St. Mark Animal Hospital

10/17/2026

🐾💚 LEPTOSPIROSIS: A SERIOUS RISK FOR YOUR DOG! 💉🐶
Did you know that leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect your dog's kidneys, liver, and other organs — and can even be life-threatening?

🦠 How is it spread? Leptospirosis is commonly spread through water, soil, or surfaces contaminated with the urine of infected wildlife. Dogs can be exposed while exploring outdoors, drinking from puddles, or walking through wooded areas.

⚠️ Why is vaccination important? Even dogs who spend most of their time close to home can be at risk! Leptospirosis can also be transmitted to humans, making prevention important for the whole family.

💉 Protect your pup! Vaccination helps reduce the risk of this serious disease. Talk to our veterinary team about whether the leptospirosis vaccine is right for your dog and keeping their protection up to date.

❤️ A little prevention can go a long way toward keeping our furry family members healthy!

🐶 Contact St. Mark Animal Hospital to learn more about leptospirosis vaccination and how to protect your best friend.
📞 613-632-0207
🐾 stmarkvethawkesbury.ca

10/15/2026

🎃🚨 ONLY 10 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER OUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST! 🐾👻

Have you entered your furry friend yet?! 🐶🐱 We want to see your pets dressed up in their spookiest, silliest, cutest, and most creative Halloween costumes! 🧡🖤

✨ HOW TO ENTER:
🐾 Like our contest post
🐾 Follow St. Mark Animal Hospital on Facebook
🐾 Comment with a photo of your pet in their Halloween costume!
📅 October 25th is the LAST DAY to submit your photos! Our staff will each pick their favourite costumes on October 26th to select our 5 finalists. Then YOU get to vote for your favourite in our Facebook poll! 🗳️🏆

🎁 The winner will receive a Halloween pumpkin bucket filled with a variety of treats and goodies! 🎃🍬

📣 IMPORTANT: This contest is open to current St. Mark Animal Hospital clients only.

Don't wait until the last minute — we can't wait to see those PAWsome costumes! 🧙‍♀️🐾🕷️

10/15/2026

Don't ignore that 'dog breath'! It's not just a cute quirk – bad breath can actually be an early sign of dental disease in your furry friend. Did you know over 80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by age 3? Regular dental care is key to keeping their breath fresh and their hearts healthy. 🪥🐾

10/14/2026

10/11/2026

We’re so thankful for our amazing clients and all of our wonderful furry friends! 🐾❤️ As you gather with family and enjoy the holiday, remember that Thanksgiving can bring some extra risks for our pets.

🍗 Keep table scraps away — rich and fatty foods can contribute to pancreatitis.
🗑️ Secure the trash — bones, food scraps, wrappers, and other tempting leftovers can lead to foreign bodies and intestinal blockages.
🎃 Watch those decorations — corn husks, string, and small decorations can become choking or blockage hazards.
🍷 Keep alcohol away — even small amounts can be dangerous for pets.

🏥 Please note: St. Mark Animal Hospital will be closed Monday, October 12th for Thanksgiving and will resume our regular business hours Tuesday, October 13th.

From our St. Mark family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡🐶🐱 We’re incredibly grateful to care for you and your furry family members! 🐾✨

10/09/2026

🍁 Think cooler weather means a break from flea and tick prevention? Think again! 🍁

It’s a common misconception that pests pack up and disappear as soon as autumn hits. In reality, ticks love nesting under cozy layers of fallen leaves where ground temperatures stay insulated, and fleas can easily survive in your home once the heat turns on.

To keep your furry family members safe, monthly prevention needs to stay consistent until hard, freezing temperatures set in (or year-round, depending on your region!).

Quick Fall Checklist:

🍂 Keep up with monthly flea & tick treatments

🧹 Clear piles of damp, decaying leaves from your yard

🔍 Check paws, ears, and belly after every fall walk or hike

Talk to your vet to build the best year-round protection plan for your pet! 🐶🐱✨

10/05/2026

Let’s set the record straight! 🐈‍⬛✨ Black cats have been unfairly tagged with bad luck for far too long, especially around Halloween. In reality, cultures around the world—from Scotland to Japan—celebrate them as symbols of good fortune and prosperity.

Sadly, superstitions still affect black cats in shelters, making them take longer to find forever homes. Let’s change the narrative! Share a photo of your sleek void in the comments and give your black cats some extra love today. 🖤

10/02/2026

Did you know indoor cats are still at risk? 🐱✨

It’s a common misconception that keeping your cat strictly indoors completely shields them from health hazards. Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquito-borne heartworms can easily hitch a ride into your home on clothes, shoes, or through open screen doors. Plus, regular wellness checks are critical for spotting subtle health changes early!

Keep your feline friend safe, happy, and thriving year-round. 🩺🐾

💬 When was your cat's last wellness checkup? Let us know in the comments below or schedule your next visit today!

09/30/2026

🎃🐾 IT’S TIME FOR OUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST! 👻🐾

We want to see your pets dressed up in their spookiest, silliest, cutest, or most creative costumes! 🧡🖤

✨ HOW TO ENTER:
1️⃣ Like this post ❤️
2️⃣ Follow St. Mark Animal Hospital on Facebook 🐾
3️⃣ Comment below with a photo of your pet in their Halloween costume! 🎃

📅 CONTEST TIMELINE:
🎃 October 1st–25th: Submit your photos!
🐾 October 26th: Our staff will each pick their favourite costume, creating our 5 finalists!
🗳️ October 26th–30th: Our finalists will be posted in a poll for YOU to vote for your favourite!
🏆 October 31st: Winner will be announced!

🎁 WHAT CAN YOU WIN?
The winner will take home a Halloween pumpkin bucket filled with a variety of treats & goodies! 🧡🎃🐾

🎃 Please note: This contest is open to current St. Mark Animal Hospital clients only.

If there is a tie in the final poll, we'll randomly draw the name to select the winner.

So start thinking about those costumes… we can't wait to see your PAWsome Halloween creations! 🐶🐱🐰👻🧙‍♀️🎃

09/28/2026

Protecting our pets protects our entire community! 🐾

Did you know rabies is 100% preventable? On this World Rabies Day, let's commit to keeping our furry family members up to date on their vaccinations. It's the simplest and most effective way to safeguard both animal and human health.

Key Reminders:

Vaccinate regularly: Check with your vet to ensure your pet's shots are current.

Avoid wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wild or unfamiliar animals.

Report bites: Seek medical attention immediately if bitten or scratched.

Together, we can eliminate rabies for good. Speak with your local veterinarian today! 🐶🐱