VCA Canada Riverbend Veterinary Hospital

12/25/2025

To our wonderful community of pet parents,

On this quiet Christmas Day, we hope you are wrapped up in the warmth and comfort of home, surrounded by the people you love, and of course, your most cherished companions.

We know that pets aren't just animals; they are the family members who listen without judgment, offer endless snuggles, and provide that beautiful, unconditional love that truly anchors us through every season of life. They are the quiet (and sometimes chaotic) heart of our homes.

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of caring for these irreplaceable members of your family throughout the year. Your dedication to them inspires us every day.

From the entire team at , we are sending you peace, joy, and profound gratitude today. May your heart be full and your lap be warm! 💙🎄

12/24/2025

Twas the night before Christmas, and the house was all neat, with soft blankets arranged for a safe, cozy treat. The stockings were hung, filled with toys and with cheer, for gifts that were safe were the best ones this year!

The pets were all nestled, prepared for their sleep, While visions of vet-approved biscuits did creep. Mom in her comfort, Dad starting to doze, with no high-fat ham scraps left out for their nose.

When through the front door came no sudden clatter, for the pets were secured, no need to cause chatter! We kept them contained with a gate swift and quick, protecting their safety from holiday slick.

The tree was secured, no danger in sight, with all low-hung ornaments tucked out of reach and of light. The cords were protected, the plants put away, ready for safe, happy moments throughout Christmas Day!

The table was cleared of all sweets and all spice, just bowls full of water and dog-friendly ice. We kept puppy's quiet space ready and neat, a harmonious haven, oh so discreet.

We checked all the presents and wrappers beneath, and offered new bones that were safe for the teeth! No ribbons, no strings, no need to feel dread, just the sound of our loved ones asleep in their bed.

We finished the checklist, and locked down the door, prepared for the morning and much, much more. Then we gave them one snuggle, so gentle and deep, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good sleep! ❤️

12/23/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Bear back to the clinic after her short leave! Our team, clients, and furry friends have missed her compassion, expertise, and big heart. We are grateful to have her back and look forward to continuing to provide the highest standard of care for your pets together!

12/22/2025

🚨 Counter-Surfers, Beware! Holiday Foods to Keep LOCKED DOWN 🔒

If your pet is an Olympic-level counter-surfer, the can be the most dangerous time of the year!

With extra treats, unattended baking, and rich leftovers everywhere, the risk of accidental poisoning or severe illness skyrockets. Our teams want to help you stay ahead of your sneaky companions by highlighting the top foods to guard against this season.

🚫The "Forbidden Feast" List for Counter-Surfers 🚫

Chocolate which contains Theobromine and can cause toxicity, vomiting, and seizures.
Xylitol (Sweetener) found in sugar-free products = LIFE-THREATENING hypoglycemia & liver failure.
Grapes and raisins found in stuffing, fruitcakes, and cookies can cause acute kidney failure.
Onions, Garlic, Chives found in stuffing, gravy, and dips cause red blood cell damage (anemia).
Rich, fatty foods like turkey skin, bacon grease, and excessive gravy can cause severe pancreatitis (painful inflammation).
Cooked turkey bones, ham, or poultry bones can splinter and cause intestinal obstruction.

Stay mindful this holiday season and keep the emergencies under wraps! If you suspect your pet has eaten something dangerous, don't wait for symptoms to appear.📞 Give us a call immediately!

Fellow Pet Parents: What's your best tip for stopping a determined counter-surfer? Share your genius below! 👇

12/19/2025

This week's story comes from a passionate who is three summers strong at the VAERC! 💪

Spotlight On: Logan V. | DVM Student, VCA Canada Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre

"Coming to VAERC with an interest in specialty practice was one of the best decisions I could have made. The management team made a real effort to place me in areas that matched my interests, and the specialists took the time to explain cases, demonstrate procedures, and answer every question I had. At the same time, I never felt like just an observer; this position allowed me to actively practice my clinical skills, including history taking, client communication, and blood draws, while also pushing me to deepen my knowledge of diseases and make the most of my time there. I left VAERC with strong references, a greater appreciation for both emergency and specialty practice, and a marked improvement in my clinical abilities. I would highly recommend applying to VAERC if you are interested in emergency or referral practice, I have no regrets."

Thank you Logan for sharing your experience, your peers and colleagues have only spoken highly of you and your work at the hospital. We couldn't be more proud to be alongside you on your journey to becoming an incredible !💙

12/18/2025

12/18/2025

Last week the Nicole’s had so much fun decorating our VCA Christmas tree this year with beautiful ornaments and goodies generously donated by our amazing clinic partners. Every sparkle and ribbon was placed with love, knowing that this tree would be donated to a worthy cause in our community- The Candora Society. It was a joy to come together for something so meaningful—spreading holiday cheer not just within our clinic, but beyond! 🐾

12/17/2025

When the weather outside is frightful, but the veterinary hospital is so delightful… I didn’t even notice the storm because I’m too busy rocking my watermelon collar! Drive safe and stay warm today, like our friend Zeus!

12/17/2025

Riverbend Holiday Hours:
Dec 24: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dec 25 – 28: CLOSED
Dec 29 & 30: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Dec 31: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Jan 1: CLOSED
Jan 2: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁:
VCA Canada Guardian Veterinary Centre at 780-436-5880
VCA Canada Pulse Veterinary Specialists & Emergency at 780-800-3678
You can also download the myVCA App to chat 24/7 with a Veterinary Professional.
Wishing you and your pets a safe and wonderful Holiday Season! 🎄✨

12/17/2025

🚨 WINTER WARNING: Your dog's paws are NOT built for road salt! 🚨

The means fun, but it also means major for our dogs. Don't let the Salt, Ice, or Cold cause a painful trip! Watch this quick reel for the 3 non-negotiable winter safety steps.

Here’s the breakdown:

PAW WASH IS NON-NEGOTIABLE: Road salts, de-icers, and antifreeze are toxic. If your dog licks their paws after a walk, they’re ingesting chemicals. Keep a warm towel/wipes by the door and scrub their pads/toes immediately! (Tip: Paw balm helps create a barrier!)

ICE GRIP MATTERS: Slap on some booties and avoid walking on black ice.

KNOW THEIR COAT: Small, short-haired, and senior dogs lose heat fast! When temperatures drop, walks should be short and always include a proper, fitted winter coat. Never leave them outside alone.

What's your best cold weather hack for your dog? Share it below! 👇

12/16/2025

We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to Santa, and all of our wonderful clients who brought their furry friends for a visit and photo op last week! One of our long-term clients has been bringing Piper to our hospital to see Santa since 2017! The heart photos are Piper's THEN (2017) and NOW (2026) ♥️

12/12/2025

🎁 | A Little Holiday Warmth from Our Family to Yours 🎁

This week, our hearts are full and our vans were, too!❤️With the support of Royal Canin and their essential nutrition, we assembled, loaded, and hand-delivered 500 complete pet care kits to the incredible team at the Calgary Food Bank!

This effort was all about spreading a little extra warmth and hope this holiday season for the pet families in our community who might be struggling. Each kit was packed with love and essentials like variety of premium dog and cat food from puppy to adult blends, and snug, warm blankets for cozy nights.

Seeing those three full vans pull away, knowing where they were headed, was a powerful reminder of what the holidays are truly about: community, compassion, and caring for one another, including our furry best friends!

We hope these kits bring a little cheer, ease a little burden, and brighten the holidays for 500 Calgary families and their beloved pets.

Wishing you and your whole family (two-legged and four-legged!) a season filled with love and warmth.