Some contain iron → can cause poisoning in larger amounts

Herbicides (like glyphosate products)

• Usually mild irritation
• Wet concentrate is more dangerous

Slug & Snail Bait

⚠️ Very dangerous
• Tremors, seizures
• Emergency treatment required

⸻

🧪 Pest Control & Rodenticides

Rat / Mouse Poison

• Different types cause internal bleeding, seizures, or kidney failure
• Always an emergency

Ant & Roach Baits

Usually low risk unless large amount ingested

⸻

🐝 Insects & Wildlife

Bees & Wasps

• Facial swelling common
• Emergency if breathing difficulty

Ticks

Active in spring
• Can transmit Lyme disease (especially relevant in Canada)

Blue-Green Algae (ponds)

• Rapid liver failure
• Avoid stagnant water

⸻

🚨 When to Call the Vet Immediately
• Tremors or seizures
• Sudden lethargy
• Repeated vomiting
• Pale gums
• Breathing difficulty
• Known ingestion of lily, sago palm, rodenticide, or slug bait

If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to call your vet or a pet poison hotline.

04/11/2026

Happy National Pet Day! 🐾❤️

Today we celebrate the pets who bring endless love and joy into our lives. We’re honored to be here for them through times of need.

From speciality visits to urgent care, surgery, and recovery, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care when pets need it most. Being trusted with your beloved companions is a privilege we never take for granted.

Give your furry family member some extra love today, and know we’re always here to help keep them happy and healthy.

04/09/2026

Our team shows up each day with compassion, patience, and genuine care. Helping pets in need feel safe, loved, and on their way to a brighter tomorrow.

It’s more than a job to us, it’s a promise to every animal that walks through our doors.

01/31/2026

One of our specialist - Dr Adelman is featured in this news story highlighting a real and serious case where a dog ingested a dangerous substance while out on a walk.

Dogs (and cats) explore with their mouths, and unfortunately unknown substances left behind in public spaces can pose a life-threatening risk.

🎥 Watch the full video here:

https://youtu.be/v10k15EjoBw

How to protect your pet on walks:

• Keep pets on a short leash and close supervision

• Don’t allow sniffing or picking up unknown items

• Be extra cautious in parks, trails, and urban areas

• Trust your instincts — if something feels off, act fast

Symptoms to watch for after possible ingestion:

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Tremors, weakness, or stumbling

• Excessive drooling or agitation

• Lethargy or sudden behavior changes

• Rapid breathing or unusual energy

Symptoms can appear immediately or hours later. If you suspect your pet ingested something harmful, seek veterinary care right away — early treatment saves lives.

Awareness matters. Sharing this could help protect another pet.

Video Credit: CTV News

12/25/2025

We wish you and your beloved pets peace, comfort, and good health. While our doors remain open 24 hours a day for emergencies we hope your holidays are filled with joyful moments at home.

Wishing you a safe, warm, and happy Christmas. 🐾✨

12/24/2025

Holiday hours? We never close. Our team is here around the clock for any pet emergency.

12/23/2025

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate what truly makes our hospital special — our incredible team, our patients, and the families who trust us every day.

Thank you for being part of our journey this year. It’s an honour to care for your pets.

Watch our holiday video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZNMA5Qyo5g

From all of us at Canada West Vets, we wish you and your pets a warm, safe, and joyful holiday season.

Wishing you & yours a relaxing holiday season. We'll be standing by if you need us throughout the holidays!

12/16/2025

The holiday season brings joy but also hidden dangers for pets. Protect them from packaging items like silica packets and plastic bags.

Here are some items to keep away from your pets!