Erin Ridge Veterinary Centre

Hercules stopped by yesterday and quickly took over quality control duties, inspecting our exam rooms, greeting staff, and accepting payment in the form of compliments.

His exam went great, and we're happy to report that he is continuing to excel in all major puppy categories, including tail wagging, curiosity, and being adorable.

We look forward to his next visit—our team may already be counting down the days.

☀️ Heatstroke in Dogs: A Veterinary Emergency 🐾

As temperatures rise, it's important to remember that dogs can overheat much more quickly than people. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerous levels and they can no longer cool themselves effectively. This can happen within minutes, especially during hot weather, strenuous exercise, or when left in poorly ventilated spaces.

Signs of Heatstroke

Watch for:
🐶 Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
🐶 Bright red or pale gums
🐶 Excessive drooling
🐶 Weakness, lethargy, or collapse
🐶 Vomiting or diarrhea
🐶 Disorientation or unsteadiness
🐶 Seizures

Dogs at Higher Risk

Certain dogs are more vulnerable, including:
• Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs
• Puppies and senior dogs
• Overweight pets
• Dogs with heart or respiratory disease
• Thick-coated breeds

Prevention Tips

✅ Provide fresh water at all times
✅ Exercise during cooler parts of the day
✅ Ensure access to shade and ventilation
✅ Avoid hot pavement that can burn paws and contribute to overheating
✅ Never leave a pet in a parked vehicle—even for a few minutes

If You Suspect Heatstroke
Move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately.
Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water.
Apply cool water to the body, especially the belly, paws, and groin.
Use fans if available.
Seek veterinary care immediately, even if your dog appears to improve.

Heatstroke can cause organ damage, blood clotting disorders, and can be fatal without prompt treatment. Early intervention saves lives.

Found a Baby Hare? Leave it there!

Spring and summer are baby hare season in Alberta! If you come across a young hare sitting alone in the grass, your first instinct may be to help—but in most cases, the best thing you can do is leave it where it is.

✅ A lone baby hare is usually not orphaned.
Mother hares leave their babies hidden and alone for most of the day to avoid attracting predators. They typically return only briefly, often at dawn and dusk, to nurse.

✅ Observe from a distance.
If the baby appears alert, quiet, and uninjured, it is likely exactly where it should be.

❌ Do not take it home.
Baby hares are extremely sensitive to stress and have very specialized care needs. Removing them from the wild significantly reduces their chances of survival.

❌ Do not feed it.
Cow's milk, formula, and other foods can be harmful and potentially fatal.

☎️ Contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian if:
• The baby is visibly injured or bleeding
• A cat or dog has caught it (even if no wounds are obvious)
• It is cold, weak, covered in flies, or unresponsive
• You know the mother has been killed

💙 Remember: A healthy baby hare sitting quietly alone is usually not abandoned—it's following nature's plan.

If you're unsure whether a baby hare needs help, contact your local veterinary clinic or WildNorth rehabilitation centre for guidance before intervening.

After what feels like weeks of nonstop rain, we've seen plenty of soggy paws, muddy bellies, and dogs staring dramatically out the window waiting for their next walk.

A few rainy-season reminders for pet parents:
🐾 Wipe paws after walks to help prevent skin irritation and keep muddy footprints to a minimum.
🐾 Watch for hot spots and skin infections, especially in pets with thick coats.
🐾 Keep an eye out for standing water, which can harbor bacteria and parasites.
🐾 Mental enrichment indoors can help burn off energy when outdoor adventures are limited.

To all our furry patients: we promise the sun still exists... somewhere. ☀️

Meet two of our lifesaving heroes — Henry & Mabel 🐾❤️

These sweet pups are proudly showing off their blood donor bandanas, a symbol of the incredible difference they make for other pets in need. Just like people, animals sometimes require blood transfusions during surgery, illness, or emergencies — and donors like Henry and Mabel help make those second chances possible.

We’re excited to announce our upcoming Canadian Animal Blood Bank Day on July 30th! 🩸🐶
If your dog is healthy, calm, and meets donor requirements, they could help save lives too.

Interested in getting your pet involved? Reach out to our team to learn more about eligibility and how to sign up.

Let’s give a round of applause to Henry & Mabel for being true heroes 💕

Today, we celebrate and thank every member of the veterinary team who works tirelessly to care for the animals we love.

From Veterinarians and Veterinary Technologists to assistants, Client Care Representatives, practice managers, kennel attendants, and support staff—each person plays a vital role in providing compassionate, high-quality care. Whether they're comforting a nervous pet, supporting worried families, assisting in surgery, answering questions, or keeping the clinic running smoothly, their dedication makes a difference every single day.

Veterinary medicine is truly a team effort, and behind every healthy pet is a group of caring professionals committed to their well-being. Their compassion, expertise, patience, and hard work help countless animals live healthier, happier lives.

To all veterinary professionals: thank you for the care you provide, the challenges you overcome, and the hearts you bring to your work. We appreciate you today and every day. ❤️🐾

Happy Veterinary Appreciation Day!

POV: You clock in for your first day at the vet clinic and immediately burn out from being everyone's favorite employee. 🐶💤❤️

This adorable little fluffball stopped by for a visit, and it's safe to say she floated right into our hearts! 💙

Nimbus was curious, playful, and full of kitten energy during her appointment. From exploring the exam room to charming everyone she met, she made quite the impression on our team.

Regular veterinary visits help kittens like Nimbus get off to a healthy start with wellness exams, vaccinations, and personalized care as they grow. Plus, who can resist an opportunity for extra kitten cuddles? 😻

Thank you to Nimbus and her family for trusting us with her care. We can't wait to watch this sweet cloud of fluff grow up!

We are experiencing difficulties with our internet. Please call the clinic if you need to reach us, as email and text messaging are down. We are sorry for the inconvenience!

Have you noticed more ticks this year? You're not imagining it. Veterinarians and public health officials continue to see ticks becoming more common across Alberta, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months. Ticks can be active whenever temperatures are above 4°C, and some species are capable of transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease.

✅ Stick to cleared trails and avoid tall grass whenever possible.

✅ Check yourself too! Pets can bring unattached ticks into the home.

Found a tick?
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady pressure. Avoid twisting, squeezing, or using petroleum jelly, alcohol, or heat.

📞 If you find a tick on your pet or have questions about the best prevention options, contact our clinic. Prevention is much easier than treating tick-borne disease.