​Wishing all the River Oaks Families a Happy and Safe Halloween!
Don’t forget to like your favourite halloween costume on our facebook page. Winner will be announced on Friday November 2nd. Also to all that entered you have a Hills Dental Chewie put aside for you

​Look at all these great costumes that are competition ready. Have you entered our contest?
Incase you forgot, here is how to enter:
1. Like our Facebook page.
2. Post a picture of your pet in their costume on our Facebook page.
3. Like and share your post. 
Done those three steps? Pop in to the clinic to collect your participation prize – a dental chewie!
But how do you win?
The photo with the most likes and shares wins a free Goodie Bag!
We can’t wait to see your pet’s costumes!
Send us a picture of your pet in their Halloween finest through Facebook messenger, replying to this post or to our email info@riveroaksveterinary.ca.
Please be advised that by entering this provides consent for us to post your picture on all social media avenues

1. Dogs are not accustomed to the excitement of Halloween.
The noise and excitement of a party, or even a door opening to reveal a frightening visage, can be just as frightening to a dog as the noise on Fourth of July (consider taking the same precautions you would for firework safety).
Your dog should have a safe place to escape if they needs to. If you do answer the door with your dog, it’s a good idea to keep them on a leash. This will prevent a fearful dog from unexpectedly darting out the door or even becoming aggressive toward the screaming creature they are confronted with.
2. Sweet treats are harmful for dogs.
We all know that “Trick or Treat” snacks are a big part of Halloween. In the case of dogs, some of the more common treats can be very dangerous. Chocolate, in even relatively small amounts, can be toxic. So can xylitol, a sweetener used to flavor any number of candies. Even raisins (from that one neighbor) can be poisonous. The best approach is to keep your dog from eating any human treats, and make sure the kids know the rule too.
3. Be careful with costumes.
Costumes for dogs are a growing trend, but watch for any signs that your dog might be uncomfortable in a costume before joining in (growling, running, hiding). (Editor’s Note: Some pets have all the patience in the world. Check out these cute dogs and cats that are willing to don costumes with adorable results.) If you are going to subject your dog to a costume, remember that the same rules for kids often apply: Make sure the costume is easily seen when your dog is outdoors by using things like reflective strips or glow sticks.
4. Keep your dog away from candles.
One traditional decoration for the evening is candles (either in a pumpkin or on a table). A curious dog can tip over these candles with potentially devastating consequences. Make sure there is no way your dogs can tip a candle and start a fire or harm themselves.
 5. Keep your dog away from pranks.
​In recent years, pranks like “spider dog” have gained a lot of attention. These pranks usually involve using your dog to get a good scare out of friends or even strangers. This is actually very dangerous, and if the prank is successful it could result in injury to your dog

​Halloween is 6 days away! 
Do you have your costumes ready?
Are your pet’s costumes contest worthy?
Here is how to enter:
1. Like our Facebook page.
2. Post a picture of your pet in their costume on our Facebook page.
3. Like and share your post.
Have you done those three steps? Pop in to the clinic to collect your participation prize – a dental chewie!
The photo with the most likes and shares wins a free Spooky Halloween Goodie Bag!
We can’t wait to see your pet’s costumes.
Send us a picture of your pet in their Halloween finest through Facebook messenger or to our email info@riveroaksveterinary.ca.
Please be advised that by entering the contest this provides consent for us to post your pet’s picture on all social media avenues

​1. Dogs are not accustomed to the excitement of Halloween.
The noise and excitement of a party, or even a door opening to reveal a frightening visage, can be just as frightening to a dog as the noise on Fourth of July (consider taking the same precautions you would for firework safety).
Your dog should have a safe place to escape if they needs to. If you do answer the door with your dog, it’s a good idea to keep them on a leash. This will prevent a fearful dog from unexpectedly darting out the door or even becoming aggressive toward the screaming creature they are confronted with.
2. Sweet treats are harmful for dogs.
We all know that “Trick or Treat” snacks are a big part of Halloween. In the case of dogs, some of the more common treats can be very dangerous. Chocolate, in even relatively small amounts, can be toxic. So can xylitol, a sweetener used to flavor any number of candies. Even raisins (from that one neighbor) can be poisonous. The best approach is to keep your dog from eating any human treats, and make sure the kids know the rule too.
3. Be careful with costumes.
Costumes for dogs are a growing trend, but watch for any signs that your dog might be uncomfortable in a costume before joining in (growling, running, hiding). (Editor’s Note: Some pets have all the patience in the world. Check out these cute dogs and cats that are willing to don costumes with adorable results.) If you are going to subject your dog to a costume, remember that the same rules for kids often apply: Make sure the costume is easily seen when your dog is outdoors by using things like reflective strips or glow sticks.
4. Keep your dog away from candles.
One traditional decoration for the evening is candles (either in a pumpkin or on a table). A curious dog can tip over these candles with potentially devastating consequences. Make sure there is no way your dogs can tip a candle and start a fire or harm themselves.
5. Keep your dog away from pranks.
In recent years, pranks like “spider dog” have gained a lot of attention. These pranks usually involve using your dog to get a good scare out of friends or even strangers. This is actually very dangerous, and if the prank is successful it could result in injury to your dog

​BlogHappy Thanks Giving Holiday HoursOctober 3, 2018

On behalf of all of us at the Animal Hospital of River Oaks, we want to wish your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
With seasons changing, leaves falling and kids finally back in full swing at school, this is the time to remember that those little mosquitoes are still around. Please remember in these last two months of heartworm season are just as important as the first four months. Please give your October prevention medication dose if you have not already!
With this in mind we wanted to remind our River Oaks Families of the hospital & doctors hours over the Thanksgiving weekend to ensure that all prescriptions are refilled and that you have enough food & treat supp!y for the upcoming long weekend!
Please note that hospital hours are different to the doctor’s hours. The hospital will not have a doctor on duty from Friday October 5th @ 2:00pm until resuming with scheduled hours on Tuesday October 9th @ 4:30pm
Hospital hours are as followed:
Wednesday October 3rd: 7:30am – 8:00pm
Thursday October 4th: 7:30am – 8:00pm
Friday October 5th: 7:30am – 7:00pm
Saturday October 6th: 9:00am – 1:30pm
Sunday October 7th: CLOSED
Monday October 8th: CLOSED
Tuesday October 9th: 7:30am – 8:00pm
Wednesday October 10th: 7:30am – 8:00pm
               In case of an emergency outside of hospital hours, please contact the Mississauga, Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital at 905-829-9444,
located at 2285 Bristol Circle, Oakville