West Park Animal Hospital

West Park Animal Hospital Always excepting new clients! We see exotics!

🐾💙 September is Pet Pain Awareness Month! 💙🐾Our pets are incredibly good at hiding pain. Unlike us, they can’t simply te...
09/03/2026

🐾💙 September is Pet Pain Awareness Month! 💙🐾

Our pets are incredibly good at hiding pain. Unlike us, they can’t simply tell us when something hurts, which means it’s up to us to recognize the subtle changes in their behaviour, movement, and daily routines.

Throughout the month, West Park Animal Hospital will be sharing a series of posts to help pet parents recognize the signs of pain in some of the amazing patients we care for, including:

🐶 Dogs
🐱 Cats
🐰 Pocket Pets
🦎 Reptiles

Pain doesn’t always look like crying or limping. It can show up as changes in appetite, behaviour, mobility, grooming, posture, activity levels, or even how your pet interacts with you.

💡 Our goal: to help you become more familiar with what’s normal for your pet, recognize when something may be wrong, and know when it’s time to contact your veterinarian.

Keep an eye on our page throughout the month as we break down the signs of pain in each species and share tips to help you advocate for your pet’s comfort and well-being. 💙

Because when our pets can’t tell us they hurt, we need to know how to listen. 🐾

Heartworm medication works best when given around the same day each month. If it's been about 30 days since the last dos...
09/03/2026

Heartworm medication works best when given around the same day each month. If it's been about 30 days since the last dose, it's time again.

🧡🐈 Happy National Ginger Cat Day! 🐈🧡Today we’re celebrating all the orange, ginger, marmalade, and “orange-flavoured” ca...
09/01/2026

🧡🐈 Happy National Ginger Cat Day! 🐈🧡

Today we’re celebrating all the orange, ginger, marmalade, and “orange-flavoured” cats who bring a little extra sunshine (and a LOT of personality) into our lives! ☀️

Ginger cats are known for being affectionate, curious, playful, and sometimes… just a little bit chaotic. 😂 Whether they’re snuggling on the couch, demanding breakfast at 5 a.m., or getting themselves into places they definitely shouldn’t be, there’s never a dull moment with an orange kitty around!

🧡 Fun fact: Ginger cats aren’t actually a breed—they can be found across many different cat breeds and mixed-breed cats.

To all our ginger patients at West Park Animal Hospital: today is YOUR day! 🥰

Drop a photo of your favourite ginger kitty in the comments so we can admire all that orange goodness! 🐱🧡

08/29/2026

We wish we could help every stray animal that comes our way. While we do our best to assist and find loving homes, there are limits to what we can do. Every adoption matters, and your support makes a difference. If you're interested in helping or learning about how you can assist these animals, contact us today at 905-527-7426 or visit The Ladybird Animal Sanctuary page to learn more. Together, we can make a positive impact! 🐾

Pets can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but there are signs to watch for. Recognizing early symptoms can make all the d...
08/27/2026

Pets can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but there are signs to watch for. Recognizing early symptoms can make all the difference in easing their discomfort. Want to help your furry friend live more comfortably? Discover helpful tips in our latest blog post! 🐾✨

New routines can be confusing for pets who are used to a full house. Your pets might need a little extra support during ...
08/25/2026

New routines can be confusing for pets who are used to a full house. Your pets might need a little extra support during the shift. See our latest blog for ideas to help them feel safe and settled:

💉🐱 Immunization Awareness Month: The Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Vaccine — Protecting Our Cats 🐱💉The Feline Leukemia Virus (F...
08/23/2026

💉🐱 Immunization Awareness Month: The Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Vaccine — Protecting Our Cats 🐱💉

The Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine helps protect cats from one of the most important infectious diseases affecting our feline friends.

So, what is Feline Leukemia Virus?

🐾 FeLV is a contagious virus that affects a cat’s immune system and blood cells. It can weaken a cat’s ability to fight infections and may contribute to serious health problems, including anemia, immune system suppression, and certain types of cancer.

FeLV spreads most commonly through close contact with infected cats, including:
🐱 Grooming each other
🐱 Sharing food and water bowls
🐱 Bite wounds
🐱 Mother-to-kitten transmission

⚠️ Cats with FeLV may show signs such as:
🐾 Weight loss
🐾 Persistent infections
🐾 Lethargy
🐾 Fever
🐾 Poor coat quality
🐾 Enlarged lymph nodes
🐾 Decreased appetite

While outdoor cats and cats who live with other cats have a higher risk of exposure, any cat with potential contact with an infected cat may benefit from protection.

💉 The FeLV vaccine helps reduce the risk of infection and is especially important for kittens and cats who spend time outdoors or live with other cats whose FeLV status is unknown.

During Immunization Awareness Month, we’re sharing information about the vaccines your pets receive and the important diseases they help prevent — because informed pet parents can make the best decisions for their companions. 💙

Have questions about whether the FeLV vaccine is right for your cat? Our team at West Park Animal Hospital is happy to discuss your cat’s lifestyle and individual risk factors.

🐾

💉🐶 Immunization Awareness Month: The Leptospirosis Vaccine 🐶💉The Leptospirosis (Lepto) vaccine helps protect dogs from a...
08/20/2026

💉🐶 Immunization Awareness Month: The Leptospirosis Vaccine 🐶💉

The Leptospirosis (Lepto) vaccine helps protect dogs from a serious bacterial disease that can affect both pets and people.

So, what is Leptospirosis?

🐾 Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria that can be found in soil, water, and environments contaminated by infected wildlife or other animals. Dogs can become infected when bacteria enter their body through drinking, swimming in, or walking through contaminated water or soil.

Wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, rodents, and other animals can carry and spread the bacteria — meaning even dogs who don’t roam far from home can still be at risk.

⚠️ Leptospirosis can cause:
🐾 Fever and lethargy
🐾 Vomiting and diarrhea
🐾 Muscle pain and stiffness
🐾 Increased thirst or urination
🐾 Kidney and liver damage
🐾 Severe illness and, in some cases, death

One of the most concerning things about Leptospirosis is that it is zoonotic, meaning it can be spread from animals to people. Vaccinating your dog helps protect not only them but also your family.

💧 Dogs who enjoy hiking, swimming, exploring outdoor areas, or spending time in rural environments may have an increased risk, but exposure can happen anywhere.

During Immunization Awareness Month, we’ll continue sharing information about the vaccines your pets receive and the important diseases they help prevent.

Have questions about whether the Lepto vaccine is right for your dog? Our team at West Park Animal Hospital is happy to discuss your pet’s lifestyle and help you make an informed decision. 💙

💉🐰 Immunization Awareness Month: The Filavac Vaccine — Protecting Our Rabbits 🐰💉Rabbits may be small, but they can be vu...
08/18/2026

💉🐰 Immunization Awareness Month: The Filavac Vaccine — Protecting Our Rabbits 🐰💉

Rabbits may be small, but they can be vulnerable to some very serious diseases. The Filavac vaccine helps protect rabbits from Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) — a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease.

So, what is Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD)?

🐾 RHD is caused by a calicivirus that affects rabbits and can spread quickly between animals. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected rabbits, as well as through contaminated surfaces, clothing, shoes, food, bedding, and insects.

⚠️ Signs of RHD can include:
🐰 Sudden illness or death with few warning signs
🐰 Loss of appetite
🐰 Lethargy or weakness
🐰 Fever
🐰 Difficulty breathing
🐰 Bleeding from the nose or other areas in some cases

Unfortunately, RHD can progress very quickly and may be fatal. Because the virus can survive in the environment for extended periods, even indoor rabbits may be at risk of exposure.

💉 The Filavac vaccine helps provide protection against RHDV1 and RHDV2, two strains of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus that can cause severe illness in rabbits.

Along with a healthy diet, proper housing, enrichment, and regular veterinary care, vaccination is an important part of keeping your rabbit happy and healthy.

Have questions about rabbit vaccinations? Our team at West Park Animal Hospital is happy to help you understand what your bunny needs to stay healthy. 💙

💉🐶 Immunization Awareness Month: The Bordetella Vaccine 🐶💉You may have heard of Bordetella as the “kennel cough” vaccine...
08/15/2026

💉🐶 Immunization Awareness Month: The Bordetella Vaccine 🐶💉

You may have heard of Bordetella as the “kennel cough” vaccine — but what exactly does it protect against, and why might your dog need it?

🐾 Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the bacteria that can contribute to Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), commonly known as kennel cough. This highly contagious respiratory illness spreads easily between dogs through coughing, sneezing, and close contact.

Dogs at higher risk of exposure include those who:
🐶 Attend daycare
🐶 Go to boarding facilities
🐶 Visit groomers
🐶 Participate in training classes
🐶 Spend time at dog parks
🐶 Regularly interact with other dogs

⚠️ Signs of kennel cough can include:
🐾 A persistent, harsh “honking” cough
🐾 Sneezing
🐾 Nasal discharge
🐾 Gagging or retching
🐾 Reduced energy
🐾 Decreased appetite in some cases

While many dogs recover with supportive care, some — especially puppies, seniors, or dogs with underlying health conditions — can develop more serious respiratory infections.

The Bordetella vaccine helps reduce the risk and severity of illness and is an important part of preventive care for many dogs, depending on their lifestyle and level of exposure.

Have questions about whether the Bordetella vaccine is right for your dog? Our team at West Park Animal Hospital is happy to help you decide based on your pet’s lifestyle and needs. 💙

Address

1632 Main Street W
Hamilton, ON
L8S1G4

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when West Park Animal Hospital posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to West Park Animal Hospital:

Shortcuts

Share

Category