How to Settle Your Pet into a New Home

Moving to a new house is a stressful experience for all members of the family, but it can be especially hard on pets as the majority of their life is spent in the home and look upon it as their territory. Here are a few ways you can minimise the stress your pet may experience when moving and help them settle into their new home.

In the lead-up

  • Take your dog to visit the new property if possible so they can familiarise themselves with the house and the yard. Giving them a treat or feed when you are there will also help encourage positive associations.
  • Update your pet’s microchip information with your new address.
  • Register your pet with the new council, or update their details if you are staying in the same council area.
  • Ask your current veterinarian for your vet’s vaccination certificates, medical information and any prescriptions so your new vet has a complete record of your pet’s health history.

On moving day

On the day you move, it’s best to have your pets minded elsewhere to minimise their anxiety, ensure they are not going to trip up the movers, or escape whilst the furniture is being moved into the truck.

Once you arrive

  • Take your dog for regular walks around your new neighbourhood so they can familiarise themselves with their new surrounds. Don’t let them off the lead for the first week or so.
  • Confine your outdoor cat to the new house for at least the first three weeks and then slowly introduce them to their new surrounds with short, supervised trips outdoors. This way your cat will be comfortable in their new home before they go exploring.
  • Keep the same bedding, toys and bowl your pet had at your previous home and avoid washing their bedding for a few weeks after you move so your pet has something familiar and comforting.
  • Stick to the same feeding, walking and grooming routine you had previously to help your pet feel at home.
  • It’s not unusual for animals to be anxious and go off their food after moving home but they should go back to their regular eating habits after a few days. If your pet’s appetite doesn’t pick up in a week, take them to the vet.

 

 

Vets in Cranbourne has plenty of experience helping pets and their owners move to a new house. If your pet is prone to anxiety, talk to us prior to the move and we will be able to provide you with some care tips and perhaps even some medication to ensure a smooth transition. If you have recently moved to the Cranbourne area and have noticed your pet has continued to display signs of distress and anxiety after the first few weeks of the move (such as escaping, destructive behaviours, excessive barking, hiding or obsessive habits for dogs and excessive fur pulling and grooming for cats) our behavioural experts will work to find a solution that’s tailored to your pet’s unique needs and circumstances. Book an appointment online or by calling (03) 5995 3444.

Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Which Is Better For My Pet?

Whether you have a cat or a dog, you’ll want to know about both dry and canned pet food, simply because of the dizzying number of choices available. Today, we have put together a quick guide weighing up the key benefits and downsides to both, and which you should choose.

 

About dry pet food

Pet owners of both cats and dogs often opt for dry pet food for a few different reasons, such as:

  • It is less expensive when compared to canned food
  • It has a long shelf life and can be bought and stored in larger quantities, making it far more convenient
  • It can be left out for your pet to eat as they please
  • Because it is hard and dry, it scrapes tartar and plaque, which is better for dental health.

 

About canned pet food

Canned pet food is beneficial because it contains a lot more water than dry food; hence, it is often referred to as ‘wet food’. The hydration helps to alleviate dehydration as well as kidney or urinary problems in both cats and dogs. Therefore, wet food is often recommended for pets with these issues.

There are, however, some cons to canned pet food:

  • It must be refrigerated and can be stored for no more than a week, which can be inconvenient
  • It is more expensive than dry food
  • Wet food leads to more gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea
  • Pets predisposed to dental issues will need more attentive dental care, as wet food is sticky and does not fight plaque or tartar.

 

So: dry food or wet food?

After weighing up these pros and cons, it is clear to see that dry pet food holds more benefits than wet food. Not only is it easier to store and more affordable to purchase, but the health and dental benefits outnumber those of wet food.

While research is essential, each pet is different. Therefore, it is also a good idea to ask your vet what kind of food your pet should be eating. Looking for a vet in Cranbourne? Our veterinary clinic is fully equipped with the medical equipment and skills necessary to treat your pet. Just give us a call today on (03) 5995 3444 to schedule an appointment with a vet in Cranbourne.

Treat Your Dog: 3 Helpful DIY Treats

The fact that there are so many regular dog treats on the market means that, for many, it’s easy to pick and choose which ones to buy. But for some, it isn’t that simple. What if your dog is allergic to most treats? Or diabetic? In these cases, DIY treats might be your best option. Today, we’ve collected three DIY recipes to help you out.

 

Hypoallergenic Dog Biscuits – for dogs that are allergic to most treats

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ½ cup almond butter
  • ½ cup oats
  • 1 cup rice flour

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 175˚C and lightly grease a cookie tray lined with baking paper
  • Combine all ingredients apart from the water in a bowl and mix well until it is combined
  • Add a teaspoon of water at a time until the dough is formed
  • Roll out the dough at around 6mm thickness on a floured surface and cut into cookie shapes as desired
  • Place cookies on the lined tray and bake for 12 minutes or until slightly browned on the undersides
  • Allow the cookies to cool completely
  • Store in an airtight container in the pantry

 

Fresh Breath Dog Biscuits – improves the smell of your dog’s breath

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups of oats
  • ½ cup parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ cup mint, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • ¼ cup water

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 160˚C and line a cookie tray with baking paper
  • Pulse the oats in a blender until they reach a consistency that resembles flour
  • Whisk together the mint, parsley, egg, water and oil in a large bowl
  • Add the oat flour to the wet ingredients, stirring to combine
  • Knead the dough and flatten it on a floured surface until it is around 3mm thick
  • Cut out the cookie dough into the shapes you’d like
  • Place the cookies on the tray 1-2cm apart and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden and crispy
  • Allow the cookies to cool completely
  • Store in an airtight container in the pantry

 

Diabetic-Friendly Dog Biscuits – for dogs that are diabetic

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 600g beef liver, chopped

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 175˚C and line a 25 x 40cm jellyroll pan with baking paper
  • Pulse the liver in a food processor until it is finely chopped
  • Add the eggs and flour in the processor until the mix is smooth
  • Spread the mix evenly in the pan
  • Bake for 15 minutes or until the centre is firm
  • Cool completely and cut into squares – the biscuits should feel spongey
  • Store in a sealed container in the fridge

 

Looking for a vet in Casey? Vets in Cranbourne is here to help. We are a local veterinary clinic devoted to caring for your pets’ health. Call us on (03) 5995 3444 today to schedule an appointment.

 This article has been written courtesy of Wide Open Pets and recipes listed on their website.

Common Household Pet Toxins

As pet owners, it is our duty to take extra care to ensure our pets don’t come into contact with poisons – especially if those toxins are perfectly harmless to humans. Today we’ve compiled a list of toxins commonly found in the household that can be deadly for pets. Is there anything on the list in your home?

 

Plants

The best way to avoid having your pets coming into contact with harmful plants is to keep the houseplants in a separate – or better yet, inaccessible – area to your pets.

Here are just a few common houseplants that can be deadly news for your pet:

  • Lilies
  • Aloe Vera
  • Bird of Paradise
  • Florida Beauty
  • Devil’s Ivy
  • Yucca

Before purchasing a new plant, you should consider whether it affects cats or dogs. The few plants mentioned above are only a handful from the list; therefore, it’s important to conduct your research on the other kinds of plants that are toxic to your pets.

 

Food

Again, you should be consulting your vet or conducting research to find out a full list of harmful human foods for cats and dogs.

However, the most common toxic foods include:

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes
  • Salt
  • Tomatoes
  • Garlic
  • Avocadoes

You should also beware of unnatural ingredients found in human foods. For example, Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum) is another common and harmful toxin.

 

Human medication

As with plants, the best way to guarantee your pet doesn’t come into contact with your medication is to keep it hidden or inaccessible, preferably in high cupboards. Medication suitable for humans can cause severe health issues for pets. For example, medicines like Advil are actually a common cause of gastrointestinal ulcers in cats, dogs, birds, hamsters and ferrets.

Other common medications to keep out of reach include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Paracetamol
  • Cold medicines
  • Muscle relaxants

 

Rodenticides

 Rodenticides include rat and mouse bait. But they don’t just attract rodent pests; they can smell appealing to your pets, too. Even if your pet doesn’t directly consume a rodenticide, they can still be affected. If your cat eats a poisoned rat, for example, your pet can indirectly ingest the rodenticide.

You should take extreme caution and care when placing baits. Set the traps in spots your pets can’t access or perhaps get your pest problem professionally treated to avoid impacting your pet.

 

What do I do if my pet has ingested a toxin?

 There are a few steps you should take as soon as you notice your pet has ingested or chewed anything harmful:

  • Collect labels and packaging in a zip-lock bag. This will help your vet identify the toxin involved.
  • Collect remnants of the poisonous substance, even if it has been chewed or vomited. Again, this helps with identification, especially if there’s no packaging.
  • Contact a vet as soon as possible. This is extremely important, as symptoms of poisoning may not show until hours or days later.

At Vets in Cranbourne, we pride ourselves on our friendliness, expert advice and professional treatment. If you are concerned about your pet, do not hesitate to call us today on (03) 5995 3444.

 

All About Myxomatosis

Warm weather and heavy rains this summer have seen a spike in Myxomatosis cases around Melbourne. But just what is Myxomatosis? In today’s blog, we are giving you a run-down on Myxomatosis and just how deadly it can be for your pet rabbit.

 

What is it?

Myxomatosis is a virus contracted by rabbits from insects that bite (such as mosquitoes, lice and fleas). It is a virus that – once contracted – is almost always fatal. The mortality rates for pet rabbits with Myxomatosis are between 96-100%.

 

Symptoms of Myxomatosis

Symptoms of the virus are generally easy to spot. These include:

  • Moist and swollen eyes, nose, mouth and genital area
  • Milky discharge from the eyes
  • Swollen, droopy or crusty ears
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy/disinterest in the world around them
  • Difficulty breathing

In some cases, rabbits can die within just 48 hours after exhibiting these symptoms. For this reason, it is vital that you contact a vet as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary.

 

What happens if my rabbit has the virus?

The first thing you should do is to contact your veterinary clinic so that you can receive further medical advice. Unfortunately, treatment for Myxomatosis is not often successful and your rabbit may need to be humanely euthanised if it has already contracted the virus.

You should also isolate your pet rabbit immediately to prevent the virus from spreading. Take extreme care not to cross-contaminate food bowls, toys or any other items that your rabbits might share. Speak to one of our veterinary teams about the best disinfectants to use for cleaning of enclosures and items your rabbit has had contact with.

 

How to prevent Myxomatosis

In some cases, rabbits may die before showing any symptoms. Therefore, prevention is definitely the way to go – especially because there is no guaranteed cure for Myxomatosis. Unfortunately, we are unable to vaccinate against Myxomatosis in Australia so the only prevention is to stop your pet from being bitten by insect vectors.

These are some things you can do to try and prevent your rabbit from contracting the virus:

  • Cover the hutch with insect-proof netting, even if it’s indoors
  • Be wary of the time of day that you have your rabbits outside – avoid dusk, night time or early mornings (as these are when mosquito numbers are high)
  • Use a monthly treatment of Revolution for flea prevention and treat all other pets in the household with a regular preventative as well
  • Avoid having bodies of unmoving water in your yard such as ponds and bird baths; these are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes and will attract them
  • Insect traps or zappers can also be used to help reduce the number of mosquitos near your rabbit, however, you may accidentally reduce the number of useful insects in your garden when using these

The virus can survive in your home environment for quite some time, so you should avoid bringing a new rabbit home for four months after a case of Myxomatosis. You should also thoroughly disinfect the rabbit hutch and items inside the hutch. Finally, speak to your vet to see what kinds of flea prevention medications and dosages your rabbit might need.

 

Vets in Cranbourne can help to advise you if your pet is susceptible to (or displaying symptoms of) Myxomatosis. Please give us a call as soon as possible on (03) 5995 3444 if you have any concerns relating to the virus.

Osteoarthritis: Preparing Your Pet For Winter

Did you know Osteoarthritis is just as common in our pets as it is in humans? Osteoarthritis is the term used to describe the deterioration of the cartilage in your pet’s joints. This can cause them chronic pain, inflammation and stiffness that can make life for your pet difficult if it is not properly managed. During the colder months these symptoms often flare up and cause swelling that can be extra painful. For this reason it is important to give your senior pet a little more TLC on top of your regular care routines. In this blog we‘ll share tips on how to keep your senior companion happy and comfortable as we head into the winter months.

Staying warm

Keeping your pet warm during winter will help reduce the swelling and aches associated with Osteoarthritis. Little things like giving their bed more padding, or a blanket to curl up with, can make the world of difference for sore joints. Investing in a heating pad that is pet friendly will also help with pain relief and preventing flare-ups. Most indoor pets love to stretch out beside the heater or fireplace so this is a great place to put a fire resistant mat or blanket for them.

If your cat or dog sleeps outside then you will need to provide them with a draught and waterproof kennel that is out of the wind. A thick mattress with blankets and a heating pad will help to make the kennel much more cosy. Remember if your feeling the cold so will your pets!

Exercise

Rain, hail or shine, your pet still need to exercise regularly. While long walks or runs should be avoided, light exercise such as a gentle short walk on a daily basis will keep the joints lubricated and functioning. (As well as keeping your friend alert and entertained)

Jackets and coats can also be utilised when your dog is out in the elements. A jacket that has thermals and is waterproof is ideal. There are even specialised protectors for dogs with Osteoarthritis to help relieve joint pains.

If you’re still worried about taking your dog out into the cold (Or prefer not to be out walking in the rain yourself) there are some indoor dog parks in Melbourne that provide a great sheltered play area.

Grooming

Cats suffering from Osteoarthritis often struggle to groom themselves with the same efficiency they demonstrated in their youth. Earlier indicators that your cat may be suffering from arthritis include the skin along the ridge of their spine and base of their tail becoming dry and flaky and the hair becoming dull and matted. This is because it has become too painful for them to stretch around to groom that area. Cats suffering from Osteoarthritis will require regular brushing to help prevent their coats becoming painfully matted.

Home Improvements

Making a few small changes around the home will make life easier for your senior pet. Big steps can be a struggle for pets with Osteoarthritis as well as jumping up on the bed or couch for cuddles. You can give your pet a helping hand by putting up ramps or steps eliminating the need to jump or at least reducing the distance.

Regular Check Ups

In addition to lifestyle adjustments, senior pets suffering from Osteoarthritis need regular visits to the vet to ensure their condition is properly managed. We recommend bringing your senior pet in for a check up every six months to monitor and treat their condition as required. There are a number of inexpensive joint supplements and treatments that we can recommend that will help slow the progression of the arthritis and reduce the inflammation helping to keep your pet happy and comfortable.

To learn more about how we can help or to book your companion in for an appointment please call us on (03) 5995 3444.

 

 

 

Selecting the Right Pet for your Family

Are you thinking about getting a new furry family member? Taking in a new pet is an exciting moment for the family, but it’s important to ensure the magic lasts by choosing a pet that suits your lifestyle.

Just like you, your pet needs love, care and attention on a daily basis. Whether they are furry, feathery or scaly, you’ll need to clean, feed and spend quality time with them.

Don’t let it overwhelm you. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the different lifestyle factors you should take into consideration when choosing a pet.

 How much time do you have? 

Some pets need a little extra loving, but they are worth the time. Bigger dogs, like a Kelpie, will need a good few hours a day to stretch out their legs. And, as beautiful as they are, not all of us have the time.

It doesn’t mean you love them less; however, between work and picking up kids from school life can start to feel chaotic. If that’s the case, cats are a little more independent and are better suited to a busier household. Or, you can adopt a smaller friend like a rabbit.

How much Space?

Thinking about your space is doing your new pet a kindness. A bigger friend needs more place to play, and won’t be happy if they are cooped up too long.

If you’re living somewhere that is a little smaller, like an apartment, a smaller animal will feel more at home.

However, if you have your heart set on a dog, low-energy breeds like greyhounds or pugs are satisfied with shorter walks.

What is your budget like?

We all want the best life for our family, and part of that is making sure we can provide for them. All animals need, food, shelter, entertainment and medical care and you need to take these costs into consideration in addition to upfront fees you might pay to a breeder or a shelter.

Generally speaking, the larger a pet is, the more it will cost. If your budget is a little tight at the moment, consider smaller options like goldfish and guinea pigs which can be fulfilling, loveable pets that are a little kinder on your purse strings.

Shelter Vs Breeder

If you’ve decided on a new dog or cat, the next question you have to ask yourself is: Where do I get them? If you’re tossing up between going to a breeder or rescuing a pet from a shelter, here is a little pro and con list.

Breeders

Pros:

  • A new puppy or kitten that has never had another owner which you get to train.
  • More information on your pet’s background and pedigree

Cons:

  • Some breeders participate in unethical practices such as overbreeding (where they organise more matings than is healthy for the animals)
  • Breeders will be more expensive
  • Some purebreds are prone to health problems

Shelter

Pros:

  • You’ll be rescuing a dog or a cat that desperately needs a good home
  • They are usually older and don’t need as much training

Cons:

  • You won’t know as much about their background
  • They may come with some psychological baggage from their previous lives and require longer to adjust
  • You may not find the right animal straight away and may have to visit several shelters until you find an animal whose personality and needs align with your own

 

If you’re struggling to find the right pet for your lifestyle, just remember that the team at Vets in Cranbourne is here to help. We can provide you with advice as well as support services once you make your decision. To learn more about how we can help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Cranbourne veterinary clinic by calling (03) 5995 3444. Vets in Cranbourne is also partnered with Maneki Neko Cat Rescue which is a fantastic organisation to work with if you decide to adopt instead of shop.

 

Snake Bites: Will Curiosity Kill The Cat?

Did you know that 21 out of the world’s top 25 most venomous snakes live in Australia? Whilst we are incredibly lucky to have such a wide range of unique reptiles in our country, these beautiful creatures can also be dangerous when provoked, and in Australia, around 6,500 pets are bitten by snakes each year. In this blog, we’ll be giving you a few tips on how to keep your curious pet safe from snakes over the summer months and what to do in the case of a bite.

 

Take precautions

Make no mistake, a bite from a venomous snake is a veterinary emergency. Snakes are attracted to areas that have shelter and a good source of prey so you can make your backyard less attractive to reptiles by keeping your grass trimmed, removing any sort of rubbish or refuse in your yard, and properly storing animal feed, seeds, and other food sources so they don’t attract rodents.

 

Don’t assume that your pet will automatically perceive a snake as a danger, if your pet hasn’t seen a snake before, they will probably be curious and try to inspect or play with it. Keep your dog on a leash during walks through bushland and parks and ensure they are well trained so that if you do see them sniffing around a reptile in your backyard, you can call them in. During the summer months, it’s also better to keep your cat inside as much as possible to avoid them roaming and getting into trouble.

 

Watch out for danger signs

If your pet is unlucky enough to go head to head with a snake, they may collapse or vomit soon after being bitten. Other common early signs include; dilated pupils, hind leg weakness, and shallow or rapid breathing. A snake bite can eventually lead to a number of serious conditions like paralysis, coma, and potentially death, so it’s absolutely vital to get your pet to a vet ASAP.  Cats can often have more delayed symptoms compared to dogs so don’t assume if they are fine in the first hour that they haven’t been bitten.

 

What to do

Don’t put yourself in danger to try and identify the type of snake – any snake bite should be treated as an emergency. Try to keep calm and carry your pet to the car, then head straight to your closest vet. If you have someone with you ask them to call the vet to warn them you are on your way. It’s important that your pet remains as still and calm as possible to prevent the flow of venom. Attempting DIY first aid will only waste time, so focus on getting your cat or dog to the vet immediately.

 

The good news is that 91% of cats and 75% of dogs treated the same day for venomous bites survive. So if you’re concerned your pet may have been bitten, don’t delay – get them to the vet for treatment. Vets in Cranbourne are your local friendly veterinary practice, so for expert advice and professional treatment, get in touch by calling (03) 5995 3444.

 

 

Does Your Dog Suffer From Separation Anxiety?

As any seasoned dog owner knows, pooches can get up to some serious mischief if left to their own devices. Barking, chewing things they shouldn’t, forgetting their toilet training and digging trenches in the backyard are just some of the classic bad behaviours that come with the territory of owning a dog. While these behaviours may be signs that your dog requires more training, when they are coupled with other symptoms of distress, they may be signs of separation anxiety. In this article, we’ll explain what separation anxiety looks like in dogs, and what to do if you think your pet is a sufferer.

What is separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety may occur when dogs become upset or distraught when left alone by their guardians. Symptoms of separation anxiety include agitation when the owner is about to leave, anxiety or depression when left alone, and escape attempts.

 

The common symptoms of separation anxiety are:

 

  • Barking and howling; while it’s normal for dogs to bark in response to stimuli, animals suffering from separation anxiety will begin barking or howling for no reason other than that they have been left alone. It may also last for extended periods of time.

 

  • Pacing; some dogs will pace when left alone, and usually this occurs within a fixed pattern. It’s important to remember that if this is caused by separation anxiety, this type of pacing will not occur when the guardian is present.

 

  • Destruction; behaviours such as chewing, digging, or other kinds of destruction can result in self-injury and damage to households. If your dog only exhibits this kind of behaviour when left alone, they may suffer from separation anxiety.

 

  • Urinating or defecating; for some dogs, urinating or defecating can be a sign of separation anxiety. In some cases, the dog may defecate and then consume some or all of its excrement. If any of these behavioural patterns only take place when the dog is left alone, it may be suffering from separation anxiety.

 

  • Escape attempts

When left alone, dogs may try to escape from the area where they are confined by digging or chewing. Escape attempts can result in injuries such as broken teeth and nails as well as cuts and scrapes.

 

If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. Vets On Cranbourne are experienced pet professionals, and can help you to determine whether these behaviours are the result of insufficient training or are indeed caused by separation anxiety. Once diagnosed, there are a range of different treatment options to help your pet manage better when left alone. Get in touch by calling 03 5995 3444 for more information.

Paralysis ticks are in Melbourne

Along with all the benefits of living in the most liveable city in the world, not having to worry about the paralysis tick was an added bonus.

Unfortunately, thanks to climate change, they have arrived on our doorstep.

I don’t want to be an alarmist and worry pet owners unnecessarily, the risk is still very low and even lower if you and your pet don’t venture much past our neat nature strips and dog parks.

However, for peace of mind, please follow the tips below and speak to your trusted vet if you have any questions.

Tick tips:

  • Keep your pet’s hair short
  • Ticks hang out in long grass. Keep your pooch out! (snakes hang there too)
  • Check your pet’s coat regularly – ticks need to be attached for 2-3 days before they inject their poison
  • Added tick prevention – 100% necessary for those pet owners travelling with their pet either north (towards the Murray) or east of Melbourne (towards Gippsland)
  1. The Bravecto chew will protect your dog for 4 months from the paralysis tick. It can be used safely in conjunction with most other parasite preventions (Advocate, Sentinel etc.)
  2. Cats – unfortunately, there is only ONE product available. Frontline plus Spray – needs to be applied every 3 weeks.
  3. Other tick preventions – Advantix, Nexgard, Serasto collars – may be recommended.