A new year is the perfect time to refocus on your pet’s health and wellbeing. Just like people, pets benefit from regular check-ups and preventative care to help them stay happy, active, and healthy throughout the year. Starting early allows potential issues to be identified before they become bigger concerns.

What Happens During a Routine Pet Health Check?

An annual visit to the vet is about more than just vaccinations. A full health check typically includes:

• Weight and body condition assessment

• Dental and gum health check

• Skin, coat, ears, and eye examination

• Joint and mobility assessment

• Review of vaccinations and parasite protection

These checks help ensure your pet is developing well and staying protected at every life stage.

Reset Healthy Habits After the Holidays

The new year is also a great time to get back on track after the festive period. Your vet can help with:

• Nutrition advice tailored to your pet’s age and lifestyle

• Weight management and exercise guidance

• Feeding plans for puppies, kittens, and senior pets

Why Preventative Care Matters

Preventative care plays a key role in long-term pet health by:

• Detecting illness early

• Reducing the risk of dental disease

• Preventing fleas, worms, and ticks

• Minimising unexpected vet visits and costs

Whether you have a new puppy or a much-loved senior pet, a proactive approach at the start of the year sets them up for a healthier, happier future. Book a health check today at Pet Doctor and give your pet the best possible start to the year ahead.

Summer in Australia can be brutal, and while we reach for the air-con or a cold drink, our pets rely on us to keep them cool and comfortable. Dogs and cats feel the heat quickly, and without the right care they can develop heat stress, dehydration, and even life-threatening heatstroke. The good news? A few smart summer habits can make a big difference to their wellbeing.

Why Summer Heat Is Risky for Pets


Dogs and cats can’t regulate their temperature as easily as we can. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Frenchies, Pugs, Bulldogs and Persians are especially vulnerable. Long-haired pets also struggle, as their coat traps warmth. Add in Australia’s extreme UV levels, and you’ve got a season where being proactive really matters.

Easy Ways to Keep Your Pet Cool

* Provide constant shade and fresh water — place multiple water bowls around the home and garden.
* Avoid walking during peak heat — stick to early mornings or late evenings. Hot footpaths can burn paws.
* Never leave pets in a parked car — even for a few minutes. Temperatures soar dangerously fast.
* Use cooling mats or damp towels — perfect for dogs and cats to lie on during sweltering afternoons.
* Offer pet-safe frozen treats — ice blocks with a few kibble pieces or low-sodium broth can help lower body temperature.
* Brush regularly — removing loose fur improves airflow through their coat.
* Monitor behaviour — heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or wobbliness can be early signs of heat stress.

Special Considerations for Cats

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort. Make sure they have access to cool tiles, shaded windows, and plenty of water sources—some prefer running water, so a pet fountain can help encourage hydration.

If you ever suspect heatstroke, contact Pet Doctor or your nearest vet immediately. Fast action can be lifesaving.

With a little planning, you can help your pets stay safe, cool, and happy all summer long.

Does your dog suffer from constant itching, irritated skin, or bouts of sneezing? Allergies are one of the most common problems we see in Adelaide dogs, especially with our changing climate and exposure to pollens, grasses, and environmental triggers. Left untreated, these symptoms can seriously affect your pet’s comfort and overall wellbeing.

At Pet Doctor in Adelaide, we specialise in diagnosing and treating canine allergies. Whether your dog has itchy paws, red skin, watery eyes, or recurring ear infections, we can help. Our tailored treatment plans include proven options such as Cytopoint injections, Apoquel tablets, and prescription skin diets that target the root causes of allergy symptoms rather than just masking the discomfort.

Right now, we’re offering 15% off all dog allergy treatments for a limited time. This includes advanced therapies designed to give your pet fast relief and long-term protection from flare-ups.

Our Adelaide team is passionate about helping dogs get back to enjoying walks, playtime, and cuddles without the constant scratching or discomfort. We’ll take the time to understand your pet’s history, perform a thorough assessment, and recommend the most effective treatment plan for their unique needs.

Don’t let your dog suffer through another allergy season. Book your discounted consultation today and give your best friend the relief they deserve.

Call us on 08 8268 6777 or book online to secure your 15% off allergy treatment in Adelaide.   This is an October 2025 promo and is for a Limited Time.

As the current cold winter weather snap takes hold, many Aussie pets start to feel the cold too—especially older dogs and cats. If your furry friend seems a bit slower or stiffer than usual, it could be a sign of arthritis.

Arthritis is a common condition in senior pets. It causes pain and stiffness in the joints, and it often gets worse in winter. Just like people, pets feel the cold in their bones too!

What is arthritis in pets?

Arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) happens when the cartilage in a joint wears down. This leads to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving. It’s most common in:

• Senior dogs and cats (especially over age 7)
• Large breed dogs (like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers)
• Pets who have had previous injuries or surgeries

Signs your pet might have arthritis

It’s not always easy to tell when your pet is in pain. Keep an eye out for these signs, especially in colder months:

• Limping or stiffness after resting
• Trouble getting up, jumping, or using stairs
• Slow or shorter walks
• Licking or biting at sore joints
• Sleeping more or seeming less interested in play
• Mood changes like grumpiness or hiding

If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to book a vet check-up.

Why winter makes it worse

Cold weather can tighten up muscles and joints, making arthritis symptoms worse. Pets are also less active in winter, which can lead to weight gain—and extra weight means extra pressure on sore joints.

That’s why it’s so important to manage arthritis during the cooler months.

How to help your pet feel better

There are many ways to support your pet’s joint health:

• ✅ Book a winter wellness check – Pet Doctor can assess your pet’s joints and recommend a plan
• Use joint supplements – glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s can help
• Keep your pet warm – use jackets, heated beds, or blankets for extra comfort
• Stay active – gentle, regular exercise helps keep joints moving
• ‍ Try arthritis medication – safe anti-inflammatories prescribed by your vet can reduce pain
• Avoid slippery floors – add rugs or pet mats to help with grip

Keep your pet happy and moving this winter

At our clinic, we offer Winter Joint Health Checks to help you catch early signs of arthritis and keep your pet comfortable all season long. The sooner we start treatment, the better the outcome for your pet’s mobility and wellbeing.

Don’t let your pet suffer in silence.
Book an arthritis check today and give them the care they need to stay active, pain-free, and happy.

Call us on 08 8268 6777
Servicing Adelaide and the Western Suburbs

As we enter the winter months in Australia, it’s important for pet owners to stay vigilant about the health and wellbeing of their dogs and cats. Just like humans, our furry companions are more susceptible to certain illnesses and health conditions during colder weather. At our veterinary clinic, we’re here to help you identify, manage, and prevent winter-related problems before they become serious.

1. Arthritis and Joint Pain
Cold weather can significantly worsen joint stiffness in pets, especially older dogs and cats suffering from arthritis. You might notice your pet hesitating to jump, walk, or climb stairs. They may become less active or appear to be in discomfort. Winter is an ideal time to schedule a check-up to explore pain management options, joint supplements, or anti-inflammatory treatments to keep them mobile and comfortable.

2. Skin and Coat Issues
Lower humidity and indoor heating can cause dry skin, flaking, and itchy coats. Cats may over groom and dogs may scratch excessively. Regular grooming, omega-3 supplements, and appropriate moisturising treatments can help maintain a healthy coat and skin barrier throughout winter.

3. Respiratory Infections
Colder temperatures can increase the risk of respiratory conditions like kennel cough in dogs or upper respiratory infections in cats. These can spread quickly in shared spaces like kennels, dog parks, or catteries. If your pet is coughing, sneezing, or showing signs of lethargy, a prompt veterinary visit is essential.

4. Weight Gain and Reduced Activity
With shorter days and cooler weather, pets may become less active and more prone to gaining weight. This can aggravate existing health problems such as diabetes or heart disease. We recommend adjusting their diet accordingly and finding ways to keep them mentally and physically engaged indoors.

5. Cold Sensitivity and Hypothermia
Smaller breeds, older pets, and those with thin coats are more sensitive to the cold. Exposure to low temperatures, especially overnight, can lead to hypothermia. Ensure your pet has warm bedding, avoid cold floors, and consider jackets or jumpers for dogs when walking outdoors.

6. Dental Problems
Pets often chew less during winter, especially if their diet changes. This can lead to tartar build-up and dental issues. A winter dental check-up can help avoid bad breath, pain, and more serious infections.

Book a winter health check with the Pet Doctor team today to ensure your pet stays healthy, happy, and safe through the season. Early intervention can prevent serious issues and give you peace of mind.

As pet owners become more attentive to changes in their furry friends, one of the most common concerns we see at our clinic is the discovery of lumps and bumps. These growths can appear anywhere on the body and may be soft, firm, slow-growing, or rapidly changing. While many are harmless, some can indicate more serious issues, including cancer.

At our veterinary practice, we urge owners not to wait and see. Early evaluation is the key to peace of mind and better outcomes. Here’s how we help:

• Thorough physical examination to assess size, location, and texture
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) – a quick, minimally invasive test to sample cells
• Biopsy – for more detailed analysis when necessary
• On-site diagnostic tools to fast-track results and treatment options

The earlier a lump is assessed, the more treatment options we have—especially if it turns out to be malignant. Many pet cancers, when caught early, can be successfully managed or even cured.

Common types of lumps include:

• Lipomas – benign fatty tumors
• Sebaceous cysts – often harmless but may require removal
• Mast cell tumors – potentially cancerous and should be checked promptly
• Abscesses or infections – typically treatable with medication

As a trusted and experienced veterinary team, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From diagnosis to treatment, we’ll ensure your pet gets the care they deserve.

Notice a new lump or bump?
Don’t delay—book an appointment today. Early detection can make all the difference.

Taking your dog for a walk is one of life’s greatest pleasures – a chance for both of you to enjoy fresh air, stretch your legs, and spend quality time together. But while it might be tempting to let your dog off-lead, especially if they seem well-behaved, doing so can lead to serious consequences – not just for your pet, but for others around you.

In Australia, our environment presents unique risks. From busy suburban roads to bush trails and beaches, the unpredictability of off-lead walking can turn a peaceful outing into a stressful or even dangerous experience.

Here’s why keeping your dog on a lead is not just sensible – it’s essential:

• Prevents scavenging and eating harmful substances: Dogs are opportunistic scavengers. They’ll happily hoover up anything from discarded food scraps to dead animals, bait, or even toxic plants. Many of these items can be contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or poisons. Gastrointestinal upsets, poisoning, or intestinal blockages are just some of the potential outcomes.
• Protects wildlife and native species: Australia’s unique wildlife is vulnerable to off-lead dogs. Even the most playful or friendly dogs can cause harm by chasing or disturbing birds, possums, or lizards.
• Improves safety near roads: Dogs can act unpredictably – darting across streets or running into traffic can lead to tragic accidents. A lead helps prevent split-second mistakes from becoming life-threatening.
• Reduces the risk of conflict: Not all dogs are social, and some people – including children and the elderly – may be fearful of dogs. A lead ensures your dog stays close and doesn’t approach other dogs or humans uninvited.
• Legal obligations: In many areas of Australia, councils require dogs to be on a lead in public spaces unless you’re in a designated off-lead area. Fines can apply for non-compliance.

While it might seem like giving your dog more freedom off-lead is a reward, the truth is that a lead gives you both a safer, more predictable walking experience. Use a lead as a way to build trust, reinforce training, and avoid unnecessary health scares or conflicts.

Your dog relies on you to keep them safe – and it starts with a lead.

We have officially entered Autumn! and here at Pet Doctor, it means we’re busy performing a variety of routine and seasonal procedures on cats and dogs to prepare them for the cooler months, manage seasonal allergies, and maintain their overall health.

Here are 10 common veterinary procedures performed by our team during this time:

1. Vaccinations & Booster Shots

• Ensuring pets are up to date with core vaccines (e.g., C5 for dogs, F3 for cats) before winter arrives.
• Canine Cough (Kennel Cough) vaccinations are recommended, especially for social dogs.

2. Parasite Prevention (Fleas, Ticks, Worms & Mites)

• Flea and tick treatments remain important as parasites can still be active in autumn.
• Heartworm prevention should continue year-round to protect against mosquito-borne heartworm disease.
• Intestinal worming (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms) is essential for both cats and dogs.

3. Arthritis Management & Pain Relief

• Colder weather can worsen joint pain in senior pets or breeds prone to arthritis.
• Vet visits may include joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s), cartilage injections (e.g., Pentosan or Synovan), or anti-inflammatory medications.

4. Dental Check-ups & Scale and Polish

• Dental disease worsens with time and can cause pain, infections, and organ damage.
• Our team will perform dental scale & polish procedures in the Autumn before winter when your pet may be less active.

5. Weight Management & Nutritional Assessments

• As activity levels drop in cooler months, pets are prone to weight gain.
• Vets may recommend diet adjustments, low-calorie foods, or metabolic treatments.

6. Skin & Allergy Treatments

• Autumn is peak season for grass allergies, pollens, and dust mites, leading to itchy skin, ear infections, and dermatitis.
• Treatments may include cytopoint injections, antihistamines, medicated shampoos, or omega fatty acid supplements.

7. Spaying & Neutering (Desexing)

• We often recommend desexing in Autumn to prevent spring breeding cycles.
• Benefits: Prevents unwanted litters, reduces roaming, and lowers the risk of some cancers.

8. Senior Pet Health Checks & Blood Tests

• Older pets often undergo blood tests to check organ function (kidneys, liver, thyroid).
• This helps detect early signs of conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or hypothyroidism.

9. Ear Cleaning & Infection Treatment

• Autumn humidity can contribute to ear infections (especially in floppy-eared dogs).
• The Pet Doctor Vets often perform ear flushes, prescribe antifungal or antibiotic drops, or recommend ear cleaning solutions.

10. Microchipping & ID Checks

• Cooler months can often bring storms, increasing the risk of pets escaping.
• We can check microchips and ID tags to ensure your pet can be returned home safely if lost.

As the cooler months approach in South Australia, Autumn is the ideal time for pet owners to focus on preventive care and seasonal health concerns for their cats and dogs. From vaccinations and parasite control to arthritis management and skin treatments, regular veterinary check-ups ensure pets remain healthy, comfortable, and protected as temperatures drop. Addressing potential health issues early—such as dental disease, weight gain, and allergies—can prevent more serious complications in winter.

By staying proactive with veterinary visits and seasonal treatments, you as pet owners can help your furry companions enjoy a happy, active, and healthy Autumn. If you haven’t scheduled a check-up yet, now is the perfect time to book an appointment with the Pet Doctor team to keep your pet in top condition throughout the season and beyond.

Well Summer is well and truly here! 

South Australia’s scorching summers can be tough on our furry friends. Unlike humans, pets can’t sweat efficiently, making them highly vulnerable to heat stress and dehydration. Here’s how to keep them safe during the warmer months.

1. Keep Them Hydrated

Ensure your pets have access to fresh, cool water at all times. Place multiple water bowls around your home and yard, and consider adding ice cubes to keep the water cool. If you’re heading out, bring a portable water bottle and dish.

2. Provide Shade and Shelter

Pets left outside must have a cool, shaded area that moves with the sun. Trees, pergolas, or pet-friendly cooling mats can help. Avoid metal kennels, which can trap heat, making them dangerously hot.

3. Avoid Walking in Peak Heat

Hot pavement can burn your pet’s paws. Walk your dog in the early morning or late evening when the ground is cooler. A simple test: if the ground is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.

4. Never Leave Pets in Cars

Even with the windows down, cars heat up rapidly, reaching lethal temperatures in minutes. If you can’t take your pet with you, leave them at home in a cool environment.

5. Watch for Heat Stress

Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or vomiting are signs of heatstroke. If you notice these, move your pet to a cool place, offer water, and seek veterinary help immediately.

Stay proactive this summer and keep your pets safe from the harsh Australian heat! ☀️