Every day we see injured or dead wildlife on roads, parks or properties and few people know what to do with these animals.

Orange Vet Hospital supports WIRES (Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service) and we have a qualified WIRES carer on staff. 

Kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, birds and tortoises are some of the most common animals we see on the side of the road either injured or dead.

If you happen to see an injured animal please approach them calmly and quietly if it is safe to do so being very aware of oncoming traffic.  The animal is still likely to attempt to get away.  Blankets and towels are fantastic to keep in your car to place over the animals head or body in order to secure and calm them; once contained we encourage you to contact WIRES or bring into Orange Vet Hospital.

Birds should always be contained in a box and kept in a dark quiet area (as they are easily stressed  and can suffer cardiac arrest if not treated appropriately).

If the animal is dead and it is safe to do so move it off the road into the ditch. This helps protect other native wildlife, e.g. Wedge Tails, that feed on the carcase and protects other motorists as well.  Once the animal is moved off the road PLEASE check the pouch for a joey as they can live inside for up to 5 days after the mother has died.

A live joey can be gently removed from the pouch and placed inside an inverted jumper or wrapped in a towel.  It will probably be very stressed so keep it warm, dark and quiet.  If you can contact WIRES or bring into Orange Vet Hospital as soon as you can it will be the best thing for the little joey.

Once an animal is brought into our clinic our veterinarians will assess any injuries, give appropriate treatment and contact a WIRES carer who, in turn, will take over the ongoing treatment or care until they are ready to be released back to the wild.

These animals need specialised care and should only be raised by trained and licensed wildlife carers. It is illegal to care for wildlife without a licence.

You can contact WIRES at 1300 094 737 or download the WIRES rescue app

You can contact Orange Vet Hospital at (02) 6361 8388

Dogs are social creatures and they form strong bonds with people. Having a furry best friend is, without doubt, the greatest thing in the world, but it is not uncommon for your pooch to feel anxious when they are separated from you.

Most dogs will adapt well to daily separation from their owners but unfortunately some dogs will become very distressed and even destructive, a problem known as separation anxiety.

Signs of separation anxiety include:

• Barking, howling
• Excessive chewing, digging and pacing
• Destruction and scratching of barriers - near doors and windows
• House soiling

In some cases dogs can seriously injure themselves and may severely destroy property. It can also be a very distressing problem for owners.

Tips to help reduce your dog’s anxiety:

• Take your dog for a walk before you leave the house
• Don’t make a huge fuss when you leave your dog or when you return
• Start small - leave your dog alone for only five minutes extending to twenty minutes then an hour, then longer
• Leave your dog with plenty of stimulating toys, chews and mind games

Please don't hesitate to speak to us if you think your dog is developing separation problems. We will be able to work with you to improve the situation. 

If you have just brought home a new puppy, kitten or rescue pet, training should begin straight away. It is easy for a dog or cat to pick up bad habits quickly, especially when they are settling in. If you let your puppy sleep in your bed initially, this is where he will expect to sleep for the rest of his life and it may not be as fun when he grows to be a hairy, slobbering 20kg adult dog!

Make sure you decide on a few ground rules early and stick to them. Short training sessions (up to five minutes) create routine and stimulate your pet’s brain.

Here are a few things to remember:

• Be consistent
• Always reward your pet when he is doing the right thing
• Dogs in particular learn by positive re-inforcement; use treats, pats and a positive voice as a reward
• Ignore any undesirable behaviour

Puppy Pre School is an excellent opportunity for your pup to learn some basic manners but, most importantly, socialise with other dogs his own age. Your puppy will gain confidence with different doggy personalities making visits to the park in the future much more enjoyable.

Kittens and cats need lots of stimulation so providing a range of toys is important. Scratching posts and climbing poles are also an excellent source of entertainment. Or you could build your cat the ultimate maze!