Preparing your pets for surgery

If your pet is scheduled to have an anaesthetic or sedation, we recommend following these instructions to help make your pets visit as smooth and safe as possible. Like humans, there are always risks involved in anaesthetics, we want to help minimise these as much as possible.

Ageing Pets

At each stage of life an animal’s requirements change due to changes in their metabolism, ability to ambulate (move) and the health of their internal organs. A senior pet has a slower metabolism, tends to move slower as joints and muscle age and wear, and internal organs may not work as effectively as they would have in their younger years. How do we care for these changing needs?

Arthritis Management

Proactive health management of our senior pets means they are living longer and healthier lives. As they get older, our pets become susceptible to degenerative syndromes such as arthritis. In this fact sheet we talk about the signs of Arthritis and the many forms of treatment options available.

Canine ParvoVirus Infection

Parvovirus is a very common problem that is a huge killer of puppies. Due to its ability to be transmitted through hands, clothes, rodents and insects, it is virtually impossible for a dog not to be exposed to the disease at some stage in its lifetime. Vaccinations are available and are safe and effective. Find out all you need to know about the deadly ParvoVirus in this fact sheet.

Canine Pregnancy and Whelping

Everything you need to know on caring for your pregnant mother, the stages of whelping and concerning signs to look out for, as well as information on the nursing period.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is one of the most common orthopedic problems in dogs. What are the signs? Can it be treated? Find out everything you need to know in this fact sheet.

DENTAL HEALTH AND YOUR PET

It’s hard to believe but four out of every five dogs and cats over the age of three years have some sort of dental disease which may go unnoticed by their owners. While many people believe that bad breath is normal for their furry friends, it can be an indication of dental disease.

FLEAS! FLEAS! FLEAS!

Fleas. They make pets miserable and humans itch just at the thought of them! Fleas are the most common external parasite to plague companion animals and they can make yours and your pet’s life miserable. Learn how to exterminate and control the little critters for life!

HEARTWORM DISEASE AND YOUR PET

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects both dogs and cats. It is caused by parasitic heartworms that, as the name suggests, live in the major vessels of the lungs and heart. Over time, the presence of worms in heart and arteries causes inflammation and thickening of blood vessel walls. This increases pressure on the heart and as a result, heart failure develops which can eventually lead to death.

HOW TO CLEAN AND ADMINISTER EAR MEDICATION

Many outer ear infections in dogs require medications to put directly into the ear. This procedure is usually quite straight forward but does depend on how cooperative your pet is. This is a step-by-step explanation of how to safely and effectively clean and medicate your dog’s ears.

PATELLA LUXATION

The patella, or knee cap, is a moveable bone located over the knee that connects the quadriceps muscles of the thigh to the lower leg. Patellar luxation is a dislocation of the kneecap often seen in small dogs. Learn the signs and how it is treated.

RAT BAIT TOXICITY

Rat Bait causes significant impairment in normal blood clotting resulting in increased bleeding that is usually internal. It does this by interfering with the body’s store of vitamin K which is an essential vitamin required for clotting to occur.

SMALL ANIMAL NUTRITION

Giving our pets the best nutrition ensures that they have a better chance at living a long and healthy life with fewer vet visits! Just like it is important for us to eat healthy foods, it is really important that we give our pets the best nutrition. A good quality diet fed from the time of weaning will give your pet the best start and ensure they have the greatest chance at living a long and healthy life.

WHAT IS MAKING YOUR PET ITCHY?

Does your dog or cat drive you crazy during the day or keep you awake at night with their annoying scratching? Despite how frustrating this is for you, it is even more unpleasant for your pet. Dogs and cats, just like us, also suffer from allergies and skin diseases so it is important to have an understanding of the many reasons your pet may be itching.