If you've been thinking about getting a new pet, have you considered adopting an older animal? There are plenty of positives when it comes to giving an older pet a home and a great companion is just one of them! Here are three good reasons why an older pet can be a...
Why are cats so good at hiding arthritis? Cats are even better than dogs at hiding or covering up pain caused by arthritis. This is because cats spend much of their time sleeping and given that we generally don't take cats for a walk, it is harder to see a change in...
Could your pet have arthritis? If you’re finding it a bit harder to get out of bed on these colder mornings, spare a thought for your pet. Arthritis loves to rear its ugly head around this time of the year and the reason your pet might be sleeping in more than usual...
Max has 'done his knee' Max the 8-year-old border collie was enjoying his morning run at the park but landed awkwardly when he went to catch the ball. That afternoon he wouldn’t place any weight on his left hind leg so a visit to us was scheduled ASAP. An examination...
Pet profile: Guinea Pigs Guinea pigs make great pets. They are very friendly and are a little easier to handle than rabbits. They make ideal pets for kids in preschool or above and it’s important to remember that they require a good diet and careful husbandry to help...
Why puppy school is so important When it comes to good behaviour, did you know that the most critical time in your dog's life is during their first four months of life? Socialisation with other dogs and experiences in the big wide world at this time are extremely...
Calm cats Many people put off bringing their cat to the vet as they feel it is just too stressful. As a result, we don't get to see your feline friend as often as we should and unfortunately, this means many health problems may go undetected. Dental disease, heart...
Starting out on the right paw You may not have ever thought about it but good behaviour really starts before you decide to get a new pet. It can be easy to rush the process meaning you are not prepared or properly equipped for the new arrival. Here are some tips to...
When good behaviour goes bad When it comes to pet behaviour, there's a saying we use in the veterinary world: "There's no such thing as bad behaviour, it's just normal behaviour in an inappropriate setting." Put simply, this means what you may perceive as "bad...
If you travel with your pet, heartworm prevention is important PLEASE NOTE: Heartworm has never, to our knowledge, been diagnosed in a pet from the Great Southern. We are relieved to consider Albany 'heartworm-free', and as such do not usually recommend heartworm...
Recognising a broken heart We're not talking about a broken heart from lost love here but instead heart disease. Most of the signs of heart disease are related to a decrease in the function of the heart. The signs can be subtle and sometimes hard to detect. Being able...
This study was EPIC! Recent groundbreaking research into canine heart disease is changing the way we treat one of the most common heart conditions. It is estimated that one dog in ten may suffer from some type of heart disease and there it's a particular type of heart...
A healthy mouth equals a healthy heart Did you know that if your pet is suffering from dental disease they may be at risk of heart disease too? When dental disease strikes, plaque and tartar that accumulate on the teeth lead to infection of the gums. Bacteria from...
Walking the Dog Day - Feb 22nd 2019 In the spirit of good heart health for both pets and people in February, it just also happens to be Walking the Dog Day on Feb 22nd! The origins of Walking the Dog Day are a bit obscure. Presumably it was started by an animal lover,...
Flat-faced dogs can't stand the heat It's time to crank the air-conditioning for flat-faced dogs such as the Pug, French Bulldog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs (known as Brachycephalic breeds) are not very well designed for our hot summer months and are...
Check under the car Don't forget to check under your car before you drive off - cats, in particular, like to seek out the shade provided by a car and are often asleep, putting them at risk of being run over. A toot of the horn before you move the car is always a good...
Happy and healthy ears Summer is a great time to take your dog swimming but did you know that an innocent dip can lead to an ear infection for your dog? We like to think of your dog's ear as its own 'mini-environment'. This environment can be easily disrupted and...
Top tips to prevent heatstroke It's not just flat-faced dogs that are susceptible to the heat. ANY pet can overheat and end up suffering from heatstroke. Heatstroke (also known as heat exhaustion or heat stress), can occur very rapidly and can even be fatal. It's...
The twelve pet hazards of Christmas We'd like to make sure your pet stays happy and healthy this silly season so here's a list of twelve potential pet hazards you need to watch out for this Christmas: Christmas dinner and leftovers are too rich for our pets and can...
Pets are for life - a good reminder at Christmas Christmas is always a good time to discuss pet ownership and remember that pets are for life and not just a cute Christmas present. The Christmas period can be a suitable time to think about getting a new pet, as you...
Travelling with your pet this summer? If you are travelling with your pet these summer holidays there are a few things you need to think about to help keep your pet happy, healthy and safe. + A good place to start is by asking the question: Is my pet healthy? You...
Does my pet need sunscreen? Summer is in full swing and it's time to think about sun protection for your pets but does your pet actually need to need to slip, slop, slap? The answer to this question is not so simple and it depends on many factors. You should think...
Here are our top tips to help keep your dog safe and calm during the event: Bring your dog indoors during fireworks or if you know they are scheduled Try to arrange a family member or friend to stay with your dog during the fireworks if you can't be home Make sure you...
Myth busters: kennel cough It's not uncommon for us to be asked, "if my dog doesn't go to boarding kennels, why is it necessary to vaccinate against kennel cough?" It's time to bust some myths surrounding this and here are the facts ... Kennel cough's correct name is...