Diet

Diet is simple, good quality dry food (no tinned food or mince), raw bones and table scraps (no onions as these are toxic to pets).

The clinic sells Eukanuba for dogs and Iams for cats - we happily endorse these foods and use them in the hospital. They are high quality, well balanced and easily digestible. Above all else you will see the difference in your pet’s general health, skin and coat.

Feed your pets in the morning. Never feed them raw liver - it can contain hydatid cysts that infect your dog and ultimately you - it is nasty and life threatening to people - don’t do it!

Ageing

Ageing comes to us all, including our pets. As with humans it is necessary for your pets to stay trim and active. If arthritis or heart disease become a problem there are very effective drugs available to help keep them healthy. Please ask us when we do their annual check-up how we can make your pets live longer and stay healthy well into old age.  

Care After Surgery

If your pet has to undergo surgery then it is necessary to hold food on the morning of admission. Pain relief is given during surgery and it is wise to keep our pet confided for up to 10 days until stitches are removed. Check the incision daily, salt water bath if required. Your pet must not lick the incision so an Elizabethan Collar may be required.

REMEMBER we like dry, white and tight, not hot, red and swollen. If in doubt please ring - follow up consultations are free (except for drugs).  

Puppies and Kittens

Your new kitten or puppy needs a first vaccination within 6-8 weeks of age. At approximately 12 weeks of age we do the second vaccination, desex and chip implant.

There are many benefits to performing these treatments at this young age:

• It costs less
• No problems getting pregnant
• Shire registration is cheaper
• Pets stay at home rather than wandering
• Pets are generally happier  

Caring for Injured Wildlife

 Be careful! Injured animals are capable of injuring you. They are frightened, painful and difficult patients. To capture, throw a blanket or towel over the patient and contain their beak, teeth, claws etc. Seek veterinary attention for serious injuries and to discuss their diet while in recovery. We don’t charge a consultation fee to examine wildlife but we do charge a nominal fee $5 to cover drug costs.

Snake Bites

This is a serious life threatening emergency and should be treated quickly. Early signs include profuse salivation, vomiting and incoordination (wobbly walk) leading to paralysis. Identifying the snake is not required as our antivenom covers all snakes.

ALWAYS ring the clinic to enable us to prepare for your arrival. Intensive care treatment, intravenous drip, pain relief and antivenom are extremely successful if commenced early.