Pet Care

Spring for dogs often means increased trips to the dog park, longer walks, and more time generally spent playing and enjoying the great outdoors. With this spike in activity, pet owners may notice some changes in their pet’s movements and behaviour which may indicate a problem. Dogs may hold their back leg in a partially …
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Spring is here and while this means more fun in the sun it can also mean a flare up of allergies. This can be an incredibly uncomfortable time for your pet so it’s important to keep an eye out for allergies. If untreated your pet will become distressed and even develop a nasty infection. If …
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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 …
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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. …
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The dog park is the perfect place for you and your dog to make new friends while getting some fresh air and exercise. In order to make the experience fun and peaceful for everybody, there are rules and etiquettes you should follow. If you’re not sure what they are, don’t stress. In this blog, we …
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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 …
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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 …
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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. …
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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 …
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Snakes! As we are heading out to enjoy the warmer weather, so are the snakes that we share our parks and river areas with. Snakes seek out warm places to sun themselves as well as an ongoing supply of food and sometimes travel into homes and yards in search for these. During these searches snakes …
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Just like humans, dogs are living much longer than they did in the past. There are many different reasons for this, but the most important factor is nutrition. Dog food has come a long way in the past 30 years, and resulted in new generation of happier, healthier pooches. But as your dog enters old …
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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. …
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Many pet owners choose to desex their dog or cat to prevent them from breeding. There are also many other benefits to desexing your pet at an early age, such as the prevention of testicular cancer and prostatic disease in male dogs and a reduced risk of life threatening uterus infections as well as mammary/breast …
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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 …
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Although we are at the tail end of winter, Melbourne is still shivering through icy conditions that resulted in snow throughout central Victoria over the weekend. Whilst most dogs relish the opportunity to roll in snow, mud and puddles when the mercury drops, the cooler months can be harder for senior dogs (aged over 7). …
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October to March is snake season in Melbourne – our pets are most at risk from tiger and brown snakes. To avoid you or your pet being bitten: Control mice and other vermin which may attract snakes (but be very careful if you are using poisons as bait) Keep a tidy, well maintained garden and …
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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 …
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The warmer months provide a great opportunity for us to get out into the sunshine with our pets! With the heat comes a few potential dangers – here are some of the more common things to be mindful of over the summer months: Heatstroke is a common problem seen in both dogs and cats during …
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We love to see senior pets! Dogs and cats age seven times faster than humans, so it is vitally important that your senior pet has an annual or twice annual health check. Health checks in senior pets often identify health problems that owners simply aren’t aware of. For example, we often see untreated dental problems …
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– Keep them active. Arthritis is extremely common in our ageing pets and with the colder weather their joints can start aching. Regular low impact exercise is extremely important – the last thing we want is for those joints to freeze up. A visit to your trusted vet may be in order to provide some …
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Kids love pets, and studies show that owning a pet creates plenty of benefits, such as encouraging respect for living things and even improved academic performance when a pet is kept in the classroom. Owning a pet can also foster a sense of responsibility in your children, but only if someone else doesn’t end up …
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Rabbits make great pets. They are lovable, inquisitive creatures that are full of personality. Rabbits are a good alternative to cats and dogs but what else should you know when you’re considering a bunny buddy? Rabbits can live outside in a run or as house trained indoor companions that can even sit with you on …
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The best part of Easter is the sweet treats that fill your house, but not for your pet! Cats and dogs should avoid the types of Easter foods you’ll be snacking on. Every year we warn pet owners on the seriousness of chocolate poisoning. But why is chocolate so bad? Surely a little bit won’t …
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As veterinarians we can always give medicines to stop that itch, but not all of these medicines are safe to use long term. What we need to do is work together (pet owner and vet) to find out why they are itching. Below are some simple tips and first steps to help reduce that itch: …
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Meet Macy Macy is an Airedale Terrier, who is almost five years old. Her best trick is a classic – it’s where she pretends not to hear Dr Kevin’s call or instructions. That is, until the treats come out and then her ears are magically open! Macy is relatively healthy aside from a sensitive stomach …
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Cooling off at the beach is a great way to turn your hot dog into a cool dog. As long as it isn’t too hot and you have plenty of water on hand, a trip to the beach with your dog can be an amazing way to spend a summer’s day. Below we have listed …
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Our very own Dr. Kevin provides 5 top tips for keeping your pets happy this summer. Build the exercise up slowly The New Year is here, and it’s time to step back into our exercise routines (or start new ones!). Australians love Summer and so do our dogs. More daylight means more hours to spend …
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Jacinta from Vets on Parker spent a week helping sick and mistreated elephants at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai Thailand last month. Read on to follow her adventure. As some of you may know, I spent an eye opening week volunteering at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai Thailand last month. The …
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We all love a treat over Christmas, but making sure your pet has the right ones is important. It’s normal to go a bit over the top with food over the festive period, but whist you’re being merry it’s important to make sure your pet doesn’t join in. The following items are bad for your …
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Did you know about the “Hay & Veggies” diet? Offer an unlimited amount of fresh grass, grass hay and weeds to your rabbit. The “Hay and Veggies” diet consists of lots of hay, fresh grass, weeds and fibrous grasses, plus a large and varied selection of greens and vegetables every single day. This is undoubtedly …
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Vets on Balwyn provides the highest quality of care for your pet. As your pet has been booked in for surgery or anaesthesia we would like to inform you of the extra-care options available. Intravenous fluid therapy General anaesthesia or heavy sedation causes a pronounced drop in blood pressure. Coupled with surgery this can have …
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When you think about it, it’s amazing that any pet learns housetraining manners at all. When your pet’s bowels say ‘Now!’, your pet has to put into motion several complex thought patterns; where to go, how to get there, and how to let its owner know if it needs to go outside. What if there …
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Protect the health of your cat or dog with expert dental care from Vets on Balwyn pet dentist services More than 80% of dogs and cats in Australia are silently suffering from painful dental disease. Tartar and calculus build up on our pet’s teeth occurs due to lack of chewing and tooth overcrowding. This leads to …
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Microchipping It is highly recommended that you microchip your pet. Microchips provide a permanent form of identification for your pet that cannot be changed or removed. This identification lasts for the life of your pet. In Victoria, microchipping is compulsory for cats and dogs. If your pet has been stolen and then later recovered, ownership …
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Rabbits are great pets! They are a great alternative to cats and dogs and with time and commitment they can be a great addition to your family. Rabbits can live outside in a run or a superb indoor companion that can even sit with you on the sofa. Rabbits can even be trained to use …
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We love to see senior pets! Dogs and cats age seven times faster than humans, so it is vitally important that your senior pet has an annual or twice annual health check. Health checks in senior pets often identify health problems that owners simply aren’t aware of. For example, we often see untreated dental disease. …
Read More >

The first few months of a kitten’s life are very important for both you and your kitten. As well as learning proper behaviour and being socialised, there are some important health needs to attend to. 1. Vaccinations Your kitten should receive a number of vaccinations depending on the age of your kitten and the type …
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The first few months of a puppy’s life are very important for both you and your puppy. As well as learning proper behaviour and being socialised, there are some important health needs to attend to. 1. Vaccinations Your puppy should receive a number of vaccinations depending on the age of your puppy and the type …
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The first few days with a new pup can be a nightmare and particularly trying to get the little hair-ball to sleep through the night. Getting some sleep How do you do it? Do you ‘tough love’ the pup and force it to stay in the laundry or outside or do you ‘spoil the pup’ …
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Young puppies and kittens can be very mischievous and inquisitive. Before you bring home your new pet you should make sure your house is as safe as possible. 1. Store any household poisons, such as cleaning agents and detergents, where your pet will not be able to access them. 2. When using rat or mouse …
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