Pet Care

COVID-19 has changed the way we go about our lives and will continue to for many months. When it comes to the virus, there are plenty of questions to be asked, so here are a few answers: How is COVID-19 spread? Although it has been theorised that the new coronavirus emerged from an animal source, …
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During this constantly evolving situation regarding COVID-19, the safety of our clients, patients and team members is our highest priority. We are in this together.  Contactless Consults: We have decided to implement the below guidelines and we ask for your understanding, patience and your cooperation so we can all do our best to protect each …
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As February features its heart-focussed Valentine’s Day, we thought that this month would be the perfect time to talk about the heart that matters most: your pet’s. When it comes to diseases of the heart, knowing what to watch out for really makes a difference. Early detection of heart disease means that medical treatment is …
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In recent weeks we’ve noticed an increase in the number of Giardia cases in dogs and cats in our community, so we thought we would put up some information outlining what Giardia is, what it does, and what we can do to prevent it. Giardia is a parasite which inhabits the intestines of dogs and …
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As we reach the peak of summer we welcome long hot days and balmy nights. It’s the best time of the year to get out and about with your pet but there are a few hazards you need to watch out for.  Heat stroke: It can be easy to overdo it in the summer and …
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We’d like to help make sure your pet stays happy and healthy this silly season so here’s a list we’ve compiled of the ‘Twelve Pet Hazards of Christmas’: Christmas can be a risky time for your pet. There is usually lots of food around as well as plenty of people, parties and changes in routine. …
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Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we utilise to help keep your pet healthy. Vaccinations are safe. They have minimal (if any) side effects and we recommend you vaccinate your pet because, above all, they work. Quick Vaccination Facts: Vaccinations protect against potentially fatal diseases.Many dangerous or life-threatening animal diseases are preventable with the right …
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It’s Spring, the season of adorable baby animals, and that means kittens are going to be out in abundance! Already, we have been inundated with requests from kind members of the public to help with small kittens that have been found in sheds and under houses. If you find yourself with a surprise family in …
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Pardon the pun, but you don’t have to be blind to see that your pet’s eyes are very important! Eye issues can be serious. That’s why, if you notice anything unusual about your pet’s eyes, it’s best to have them checked out ASAP. Conditions like conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, uveitis and glaucoma can be very painful …
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If your pet is thirstier than usual it could be a sign of kidney disease. The increase in thirst may only be subtle but if you find yourself filling up the water bowl more regularly or even notice your pet drinking from the shower recess, you should arrange a check-up with us. When it comes …
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You don’t need us to tell you that an episode of itchy and scratchy can be extremely frustrating for your pet. If the cycle of itch, scratch, rub and lick it continues, it can leave your pet feeling uncomfortable, frustrated and downright miserable. Not to mention the need for ongoing veterinary visits and medication! A …
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There’s no doubt about it when it comes to dental disease it can really stink! But don’t be tempted to simply turn your head away, as bad breath can be a sign that your furry friend is suffering from dental disease, a sneaky condition that likes to creep up on them. As the disease progresses, …
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When it comes to your pet, you might think that carrying a few extra kilos isn't a big deal. Unfortunately, even slightly overweight pets are at an increased risk of developing a host of diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, respiratory disorders and diabetes.
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Registering and microchipping your pet are two processes that every pet owner is legally obliged to complete. At the end of the day, doing so ultimately helps to keep your pet safe should they ever go missing. But how does registering and microchipping work? In today’s blog, our vet in Casey is giving you all …
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How many times have you heard someone say their New Year’s resolution is for weight loss? It’s a common goal for pet owners to set for themselves, but it seems many are unsure about how to help their furry friends get back to a healthy weight. In fact, did you know that around 40% of …
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In December, our Cranbourne vet sees a lot of patients with tummy upsets which can often be traced back to too many rich festive foods. Ideally, pets should not ever be fed processed foods as their stomachs have not evolved to digest them and so eating them often leads to diarrhoea and/or vomiting.   However, there …
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During summer, most of our pet patients visit our Cranbourne veterinary clinic because they have been overexposed to the harsh sun. In this blog, we are explaining the different health consequences that this exposure can have on your pet. We’ve also put together a quick 5-step grooming guide for owners to care for their pets …
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Summer for us humans usually means going to the beach, eating ice cream, or turning on our air cons and relaxing at home. Summer for pets is a little different. While they may get to spend more time outdoors, they can’t decide to eat something cold or turn on a fan. This means that during …
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Spring season is allergy season for pets so keep an eye out for skin irritations and inflammation, excessive scratching and respiratory issues. In particular, we want to highlight three types of allergies which land pets in our clinic around this time of year: Grass allergies The pollen from grass can cause an allergic reaction in …
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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 …
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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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