VCA Canada Central Saanich Animal Hospital

11/21/2025

Ever wonder how your dog says “I love you” without words? It’s in the way they lean against you, follow you from room to room, or bring their favorite toy to you. Sometimes it’s just that look, the one that says you’re their whole world.

These little moments are their love letters. 💌🐶

👉 Watch the reel to spot the sweetest signs your pup is showing love.

Tag a fellow dog parent who knows this feeling! 🐕💙

11/19/2025

As Canada faces more frequent , , and , has to include every member of the family — including our .🐾💙

VCA Canada has proudly joined up with Humane Canada, Mars, Incorporated, and Royal Canin to launch ’s first national program. Together we’re working to:

💪 Strengthen the readiness of humane societies and SPCAs across the country

🚨 Provide specialized training for first responders

🐕 Advocate for animals to be included in emergency planning at every level

Our goal is simple: to make sure pets — and the people who love them — are never left behind when emergencies strike.

Learn more about this initiative and how you can get involved👉 https://bit.ly/4i8cTod

11/19/2025

Miranda Bailey, our hospital manager’s dog, had a big day today! She is part of Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital’s blood donor program, and got the call today to be a hero! As a young, large breed dog, Miranda is the ideal candidate to be a donor.

As dogs have different blood types, Miranda has had her blood typed and tested for any infectious diseases prior to donating. Dogs can safely donate 10% of their blood volume at a time, and if needed can donate every 3 months. From Miranda’s point of view, it was a good afternoon of cookies and cuddles!

11/14/2025

It’s ! 🐶🐱

Part of our program, the and are all about making sure families don’t have to face pet parent hardships alone. We bring quality food and veterinary medicine for dogs and cats directly into neighbourhoods, and we do it with empathy. No judgment. No questions asked, just support. Because we know that behind every pet is someone doing their best, and sometimes a little help makes all the difference.

These events are entirely run by VCA Canada staff and qualified volunteers with the support of generous donations from compassionate partners and aligned organizations in the area.

No matter the circumstance, all pets deserve quality food, medicine, and a supportive ear for their families. The human-animal bond, and the connection to the community, are at the core of all we do.

Check out our team at a recent Pantry event in and follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with these initiatives and the next public event .💙

Learn More: https://vcacanada.com/community-support

11/13/2025

Cancer is a dominant cause of death in older dogs and cats, but early detection can make a huge difference.

Here are a few ways you can support your pet’s health:
🕵️‍♀️ Know the signs 🕵️‍♀️
Lumps or bumps, sudden weight loss, changes in appetite, or unusual fatigue.

📅 Don’t miss your regular veterinary check‑ups 📅
Routine exams and screenings help catch problems early.

🖥️ Ask about diagnostic options 🖥️
Radiographs, bloodwork, and ultrasounds can provide clarity if something seems off.

💙 Focus on quality of life 💙
Treatment isn’t just about medicine. It’s about comfort, nutrition, and emotional support.

is about hope, prevention, and compassion. By staying informed and proactive, you give your furry family members the best chance at a long, healthy life.

11/12/2025

‘Tis the season! Join us for the VCA Canada Central Saanich Animal Hospital’s annual Holiday Hats Photo Days. On December 5 & 6, we will be photographing your pets in festive hats and holiday attire with all donations supporting Paw It Forward.

Appointments are recommended but drop-ins welcome.
Cats, dogs and exotic pets welcome! We require rabbits to be up to date on their RHD vaccine. Due to recent cases of Avian Influenza on the island, birds are unfortunately not welcome this year.

December 5, 2025 1:00PM - 5:00 PM
December 6, 2025 10:00AM - 2:00 PM.

11/11/2025

We will be closed today in observance of Remembrance Day. Thank you to all those who have served.

11/08/2025

Attention Bird Owners: there has been several cases of Avian Influenza in the lower mainland over the past few weeks, and as of today there is a case in Nanaimo.

All bird owners should review the signs of avian influenza, and the best ways to protect your birds. If you have concerns for avian influenza in your birds, please call us and/or the CFIA.

11/05/2025

Why does your senior dog seem to sleep so… loudly?

You might notice twitching, paddling, vocalizing, or even pacing at night. It’s easy to chalk it up to “just getting older,” but there’s more going on beneath the surface.

As dogs age, changes in a part of the brain called 🧠🐶 the PONS 🧠🐶 (a small but important region in the brainstem) can affect how they move, sleep, and respond to the world around them. The pons helps regulate REM sleep and motor control, which means your dog’s sleep might look more active, restless, or even noisy as they get older.

Signs to watch for:
➡️ An increase in twitching or paddling during sleep
➡️ Changes in blinking or balance

How can you support your senior pet when you see the signs?
➡️ Stick to a consistent bedtime routine
➡️ Create a quiet, cozy sleep space
➡️ Offer gentle movement and brain-healthy nutrition

If sleep changes come with mobility or behaviour shifts, call your veterinarian and take a short video of their sleep behavior. This can be incredibly helpful for your veterinary team to assess the signs more accurately.

10/31/2025

🎃 Tonight’s the night! 🎃

Before the doorbell rings, here’s your quick cheat sheet:

🐾 Chocolate, xylitol, glow sticks = Trick
🍎 Apple slices, pumpkin puree and a quiet corner = Treat
🧁 Cupcakes, mini marshmallows = Cute, but dangerous

Keep the candy out of reach, the costumes comfy, and the pets calm. Halloween’s better when everyone feels safe.

10/31/2025

Attention Rabbit Owners!

There is a potential outbreak of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) in the Nanaimo area. We are still waiting on the results of confirmatory testing. RHD is a highly contagious and lethal disease in rabbits. We always recommend vaccinating your rabbit against RHD, especially when there are cases in the area.

🔹Province issues warning to Vancouver Island rabbit owners🔹

The provincial government has issued a warning to rabbit owners on the Island following the discovery of rabbits in the Nanaimo area that may have died from a highly contagious, often deadly rabbit disease (only transmissible between rabbits). More from the Province:

The Province is encouraging rabbit owners in the mid-Vancouver Island area to take extra care after several wild rabbits were found dead in Cedar, showing symptoms of rabbit hemorrhagic disease.

The disease has not yet been confirmed as the cause of death in these rabbits, but testing is underway and results are pending. In past years, rabbit hemorrhagic disease has been detected in feral, commercial and pet rabbits in Parksville, the Comox Valley, Nanaimo, Richmond, Delta and Vancouver.

The disease is a highly contagious and often deadly disease that affects only rabbits. Symptoms can include fever, lethargy, respiratory distress, bleeding from the nose or mouth or sudden death.

The virus spreads through direct contact between rabbits and indirectly through contaminated bedding, food, water, cages, clothing, footwear and vehicle tires. The disease does not pose a risk to people or other animals, including cats and dogs. However, rabbit hemorrhagic disease can be carried short distances on the fur, feet or droppings of other animals.

There is no treatment for this disease. However, a vaccine for domestic rabbits is available in B.C. Owners are encouraged to speak with their veterinarian about immunizing their rabbits.

Owners can also help protect their pets by:

practising good hygiene when handling rabbits or their housing; and
keeping rabbits away from areas where the disease may be present.

If pet owners notice any signs of illness in their rabbits, they are urged to contact their veterinarian immediately with any concerns.