....please use a lead or safe carrier box for your pet when visiting the hospital

Rosie, our receptionist/vet nurse and co trainer for Puppy Pre-School explains why we ask you to have your pet on a lead or in a safe carrier box when visiting us.

"Why don't we recommend dogs saying 'Hello' to one another at the vets? 

Coming to the vet can be a stressful experience for our pets, even the normally placid ones - their senses are working overtime with all the smells, noises, textures and most of all there can often be other animals in the waiting area (of different species even) in a confined space. When they are anxious or ill they have three options - fight, flight or freeze - and we do occasionally have times when anxious or unsocial dogs have got a little too close and have 'had words'....

To reduce anxiety, to ensure safe transfer from car to vet hospital and to avoid any unwanted interactions in the waiting room please keep your pet restrained when visiting the vet hospital - cats in a carrier cage or box, dogs on a secure lead with collar or harness attached, birds in cages and native fauna in a secure covered box."

Don't panic if you don't have a suitable lead or carrier box - we have inexpensive options available for purchase at reception. Our OVH slip leads are just $5 and a we have a range of price options for carry boxes. Please ask our friendly receptionists about these. 

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, there's never been a better time to discuss heart disease.

Heart disease isn't easy to spot. It tends to creep up on our pets slowly over many months to many years.

Being able to recognise some of the early signs of this disease can make a big difference. It means you can seek medical intervention from us and help your pet live a happier and longer life.

Most of the signs are related to a decrease in the function of the heart. The heart has to work harder and harder over time and, without treatment, heart failure occurs.

Signs of heart disease to look out for:

• Coughing, especially at night
• Laboured or fast breathing
• A reluctance to exercise and tiring more easily on walks
• An enlarged abdomen
• Weight loss or poor appetite
• Weakness or fainting associated with exercise

Regular check ups with us allow us to detect any changes early. Sometimes we will hear a murmur (abnormal blood flow) or an arrhythmia (irregular rhythm). These may be reason for us to perform more tests such as x-rays, ultrasound and an ECG.

The good news is that there are some excellent medications available to help a pet suffering from heart disease. These can keep the heart condition under control and help your pet live a longer and near normal life.

If you think your pet might have a problem with their heart, call us to arrange a check up today.

Did you know that improving your pet's teeth could save his life?

There is now clear evidence that dental disease is linked to heart disease.

Plaque and tartar that accumulate on the teeth lead to infection of the gums. Bacteria from this infection can travel in the blood stream around the body and cause infection in the heart. This commonly occurs in the heart's lining and valves and is known as endocarditis. 

And it's not only the heart that is affected. The kidneys, liver and lungs can all be infected by the bacteria. 

The good news is that many of these problems can be reversed if dental disease is resolved and dental hygiene is improved. 

How to prevent dental disease:

1. Get your pet's mouth checked regularly by us - we will be able to spot problems early.
2. Get your pet eating right. A premium quality dry diet is essential for good oral health - we want our pets to chew their food! There are some excellent dental diets available and they really work so ask us for the best recommendation.
3. Brush your pet's teeth. Yep! This is considered gold standard - just make sure you use a pet approved toothpaste.
4. Lift the lip and have a smell. If you notice any yellowing of the teeth or redness of the gums OR your pet's breath smells a bit 'off', it might be time for a check up.

We recommend a dental check up at least once a year. Regular checks protect your pet's heart and might just be saving his life!