Bark Balance Bodyworks

05/22/2026

Mental health matters every day, but this month gives us space to bring the conversation forward and look at how our workplaces shape our mental health.

In vet med, the daily pressures can add up quickly, and the environment we work in plays a huge role in how supported we feel. NOMV’s CLEAR Blueprint was created to help clinics build healthier, more sustainable cultures through communication, leadership, expectations, accountability, and respect.

When we strengthen workplace culture, we help prevent mental health struggles before they grow.
https://nomv.org/clear-blueprint/

05/17/2026

Home modifications to accommodate our senior or mobility recovering pets doesn't have to be fancy or expensive.

While Quinn is on activity restrictions/modified activities due to a muscle strain means no jumping up or off of the couch... He hasn't gotten the memo about the restrictions so he very much WILL do it if given the chance. So I purchased a lower coffee table secondhand for $10, then added some sticker velcro strips on top to adhere some carpet to. Those materials were from the dollar store. So in total his new couch step cost me all of $15. It is wide and super sturdy! Because of Quinn being a tripod I find a lot of the pet ramps and/or stairs are either too small, too narrow, too steep, or just not sturdy enough. But this home made step is perfect.

05/01/2026

STRYCHNINE ALERT 🚨

Attention veterinarians and pet owners across Alberta & Saskatchewan:

Emergency permission has been granted for the use of 2% strychnine to control Richardson ground squirrels. While intended for below-ground placement, this substance is highly toxic to companion animals.

⚠️ How exposure can happen:
• Direct ingestion of bait
• Secondary ingestion (eating poisoned wildlife)

🐾 Clinical signs to watch for:
• Rapid onset (typically within 10–120 minutes)
• Early signs: nervousness, tenseness, stiffness
• “Sawhorse” stance (rigid, splayed limbs)
• Severe tetanic seizures (may be triggered by touch, sound, or light)
• Breathing may pause during seizure episodes
• Vomiting (less common)
• Decreasing relaxation between seizures as toxicity progresses

🔎 Clinical takeaway:
If you see a rapid progression with extensor rigidity and seizure activity, keep strychnine toxicity high on your differential list—especially if exposure to bait or wildlife is possible.

📣 For pet owners:
If you suspect exposure, contact your veterinarian immediately.
❗ Do NOT induce vomiting at home without veterinary guidance.

Please share to help raise awareness and keep our patients safe.

If you suspect your pet has ingested strychnine contact your local veterinary clinic or Pet Poison Help Line:
1-855-764-7661

Edmonton and area emergency hospitals:

VCA Guardian Veterinary Centre (South Edmonton)
(780) 436-5880

Boreal Veterinary Centre (North West Edmonton)
(780) 306-4400

Pulse Specialty & ER (Sherwood Park)
(780) 570-9999

04/17/2026

04/15/2026

Hello everyone,

🗓This is my announcement that I will be taking time off for the month of May 2026.

As I complete the final requirements of my externship along with several personal medical appointments, I need to dedicate this time to focus fully on those commitments. With an already booked schedule with my full time RVT job, I’m unable to maintain my usual bodywork appointments during this period.

To help ensure your pets continue to receive the care they need, I’ve put together a list of trusted professionals you can consider while I’m away:

🐾Rehabilitation Services🏋️‍♀️
Dr. Jennifer Stelfox – Parkland Veterinary Clinic (laser therapy available)
Kelsey Brooks, MScPT – St. Albert Animal Clinic (laser therapy available)
Kari, RVT – Town Centre Veterinary Hospital (laser therapy available)
Penny, RVT – Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic

Acupuncture
Dr. Niran Sabanathan – Town Centre Veterinary Hospital (laser therapy available)
Dr. Julie King – Town Centre Veterinary Hospital (laser therapy available)
Multiple DVMs – Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic (laser therapy available)
Dr. Elaine Degraandpre – Northern Lights Veterinary Service & Acupuncture (offers home visits)

💪🏼Bodywork / Massage
Kendra, RVT – Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic
Angie – K9 Muscleworks (certified canine bodyworker and my bodywork mentor; offers home visits; laser therapy available)
Kayla – Ruff to Relaxed Therapy (certified canine bodyworker; offers home visits)
Kari, RVT – Town Centre Veterinary Hospital (laser therapy available)

💧💦🌊Hydrotherapy
Carly – Aquastride (pool only)
Kira – Frisky Pups Canine Hydrotherapy & Fitness (pool & underwater treadmill)

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding while I take this time to focus on my health and professional development. I look forward to returning in June and continuing to provide the highest level of care for your pets.

04/03/2026

🐣🌸 Easter Safety Reminder for Pet Parents 🌸🐣

Easter is a beautiful time of year—but it can come with some hidden dangers for our furry family members. Here are a few important toxins to watch out for:

🚫 Lilies
Lilies (especially true lilies like Easter lilies) contain toxins that can cause severe kidney failure, particularly in cats—even small exposures like pollen or water from the vase can be dangerous.

🍫 Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to pets. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous and can cause vomiting, tremors, seizures, and heart issues.

🍬 Candy & Sweets
Many Easter candies contain xylitol (a sugar substitute), which can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Even candies without xylitol can be harmful due to high sugar and fat content.

💡 Keep all treats, decorations, and plants safely out of reach—and remind guests not to share human treats with pets!

🚨If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact Pet Poison Pet Poison Help Line : +1-855-764-7661

🚑 Or one of our local emergency hospitals:

(Northwest) Boreal Veterinary Centre: 780-306-4400
(Sherwood Park) Pulse Veterinary Emergency: 780-570-9999
(South Edmonton) VCA Guardian Veterinary Centre: 780-436-5880

Wishing you and your pets a safe and happy Easter! 💛

— Bark Balance Bodyworks

03/18/2026

✨ Exciting News! ✨

I’m so excited to officially share that Bark Balance Bodyworks is now colaberating with Parkland Veterinary Clinic in Spruce Grove🐾

This collaboration allows us to work together to better support your pets’ comfort, mobility, and overall well-being. By combining veterinary care with therapeutic bodywork, we can create a more comprehensive, compassionate approach—especially for senior pets, post-surgical patients, and those needing a little extra support.

Parkland Veterinary Clinic’s mission is to provide quality, compassionate, and personalized veterinary care for every pet to maintain your pet’s optimal health. 💙

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated team that shares the same passion for improving quality of life for our animals.

If you’re a client at Parkland Veterinary Clinic, feel free to ask their team about bodywork services—or reach out to me directly to learn more!

🐶 Helping your pets move better, feel better, and live better.

03/13/2026

Angie with K9 Muscleworks has developed an online program to teach pet owners some basic foundations to perform massage on your pets at home!

"Discover the power of dog massage to help your dog move better, recover faster, and feel their best every day.
This beginner-friendly online course is designed for dog owners who want to support their dog’s muscle health, mobility, and overall wellness, right from home"

Head over to her website for more details!
https://www.k9muscleworks.com/challenge-page/learn-to-massage-your-dog-at-home?programId=54dd5dc8-d528-4ff7-877b-aaa9c4c883df

03/13/2026

03/13/2026

And remember, not all parasite prevention provides treatment/protection against tapeworm, so be sure to discuss the right fit for your pet with your veterinary professionals!

🐾 Not all parasites are visible... but they can still affect your pet.

Internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are more common than many people think. Pets can pick them up from contaminated soil, wildlife, fleas, or even grooming themselves.

Northern Alberta has seen a marked increase in the prevalence of the coyote-borne tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis.

Some pets show obvious signs, while others may look perfectly healthy.
Things to watch for:
-Changes in stool
-Scooting
-Weight loss
-Pot-bellied appearance in puppies or kittens
-Vomiting or Diarrhea

Routine parasite screening and prevention helps keep both pets and the people who love them healthy.

If you have questions about parasite protection for your pet, our team is always happy to help. 🐱🐶