Pet Owner Resources
At Riverside South Animal Hospital, we believe informed pet owners make the best advocates for their companions. Throughout the year, pets can encounter hazards that aren’t always obvious — from seasonal toxins to parasites like ticks. This page is designed to help you stay informed with reliable resources, practical safety tips, and links to trusted veterinary and educational materials.
If you ever have concerns or questions about your pet’s health, please contact our team directly. We are here to help.
Seasonal Pet Hazards
Each season brings unique risks for pets. To help you prepare, we’ve put together resources outlining the most common dangers during spring, summer, fall, and winter. Click through for detailed tips, including information on toxic plants, seasonal foods, travel safety, heat stroke, antifreeze, and more.
Tick Talk: Protecting Your Pet
Ottawa is a tick hot zone. Ticks remain active whenever temperatures rise above 4°C, which means risk can exist even during mild winter days. Tick-borne diseases common in our region include Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis.
Year-round parasite prevention and the Lyme vaccine are strongly recommended for dogs.
Annual Accuplex blood testing can detect exposure early, allowing for faster, more effective treatment.
If you find a tick on your pet, call us to arrange a screening blood test.
How to Check for Ticks
Always inspect your pet after outdoor activities in wooded areas, tall grass, or parks. Common hiding spots include around the ears, between the toes, under the collar, and in the armpits or groin areas.
Signs of tick-borne illness may include:
Intermittent lameness
Additional Resources
Hospital Policies
Our Hospital Policies outline everything you need to know about how we work with clients and patients — from active patient requirements and emergency protocols to payment options and respectful conduct. These policies are designed to make your pet’s visit as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Emergency Information
While we are not a 24/7 emergency facility, we’ve prepared a dedicated Emergency Information page with details on urgent care, same-day appointment availability, and trusted local veterinary emergency centres in Ottawa. Keep this resource handy for peace of mind.
Online Forms
Surgery Consent Form
Before any surgical procedure, we’ll provide you with our Surgery Consent Form. This form outlines the surgery details, safety measures, and pain management protocols so you can feel confident that your pet is in skilled, compassionate hands.
Need More Information?
If you’d like guidance on seasonal pet safety, parasite prevention, or tick awareness, our team is always happy to help.
Call us at (613) 822-6009 or email info@rsah.ca to speak with one of our veterinary professionals.
