Tips On How To Care For Pets During Summer

Pet Simmer’s Club

Pet Doctor is proud to announce our brand new program. It will become a permanent fixture at our Woodville and West Lakes clinics. Our Pet Slimmer’s Club works in conjunction with Royal Canin. This program will help your pet become fit for Summer and healthy for life.

Slim Pet, Healthy Pet

1kg extra on your pet may not see like a lot – but have you considered what that would mean in human terms? Based on the average human weight of 65kg;

• 4kg Cat, such as a Domestic Shorthair, Himalayan or Manx: + 1kg = +16kg for a human
• 10kg Dog, such as a Beagle, Cocker Spaniel or French Bulldog: + 1kg = +7kg for a human
• 25kg Dog, such as a Staffy, Boxer or Husky: + 1kg = +3kg for a human

We’re sure that you’ve heard the phrase ‘in moderation’ when it comes to your health – and the same goes for your pet. Love does not equal food, and it is this mindset that is causing the pet obesity epidemic that Adelaide veterinarians such as the team at Pet Doctor see far too regularly.

Join Today

At Pet Doctor, we’re committed to keeping your cat or dog as happy and as healthy as possible. If you think your pet could be overweight or at risk, we encourage you to book an appointment with a member of our friendly team. We will happily speak to you about what’s involved in our Pet Slimmer’s Club, which includes;

• Free introductory consultation
• Fortnightly weigh-ins
• Support and analysis of your pet’s weight

Contact us if our Pet Slimmer’s Club sounds like the right fit for you – and take a look at Pet Doctor’s very first success story!

Sally’s Story

Sally was an unhappy, tired, obese dog that would beg for, and even steal, food. At 22.5kg Sally’s tiny legs were beginning to show signs of soreness.

Since commencing the Pet Slimmer’s Club at Pet Doctor’s Woodville clinic on 2nd August, Sally has become far more energetic and has stopped begging for food. She now runs around the backyard and plays with other dogs – particularly her fur-sibling, who is enjoying the newfound playtime almost as much as Sally is!

Sally is very close to reaching her goal weight after only 3 short months. With the fantastic help of her owners and Pet Doctor’s Pet Slimmer’s Club, she now weighs a stunning 17.9kgs – which of course is much closer to the ideal weight for her breed.

Sally Before

Sally After

Dermatology Month

During October, it is known as Dermatology month. For others, it may mean that it’s daylight savings! Which means light filled mornings and plenty of time to play with your pets after work. As our body clocks adjust to the time change, spring is also in full swing! With the seasonal change in the air, pollen is floating around from trees, flowers and grasses. This can cause your pets to feel similar allergy symptoms to us humans.

We have put together a list of common symptoms to look out for in your pets:

• Increased scratching
• Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin
• Irritated, runny eyes
• Itchy ears and possible ear infections
• Sneezing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhorea
• Constant licking or biting at one or multiple areas

If you suspect that your dog or cat has any of the above symptoms, please get in contact with our team. We will give them a full assessment and recommend a treatment plan. Allergies can easily turn into chronic conditions. Therefore, it is important to seek advice in the very early stages.

Home Allergy Treatment:
• Regular bathing of your pet with a mild hypoallergenic shampoo. Using this can assist in removing allergens from sitting on the skin and reduces itching
• Reduce your pets’ exposure to environmental triggers eg. keeping them inside on high pollen or grass cutting days

Pet Doctor’s Treatment Options:
• Medicated shampoos, conditioners, sprays, or other topical agents
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Antifungal medicines (for yeast infections)
• Fatty acid supplements
• Short-acting corticosteroids for immediate relief
• Immune-mediating drugs, such as cyclosporine
• Immunotherapy injections (allergy injections individualised for each patient)

With only two months left until Christmas or 66 days to be precise (but who’s counting 😉), it’s time to think about making plans on how your pets will be cared for during the festive season. Therefore, Pet Doctor at Woodville and West Lakes is your #1 local and go-to Adelaide veterinarian. Contact our friendly team who are happy to assist you with all pet enquiries.

(Sources for allergy symptoms and treatment: https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/allergies-dogs#1 and http://www.americanveterinarian.com/journals/amvet/2016/march2016/its-spring-and-my-pet-itches-a-look-at-seasonal-allergies)

Feral Cat Day

Here at Pet Doctor, we love to celebrate anything to do with our four-legged companions. The 16^{th of} October is Feral Cat Day but why is this something to celebrate you may wonder? Well, this day helps to shed some light on the strays and helpless kitties roaming our streets. We love to educate you and other animal lovers on how you can help.

Pet Adoption

Apart from introducing a cuddly companion into your home, you are also, in turn, save a life. By adopting, you are helping your feline friends live a much healthier and safer life. Saving it from harm and the potential diseases of the backstreets. Shelters such as Paws & Claws Adoptions, the RSPCA South Australia and the Animal Welfare League (AWL) and have adoption processes to help you find your purrrrfect match.

Pet Doctor has been working closely with Paws & Claws Adoptions for a number of years. They help us foster and rehome animals who may have been surrendered or abandoned. Over the years, they have found the furever homes for many of Pet Doctor’s cats and kittens.

At the RSPCA, they take the liberty of colour co-ordinating their cats. Making it easier to identify your enthusiastic kitten from your mellow kitty cat. The AWL also operate by a similar system by asking a series of simple questions. This makes the adoption process smooth and easy for you to find your new buddy.

Desexing

De-sexing your cat helps to decrease the number of kittens growing up without a place to call home. By de-sexing, it can also lead to a much healthier lifestyle as it eliminates the chance of your cat from getting uterine disease. It also reduces the chance for mammary tumours (breast cancer). This surgery can be conducted at Pet Doctor’s Woodville or West Lakes clinic. To ensure your cat’s surgery progresses along well after their vet visit, it is vital to listen carefully to your vet’s instructions to make the post-operative process a successful one!

Even though it may not be Feral Cat Day every day, we do not forget about our helpless feline friends. We try to do our best to help them live happy and healthy nine lives.

Happy Veterinary Nurse Day!

Friday the 13th usually brings to mind some spooky, scary themes… But not today. Because Friday the 13th of October is celebrated worldwide as Veterinary Nurse Day! It is a special day for us at Pet Doctor and all veterinary clinics across Adelaide. It is a way for us to thank all the wonderful staff. These nurses are the people who take care of animals from all walks of life, with love, compassion and comfort.

Our vet nurses are most often the first point of contact when visiting our clinic. They help you when it comes to any questions or concerns you have about your cats, dogs and pocket pets to ensure they are always happy, healthy and well taken care of.

So happy veterinary nurse day! Thank you to all of our amazing staff and nurses! Here are some photos of the team celebrating this special day.

Itchy Dogs

With the weather warming up we’re getting into Itch Season, the worst time of year for itchy dogs. If your dog is scratching, licking or gnawing it could be a sign they’re suffering from uncomfortable itch. During warmer months certain “triggers” in the environment can start an allergy or worsen an existing skin condition. These include pollen, fleas, mites and dust.

And it’s more common than you might think. One in three dogs seen by a vet have an itch problem¹.

We have recently introduced the latest breakthrough treatment for itch – a steroid-free treatment that relieves itch faster and safer^2,3 . So, if you notice your dog showing any signs of uncomfortable itch, such as scratching, licking or gnawing, bring them in for a consultation and we can see if they’d benefit from this new steroid-free option.

Pet Doctor Vet is proud to offer this special introductory offer:

Buy 3 doses of Simparica and get 1 dose FREE!*

“A flea, tick, mange and mite monthly chew, that works fast and lasts. Simple.”

For more information, make an appointment with our friendly Woodville or West Lakes clinic – or click here to download the Paw Club Care Loyalty Program app by Zoetis, free from the App Store.

(Copy and images via Orchard / Zoetis. References: 1. Apoquel Tracking Study Australia, Kynetec, July 2017 | 2. Fleck T et al. Comparison of the janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, oclacitinib, and prednisolone in canine models of pruritus (abstract). Vet Dermatol 2012; 23 (Suppl. 1): 38. | 3. Internal Zoetis study. Study report 5962C – 85-08-364. Data on file, 2012.)

Happy Pet Dental Health Month!

The initiative by the Australian Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) is an annual celebration of healthy smiles and the well being of our pets. It also provides vets an opportunity to discuss your pet’s dental health! And gives pet owners a friendly reminder about the importance of dental checks.

This year’s theme is “Healthy Set, Happy Pet.” But what is a healthy set? And how can you help your pets maintain their dental health? We’ve put together some handy hints to identify common dental issues and how to prevent them.

How do you know if your pet has a toothache?

 It can be hard to tell if your pet has a toothache. Animals have the tendency to not show pain, and often owners miss the signs. So, how can you tell if your dog or cat has a toothache?

Some common signs that may indicate something is wrongs with your pets teeth, include:

• Drooling
• Bad breath
• Loss of appetite or inability to eat
• Pawing at the mouth
• Mouth hanging open / tongue out
• Using one side of the mouth
• Dropping food while chewing
• Build-up of plaque and stains on teeth
• Red swollen / bleeding gums

If your pet is showing any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet today. Annual dental health checks are an ideal opportunity for owners to find out if their pet has existing problems that may have gone unnoticed.

Dental Diseases are more common than you may think!

Did you know that periodontal diseases are one of the most common problems vets encounter? If untreated these conditions can lead to serious health problems in areas such as the kidney, heart and liver.

But don’t stress – in the early stages, periodontal diseases are reversible, if treated correctly. This is why annual dental check for your pets is extremely important! There are also some simple ways that you can protect your pets from dental dieses. These include;

• Diet – provide pets with regular access to special dental treats and chews, bones and dental diets.
• Dental water additives.
• Regular brushing with pet toothpastes and tooth brushes.
• Rinsing with special gels.

You can find out more about periodontal disease and how you can prevent them here.

All animals, big and small, should get dental checks!

When considering dental health, it is important to remember that not only cats and dogs are affected. Animals such as horses and rabbits should have regular dentals checks in order to maintain their overall health and prevent the development of other health issues. Contact your local Adelaide vet to find out the best course of action for your pet.

How to Help Your Pet get a Healthy Set

Maintaining your pets’ dental health doesn’t have to be difficult! Annual health checks will indicate any issues that may have occurred, dental or otherwise, and give you a chance to speak to your vet about any concerns.

All through August Pet Doctor is celebrating Pet Dental Health Month by with some exciting discounts and giveaways, including;

• FREE dental examinations
• 30% dental procedures
• 10% dental products
• Show bags and gift giveaways
• Discounts on Hill’s Dental Diets

Contact Pet Doctor today to book your pets’ dental health check.

Identifying And Managing Stress In Pet Birds

Whether you have a budgie, a parrot or an aviary with several different birds, knowing how to identify and deal with stress in a bird is extremely important. Birds are very sensitive animals and suffer from stress just like all other animals. There are several ways that you can identify and manage your bird’s stress levels. Here are some handy hints:

Recognising Stress in Your Pet Birds

Stress Lines/Bars – A physical indicator that your bird us stressed is the visible appearance of stress lines or “stress bars” on their feathers. Stress lines are small lines that run down the shafts of the feathers. Look at the bird’s feathers for an indication if they suffering stress lines.

Aggression – If your bird suddenly has a change in their demeanour and becomes aggressive, this could be a sign of stress. Biting, hissing, lunging, and excessive screaming are all signs to watch out for. 

Fear – While not all birds are outwardly friendly, if your bird suddenly becomes timid and avoids being handled, this could be a sign that your feathered friend is stressed. Several things, such as a bright coloured shirt or a new human being around more often, can trigger fear. Identifying what is causing your bird to become stressed is essential to finding a solution.

Loss of Appetite – In most animals, a loss of apatite indicates that something is not quite right. While this could suggest an illness or underlying health issue. Stress can also cause a loss of appetite.

Destructive Behaviour – Birds are very intelligent and if they do not receive a healthy amount of mental stimulation, they become frustrated. If your bird begins to destroy things such as bedding and feeding bowls, this could be a signs that your bird is stressed or bored

Managing Stress in Your Pet Bird

Health Issues – Birds can become stressed due to underlying health issues or illnesses. If you think your bird may be suffering from a stress-related illness, visit your vet. They will be able to help you determine the health of your bird and how to progress.

Food – Malnutrition or inadequate diet can lead to your bird becoming stressed. Feeding them a balanced diet is essential for their health. Consult your vet for diet and nutrition advice.

Suitable Environment – Having a suitable environment that is not overcrowded is essential! Suitable environments should include: multi-level perches, nesting areas, and visual barriers that allow the birds to hide from threats – real or imagined.

Reducing Noise – Noise can indicate a threat or danger and can cause stress in birds. It is important to recognise what noises affect your bird and how to minimise their effects. Moving their cage to a quiet area of the house can reduce a lot of noise-related stress.

Changes – During times of change (e.g. moving home, change of routine), birds can become confused and stressed. Even simply moving their cage to the other side of a room can cause stress. If moving is necessary, try placing a sheet over the birds cage to keep them calm. Gradually remove the sheet so the bird can slowly familiarise themselves to their new environment.

Stimulate your bird – A major stressor for birds is boredom. Make sure that your bird has enough stimulating activities and toys to play with.

If you believe your pet bird is experiencing stress, please contact your vet to determine the cause and how it can be treated.

How Do You Puppy-Proof Your Home?

Puppies can be a lot of fun, but they are also a lot of hard work. It’s important to understand their needs and how you can best accommodate them. Puppy proofing your home prior to their arrival is extremely important and will prevent anything happening to your new family member. We’ve put together some handy tips on how to puppy proof each area of your home.

Kitchens

The kitchen is one of the most intriguing places for new puppies! The smells of food (and the garbage) make all pets want to explore. However, the kitchen also contains all kinds of dangerous things: sharp cans, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, foods that are toxic etc. Keeping your puppy away from these may seem simple, but it is important to remember that curious puppies can get into all kind of trouble.

Be sure that all your kitchen cabinets, trashcans, and fridge have securely closing doors and lids to keep inquisitive noses safe.

A list of common pet toxins can be found here: bit.ly/2tp7IX3

Bathroom / Laundry

Bathrooms and laundries are particularly dangerous rooms. They can contain medication, soaps, cleaning products, and other potentially hazardous products if ingested.

Consider storing any harmful products in high areas where puppies cannot reach them, as well as keeping cupboards closed and locked where possible.

Living Areas / Bedrooms

One of the main concerns in living areas and bedrooms is power points and cords. Puppies will naturally chew and destroy cords that are left lying around. Make sure that all cords are unplugged and consider buying covers for power points and cords. This will take away the desire to chew the cords.

Securing furniture and appliances is also important. Bookshelves, vases and lamps have the potential to fall and crush puppies if not secured.

Also be careful of leaving socks and underwear on the floor – clothing that smells strongly of you is unbelievably appealing to puppies and they may end up chewing and/or swallowing them!

Outside Areas

The backyard can be one of the most dangerous places for a puppy. Drowning is a very real risk for young puppies, so if you have a pool, make sure the gate is always closed and they cannot get in.

If you have fruit trees or bark chips in your garden, be aware that the seeds and bark can be potential choking hazards, and frequently cause bowel obstructions when ingested.

The garden shed contains many nasty chemicals, such as fuels and antifreeze. These can potentially kill animals if ingested. Secure the locks on your garden shed in order to keep your pets safe.

Also be aware of potentially toxic plants in your garden. The Adelaide Emergency Centre has produced a handy leaflet of which plants to look out for: bit.ly/2usGK5Z

Bonus Tip

Consider blocking access to high decks and staircases, where falling is a potential hazard.