Category: Pet Articles

Easter Hazards

Easter Hazards

Easter can be an exciting time for both adults and children. While we prepare for Easter, it is essential to keep an eye on potential dangers for your furry friend.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine (a chemical compound found in the cacao plant), which can be fatal to our pets. It is important to keep chocolate out of reach this Easter. If you are hiding chocolate eggs, keep your pets in a safe location away from the hunt and record where you have hidden the eggs.

If you do suspect your pet may have eaten some chocolate, call us straight away, as symptoms can take up to three hours to show.

Some symptoms to look out for include:

  • Vomiting,
  • Diarrhoea,
  • Increased urination,
  • Restlessness,
  • Hyperactivity,
  • Twitching,
  • And in severe cases, seizures.

Hot cross buns

Hot cross buns are another treat to keep out of reach of our furry friends. Some hot cross buns contain chocolate which can be fatal to our pets. They can also contain raisins. Raisins, grapes, sultanas and currants have been shown to cause acute kidney failure in dogs. The exact reason is still not identified; therefore, we cannot determine how much is toxic or which pets will be affected. Some pets can eat a few grapes with no ill effects, whereas others may become severely ill with the same amount.

It is always better to be on the safe side; if you suspect your pet has eaten any, please call us immediately.

Initial signs can include:

  • Vomiting,
  • Diarrhoea.

 

Noises and crowds

New visitors, noises and smells can sometimes cause anxiety for your pet. To help minimise your pet’s stress;

  • Create a calm, quiet spot for your pet away from the noise.
  • Exercise your pet before any guests arrive.

Decorations

Small and cute Easter decorations could become choking hazards for your pet or, if broken, can cause cuts to their mouths. Ensure all decorations are out of your pet’s reach or too big for them to fit in their mouths. If your pet has swallowed or eaten any decorations, please call our team.

Flowers

Some flowers are toxic to our pets. If you decorate with flowers or receive them as gifts, place them in a location your pet can’t get to. Some flowers and plants to look out for include:

Common Poisonous House Plants
 
Common Name Botanical Name Poisonous Part
Bird of Paradise Strelizia regirae Fruit, seeds
Boston Ivy Parthenocissus quinquefolia All parts
Caladium Caladium All parts
Creeping Charlie Glecoma hederacea All parts
Dumbcane Dieffenbachia All parts
Emerald Duke Philodendron hastatum All parts
Glacier Ivy Hedera glacier Leaves, berries
Heartleaf Philadendron cordatum All parts
English Ivy Hedera helix Leaves, berries
Lily/Liliaceae Family Lilium All parts
Marble Queen Scindapsus aureus All parts
Majesty Philodendron hastatum All parts
Nephthytis, Arrowhead Vine Synogonium podophyllum albolineatum All parts
Parlor Ivy Philodendron cordatum All parts
Pothos Scindapsus aureus All parts
Red Princess Philodendron hastatum All parts
Saddleleaf Philodendron selloum All parts
Split leaf Philodendron Monstera deliciosa All parts
Umbrella Plant Cyperus alternifolius All parts

 

Common Poisonous Outdoor Plants
Common Name Botanical Name Poisonous Part
Apricot Prunus ameniaca Stem, bark, seed pits
Azalea Rhododendron occidentale All parts
Baneberry Actaea Spicata Berries, roots, foliage
Buchberry Lantana All parts
Castor Bean Ricinus communis Seeds, if chewed
Choke Cherry Prunus virginica Leaves, seed pits, stems, bark
Daffodil Narcissus Bulbs
Daphne Daphne mezereum Berries, bark, leaves
Foxglove Digitalis purpura Leaves, seeds, flowers
Hemlock Conium maculatum All parts, root and root stalk
Hens-and-Chicks Lantana All parts
Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis Bulbs, leaves, flowers
Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla Leaves, buds
Jerusalem Cherry Solanim pseudocapscium All parts, unripe fruit
Jimson Weed Datura stramonium All parts
Jonquil Narcissus Bulbs
Lily-of-the-Valley Convallaria majalis All parts
Mandrake Podophyllum peltatum Roots, foliage, unripe fruit
Mistletoe Phoradendron Flavescens Berries
Morning Glory Ipomoea violaces Seeds
Nightshade Atropa belladonna All parts
Oleander Norium Oleander All parts, including dried leaves
Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima Leaves, flowers
Pokeweed, Inkberry Phytolacca americana All parts
Red Sage Lantana camara Green berries
Rhododendron Rhododendron All parts
Rhubarb Rheum raponticum Leaves
Sweet Pea Lathyrus odoratus Seeds, pods
Tulip Tulipa Bulbs
Wisteria Wisteria Seeds, pods
Yew Taxus Needles, bark, seeds

 

If your pet has nibbled on any of your plants, please take a photo of the plant for later identification and reference, and call our team immediately.

For more Easter tips, please call us on (07) 3807 4113 or book an appointment online! We hope you enjoy a lovely long weekend.

Hot Weather & Heatstroke

Separation Anxiety

You’ve likely been spending lots of time at home during the pandemic, and no doubt your dog has enjoyed this quality time with you. If like many, you’ve welcomed a new furry family member into your home during this period, they’ll be very used to having you around most of the time. This poses a challenge for our pets when they start spending more time alone. Some dogs may take these new changes to their routine fine. But for other pets, it could bring about separation anxiety, which can be very distressing for dogs and owners alike.

 

Separation anxiety is one of the most common yet most underdiagnosed behavioural problems in dogs. The clinical signs of excessive barking, howling, destruction, self-mutilation, urination, and defecation can significantly affect both dogs and owners. Luckily, veterinarians understand separation anxiety, and there are treatment options available to manage this condition and improve the quality of life for your special furry family member.

 

Separation anxiety is distress experienced on separation from you as the owner(s). Anxiety is the “anticipation of future danger or misfortune” – Dr K Seksel. Dogs are social animals, and it is normal for a puppy to become attached to their litter and then subsequently to the human family that becomes their home. Some dogs do not adjust to being without their owners and develop separation distress. Some dogs may become destructive or vocalise if under-stimulated and not provided with the appropriate physical exercise and mental stimulation. However, signs of separation anxiety become apparent when they are linked to the owner’s departures or absence, when they cannot gain access to them and when they cannot adjust to their absences over time. These dogs are anxious and are not “acting out” or trying to spite their owners; they are having a difficult time and need help.

 

Pay attention to your dog’s behaviour before you leave the house. Some possible signs to look for are:

  • Signs of distress, especially when your dog sees cues that you are leaving like picking up keys, putting on shoes or applying make-up
  • Following you around unusually
  • Pacing
  • Try desperately to go with you
  • Reacting to noises unusually
  • House soiling
  • Panting and drooling
  • Freezing
  • Barking
  • Scratching
  • Other signs of distress

 

Some possible signs of separation anxiety while you’re away from your dog include coming home to:

  • Digging in the garden
  • Destructive behaviours around the house
  • Trying to escape
  • Reports from neighbours of repetitive barking, whining or howling
  • House soiling

 

If you notice any of these signs of separation anxiety, please speak to your veterinarian. Depending on the case, they may refer you to a veterinarian with further qualifications in behaviour or a veterinary behaviour specialist.

 

Come prepared for your Vet consult with a thorough understanding of your dog’s history, routine, and any changes to their routine that could be causing the anxiety.

 

Things your Vet may recommend to address your pet’s separation anxiety:

  • The use of calming pheromones, like Adaptil diffusers, sprays or collars
  • Encouraging independence through positive reinforcement exercises
  • Creating a structured and predictable routine for your dog
  • Make departures and arrivals low-key (calmly speaking to your dog, but not ignoring them completely)
  • Offering your dog food puzzles, long-lasting chews, and feeding devices to give your dog something to enjoy while you’re away
  • A focus on physical exercise and mental stimulation – a tired dog will be more likely to relax while when you’re gone
  • Desensitisation and counterconditioning to cues that hint you are leaving the home
  • Enriching their environment – leave the radio on to make the house feel less quiet and empty. Make sure they have access to their favourite bed and toys.
  • Medication or supplements to address the underlying anxiety

 

It is essential that a puppy or dog can cope with being left alone. In our busy lives, it’s unrealistic to be with them 24/7, so separation anxiety needs to be addressed with your veterinarian. It may be a journey to help your distressed friend to find comfort on their own, but there are options available to help. If you suspect your pet may be suffering from separation anxiety, please give our team a call.

 

Tick Paralysis Treatment

Introduction to Paralysis Ticks

The Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus) injects a potentially fatal paralysing toxin when the female tick feeds off your pet. Ticks are commonly picked up in bushland or around waterways on the eastern coast of Australia. Native animals are not affected by paralysis ticks. Tick Paralysis is more common through the warmer, wetter months but can occur year-round.

The picture above demonstrates the change in size between an unengorged female tick compared to a fully engorged female tick.

Symptoms of Tick Parlysis

The tick toxin prevents nerves from activating muscles. This produces the “paralysis” that we see in affected pets. Once they start to become affected, pets can die from the toxin paralysing their breathing muscles if not treated.

The three major muscle groups the tick toxin paralyses are:

  • Leg muscles: difficulty walking, wobbly or drunken gait, an inability to stand that gets worse over time;
  • Chest muscles: difficulty breathing, increased breathing effort;
  • Throat muscles: difficulty or inability to swallow, increased drooling, vomiting or regurgitating and an unusual sounding bark or meow.

Treatment

Treatment for tick paralysis involves the following:

  • Sedative drugs, to keep your pet calm during their treatment. Tick paralysis patients are often much more stressed than normal which worsens their breathing.
  • Premedication drugs such as atropine, to dry up saliva secretions and also reduce the risk of reaction to the tick antiserum.
  • Placement of an intravenous catheter, to deliver the tick antiserum. Tick antiserum mops up tick toxin that has not already bound. Tick antiserum cannot remove toxin that has already attached to nerves. Your pet’s body will break it down in their own time. Tick antiserum does not provide immunity to further ticks.
  • Every effort must be made to find all possible ticks as they will continue to intoxicate your pet whilst still attached. This is why a full body clip is necessary for all pets with hair longer than a Greyhound’s.
  • A bath in an anti-tick solution to kill any ticks we cannot locate- becasue ticks are very small when they first attach, and may not be found before they cause further paralysis.
  • Intravenous fluids – because your pet can’t eat or drink whilst their throat is paralysed and they cannot swallow properly.
  • We intensively monitor your pet whilst they are hospitalised, this may include blood tests to monitor various factors such as their lung function, hydration status and electrolyte levels.
  • We may need to provide oxygen therapy if your pet is having difficulty breathing (like the dog in the picture below).
  • Aspiration pneumonia, caused by fluid from the stomach being regurgitated up and going into the lungs (if your pet can’t swallow) is one of the biggest complications of tick paralysis.
  • Medications to prevent vomiting and regurgitation reduce the risk of them developing aspiration pneumonia but do not eliminate the risk completely.
  • If your pet develops aspiration pneumonia then further medication and treatment will be required.
  • Seriously affected patients sometimes require a ventilator machine to keep them breathing until their body can remove the tick toxin themselves.
  • Pets can go home once they are able to eat properly, walk normally and urinate by themselves.

Tick antiserum is a blood product, which means allergic reactions can occur to the transfusion. Please notify us if your pet has ever had a blood transfusion, plasma transfusion, tick antiserum, or snake antivenom treatment before.

Outcomes

Tick paralysis manifests differently in each patient. Complications can develop quickly regardless of initial severity, even after the tick antiserum has been administered, and these can change both the treatment and the outcome.

Therefore, treatment can be unpredictable, possibly difficult and costs can escalate unexpectedly. Many cases are uncomplicated – they receive treatment, remain hospitalised for a short time and go home. The average stay in hospital for tick paralysis is 3 days.

However, other patients can develop complications such as pneumonia, and require days of intensive care. We consider every pet affected by a tick to be critical until they have fully recovered.

Hot Weather & Heatstroke

Hot Weather & Heatstroke

 

We all love spending quality time with our pets on a hot summer’s day. However, we need to stay vigilant in summer, as the warmer weather can expose our pets to several dangers.

One of these dangers is heatstroke. Heatstroke, or hyperthermia, occurs when your pet’s body temperature rises rapidly. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment.

There are several causes for heatstroke, including:

  • – Being left in a hot car,
  • – Being left outdoors during extreme heat,
  • – Not having enough shade and water when outdoors,
  • – Exercising in hot weather.

 

It is important to know the signs of heatstroke – even if you avoid all the above.

Your pet may show some or all of the below symptoms:

  • – Excessive panting,
  • – Restlessness,
  • – Drooling excessively,
  • – Becoming unstable on their feet,
  • – Their gums turn a bluish-purple or bright red colour.

If your pet is showing any of the above symptoms, you must take them to a vet immediately.

Make sure to cool your pet while you are on your way to see us.

The most effective way to cool your pet is by using a fan or air-conditioning. You can also use a damp towel or a spray bottle filled with water to cool them lightly. It is important not to submerge your pet in ice-cold water, as this could be detrimental to their recovery.

Other warm-weather tips: 

  • – In hot weather, it is also essential to keep your pet’s feet in mind – if the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it is too hot for your pets! Keep them inside, walk in the shade, or use pet socks/shoes if it’s not possible to keep them off hot surfaces.
  • – Always ensure there are plenty of cool places with shade and fresh water for your pet to access on hot days. Never leave them unattended in a car, even if the windows are down.
  • – Before the weather gets too warm, book your pet in for a groom to remove any unnecessary shedding hair, and a trim where suitable. Do not shave your pet’s coat yourself – some breeds require their coats to help regulate body temperature.
  • – Brachycephalic dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke and can develop serious health issues quickly due to their inability to pant efficiently. If you own a brachycephalic dog (a dog with a flattened face, such as a French or English bulldog, Pug, Boston terrier, Pekinese, Boxer, etc.), please be very mindful of their whereabouts on a hot day, and keep an eye out for any of these symptoms.

 

If you think your pet is suffering heatstroke, or you want to know more about how to prevent it, call our team today!

Hot-spots

Hot-spots

 

Hot-spots are a common problem amongst dogs, and some breeds like golden retrievers, labradors, and rottweilers may be more susceptible to these than others.
What is a hot spot?

A hot-spot can otherwise be known as a ‘moist skin rash,’ acute moist dermatitis, or pyotraumatic dermatitis. It is an area of skin or lesion that looks red, inflamed, and may have matted hair on or around it, and sometimes slimy discharge. They develop very quickly and can progress within hours.

Usually, they can be found around the dogs:

  • Head
  • Neck
  • Tail/backside

What causes hot-spots?

  • Flea infestation
  • Ear infections
  • Allergies
  • Warm & humid weather
  • Wet fur against the skin (for long periods – i.e. under the collar after swimming)
  • Underlying medical conditions

These issues promote bacterial growth, making the area very itchy and potentially sore.

While being relatively easy to spot, your pet will likely alert you to the hot-spot with excessive scratching and licking if the area is within reach.

How are hot-spots treated?

To treat a hot-spot, we will:

  • Trim the fur from around the area
  • Clean the area with an antiseptic
  • Use antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory treatments

In some cases, ongoing use of antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory treatments may be required to treat the infection and allow the skin to heal properly. Hot-spots may be sensitive or painful to treat, and we may recommend a general anaesthetic if appropriate.

 

Due to the fast-moving nature of these infections, we recommend you bring your dog to see us as soon as possible if you suspect a hot-spot is forming. The quicker we can treat your dog, the less chance the hot-spot has of becoming large, difficult to treat, and painful.

If you have any questions or want to make a booking, call us on(07) 3807 4113, email us info@jstvet.com.au, or book online today.

Christmas & New Year’s Hazards

Christmas & New Year’s Hazards

 

The silly season is an exciting time of year, with Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations giving us plenty of reasons to let loose and celebrate. With an increase of visitors, noises, tasty treats, shiny new toys, and interesting smells, this time of year can be overwhelming for our pets.

 

Here are some recommendations to make sure your furry friends are safe and happy during this festive time.

  • Make sure your pet has access to a quiet, calm, and secluded spot to hide away if needed

 

  • Exercise your pets before any guests arrive or before any particularly noisy events (i.e., fireworks displays) if you can – a pet with pent up energy can easily become anxious

 

  • Keep Christmas decorations and wrapping items (paper, tape, ribbon, discarded plastic, etc.) out of your pet’s reach. If ingested, these items can cause serious health problems, including intestinal blockages that may require surgical removal

 

  • Many plants and flowers used for Christmas decorations are toxic to pets – be sure to keep these out of reach

 

  • Many foods we see at celebrations are toxic to pets and can even be fatal. Make sure your pet does not have access to:
    • Chocolate
    • Christmas pudding
    • Salty foods (chips, pretzels, crackers, etc.)
    • Lollies & artificial sweeteners
    • Grapes, sultanas, raisins, and currants
    • Alcohol
    • Cherry pits (and other stone fruit pits)
    • Macadamias
    • Corn cobs
    • Avocado
    • Cooked bones

 

 

Fireworks can be terrifying for pets. Here is a list of tips for preparing your pet for fireworks displays:

 

  • Keep pets indoors when possible. The walls and roof will help to soften the noise and will also contain them safely.
  • Prepare your pet for loud noises during the day by putting on the TV or radio. Turn the volume up progressively throughout the day, so when the fireworks display commences, the existing noise will create a distraction
  • Avoid fussing over your pet. Carry on as normal, as this will reassure your pet nothing is wrong. You can use treats and games to distract them and encourage calm behaviour.
  • Ensure your pet’s microchip and identification tag details are up to date. Unfortunately, many pets escape during fireworks displays and can be found very far from home.
  • Pheromone diffusers could help to calm your pet. Talk to our team about Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs.
  • Some pet owners choose to use medications to assist in keeping particularly anxious pets calm. This is not something our team can organise for you without prior consultation, so please book in advance.

 

Our appointments during the festive season fill up very quickly, so be sure to organise an appointment as soon as possible.

 

If you suspect your pet has ingested something they shouldn’t, has injured themselves, or you would like more advice on keeping them safe over the Christmas and New Year’s period, give our friendly team a call on (07 ) 3807 4113 or book online to organise an appointment.

Water Safety

Water Safety

 

Some pets love to get involved in fun water activities when the weather heats up.

Whether you are going to the beach, a river, a lake, on a boat, or just staying at home by the pool, these waterside safety tips will help you, and your pet enjoy the warm weather safely.

 

  • Look out for oysters!

Their sharp shells can cause deep cuts to skin and paws that can be incredibly painful for your pet, requiring stitches and potentially antibiotics to ward off any nasty infections.

  • Prevent scavenging

There are some wonderfully smelly things your pet might find by the water that can be very dangerous if ingested, including dead fish and other animals (some can be toxic!), discarded fishing items, rubbish, and more. If you see any of these items lying around, please pick them up and dispose of them properly to save other pets or native animals from finding them.

  • Fishing hooks & line

Leftover, poorly discarded bait & gutted fish can cause gastrointestinal upsets such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Often, these tasty morsels may also include a fishing hook or line, which has a high potential of significant medical problems if ingested. Fishhooks can become stuck in the oesophagus (food pipe) or stomach. This will usually require the hooks to be removed endoscopically or surgically.

  • Carry fresh water

Prevent your pet from drinking salt or stagnant water and offer them fresh water to avoid them getting sick. Excess salt will lead to dehydration and can cause vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Stagnant water can host all sorts of nasties, like waterborne diseases and parasites.

  • Seaweed & Kelp

Do not let your pet play with or eat seaweed and kelp. Ingested seaweed and kelp can lead to intestinal blockages, which can be fatal if not surgically removed in severe cases.

  • Shoreside critters

There are many animals and plants that live around water – some toxic. Ingesting, licking, being bitten, or stung by one of these organisms will not only be painful but present problems for your furry friend.

  • Algae

Algal blooms are common in stagnant water, especially over the warmer months when the conditions are just right. Blue-green algae, and many other types, are toxic to cats and dogs when ingested.

Life jackets

  • If there is a chance your pet could end up in deep water on a day out, investing in a life jacket may prove to be very beneficial.

Wash your pet

  • Make sure to wash your pet after playing in the water. Washing off salty water and river water is essential to ensure there are no nasties in your pet’s coat or irritating their skin.

Beware of pools

  • Pool covers present a very serious danger – if your pet falls in, they may become trapped and could drown. Pets can often struggle to get out of the pool if they fall in, also leading to drowning. Never leave your pets unsupervised around the pool.

 

Speak to us if you have questions or concerns about any of the above hazards.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something they shouldn’t or has suffered an injury by the water, give our team a call right away for help!

Snakes

Snakes

Armed with curiosity and natural hunting instincts, it is not uncommon for our pets to cross paths with a snake.  In the warmer months, snakes become much more active. Because of this, we must be careful to protect our pets from snake bites and to be aware of the warning signs in case our pet is bitten.

 

If you do suspect a snake has bitten your pet, call us ASAP.

How do I keep my pet safe from snakes?

Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to stop your pet from being bitten by a snake. However, by following a few rules, you can significantly reduce the risk of your pet coming in contact with a snake.

  1. Keep your pet on a leash when walking them through deep grass, the bush or along creeks
  2. Remove rubble, building materials etc. from your backyard where snakes can hide.
  3. Invest in snake-proof fencing for your property.
  4. Remove food scraps from outside that may attract rats (and therefore snakes).
  5. Keep your grass short.
  6. If you suspect or know there is a snake, keep your pet away and get in touch with a snake catcher to have it removed. Do not try and move the snake yourself.

How do I know a snake has bitten my pet?

Signs of snake bites can vary depending on the species of snake, as well as the bite location.

Common signs can include;

  • Dilated pupils not responsive to light.
  • Weakness in hind legs (which often leads to paralysis).
  • Rapid and shallow breathing.
  • Bleeding from wounds.
  • Shaking or twitching of the muscles.
  • Vomiting and loss of bowel control.
  • Red urine

Signs of snake bite usually appear half an hour to 24 hours after an animal is bitten. Dogs typically show signs quicker than cats.

What do I do if a snake has bitten my pet?

If you suspect that your pet has been bitten, get them to us as soon as possible. The sooner they are treated, the better their chances of survival.

There are some important things you can do to help your pet while you are on the way to the vet:

  • Keep your pet calm and cool.
  • Keep your pet still. Carry your pet if they need to be moved (such as to the car).
  • If the bite is on the neck, remove their collar.
  • Try and keep the site of the bite below the level of their heart.

Snake bites can be fatal and prevention is best. If you do have any questions about snakes or snake bites, book an appointment to talk to one of our team.

Parasites

Parasites

As the weather warms up, we start to see more parasite problems for all sorts of pets.
Here are some of the more common parasites we come across, as well as some information on the problems they cause and how to get rid of them.

Fleas
Fleas are relatively easy to spot, and if not, your pet will let you know! Look out for these clues:

  • Your pet might constantly be scratching or chewing and become quite irritable.
  • You might notice red, sore-looking bumps or blisters on your pet’s skin.
  • If you look close enough, you might see ‘flea dirt’ – this is a flea waste product that looks like tiny little flecks of pepper.
  • Sometimes, you can even see the fleas moving around themselves – tiny little brown or black wingless insects, with an incredible jump!

Flea bites are not only uncomfortable and frustrating for your pets, but they can also lead to serious wound infections, anaemia, tapeworms, and dermatitis.
Moving swiftly is the key to flea treatment! You will need to treat:

  • Every pet in your household
  • Pet bedding
  • Carpet
  • Furniture
  • Any other soft furnishings a flea or its eggs might be hiding

In clinic, we offer a wide range of products and tools to treat your pet for fleas, and we can offer some very helpful tips for dealing with an outbreak. Give us a call if you have any questions, or book online to organise an appointment.

Ticks
Ticks can be found in every state of Australia. There are many different species of ticks, and some pose a significant threat to the wellbeing of our pets. The most common species that affect our pets are the paralysis tick, the bush tick, the cattle tick, and the brown dog tick.

  • Paralysis ticks are particularly dangerous, as they deliver a neurotoxin into our pet’s bloodstream as they feed, leading to severe paralysis of the muscles – including the heart, proving fatal.
  • Brown dog ticks are not deadly themselves but can cause dermatitis and anaemia, as well as carry some nasty diseases, including Ehrlichiosis, which has only recently been discovered in more northern parts of Australia, and is spreading to some southern parts.

The best practice is to regularly check your dog for ticks after being outside – run your fingers through their coats to feel for any unusual lumps on their skin. Be sure to check over your pets’ entire body, especially:

  • Around their head and ears
  • Inside their ears
  • In their mouths
  • Under their tail
  • Between their toes
  • Underneath their collar

Ticks are sneaky and can easily latch on to many different areas on your pet.

If you come across a tick, be sure to give us a call to organise its removal as soon as possible – it is vital to act quickly and we will ensure to remove all of the tick – even a small part leftover can continue to cause problems for your furry friend.

Keeping your dog protected year-round from ticks is key – we recommend tick prevention treatments like spot-on drops or tick collars. Speak to us today for our recommendation and prevent your pet from any unnecessary discomfort and illness.

Mosquitoes
Dogs, cats, rodents. and birds make for easy targets and tasty snacks for mosquitoes. While the mosquito bite itself is more annoying than threatening, mosquitoes can spread heartworm and other potentially fatal parasites to your pets.

We recommend making sure there is no stagnant or still water around the backyard – this is where mosquito larvae grow. If possible, bring your pets indoors between dusk and dawn, or make sure they have a safe, meshed area to sleep in. Pet safe mosquito and insect repellents are available that may be used. Speak to us if you have any concerns about mozzies in your area.

Intestinal worms
Many different worms can affect our pets! Some species are not exclusive to cats and dogs, but rodents, birds, and reptiles too. Some more common worms we see are:

  • Roundworm
  • Hookworm
  • Tapeworm
  • Whipworm
  • Heartworm

These worms can be transmitted in several ways, including:

  • Coming into contact with (or eating) soil, grass, or faeces containing larvae or eggs,
  • Coming into direct contact with an infected animal
  • Transmitted in-utero or through milk fed to babies
  • Via insects, such as mosquitoes and fleas

Symptoms associated with worm infestations can include:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Bloody stools
  • Anaemia
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Visible worms – either in stools or around the anus
  • Lung disease

Prevention is the best cure – by administering regular preventatives which are available in various forms and combinations with other parasite control products. Ask our team for advice on the best preventative for your pet. If your pet is unwell, please book a consultation.

Giardia
Giardia is a lesser-known parasite that is surprisingly common. It is a microscopic protozoan that can infect humans, dogs, and cats.
Giardia contaminates bodies of water – it can be ingested by your pet when drinking or having a swim, this is why we see cases of giardia infection more often in the warmer months. Signs your pet may be infected include:

  • Chronic diarrhoea
  • Reduced activity
  • Sudden or inexplicable weight loss
  • Bloody stools

Giardia is not usually life-threatening, but it is important to treat as your pet will feel unwell.
Give us a call or book an appointment if you think your pet may have giardia, it can be easily treated with after diagnosis.

If you have any concerns about parasites and your pet, give us a call on (07) 3807 4113 to organise a consultation or book online to discuss these with your vet.

Itchy skin and ear infections

Itchy skin and ear infections

Around springtime, we often see an increase in itchy skin (dermatitis) and ear infections in dogs and cats.

How to spot itchy skin
You should know almost right away if your cat or dog has dermatitis. Here are a few of the common signs:

  • – Constant scratching, licking, or chewing at the skin
  • – Flaky, scaly, or greasy skin
  • – Unusual and excessive hair loss in isolated or large areas
  • – Inflamed, swollen, broken, or bleeding areas of skin (usually caused by scratching, chewing, licking)
  • – Hives or red bumps or rashes
  • – Unpleasant smelling skin (especially in dogs)

Areas most commonly affected in both cats and dogs include the ears, ankles, underarms, groin and lower abdomen, around the eyes, and the muzzle region of their face.

What causes itchy skin?
There can be many causes of dermatitis in dogs and cats. Some of the more common causes include:

  • – Allergies (caused by dust mites, mould spores, pollen, grasses, plant sap, household chemicals, etc.)
  • – Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites
  • – Generally dry skin
  • – Skin infections (like eczema, ringworm fungus, yeast, and other bacterial infections)
  • – Foreign objects (i.e., a grass seed, thorn, splinter, or other foreign matter stuck in your pet’s skin)
  • – Boredom or anxiety (chewing and licking the skin due to boredom can upset the skin’s natural balance and lead to greater irritations)
  • – Wet or damp fur for prolonged periods of time
  • – Poor nutrition
  • – Hormonal imbalances

Most of these conditions have very simple, effective treatments, including dietary changes, parasite control treatments (topical and ingested), pet-safe moisturisers, and grooming.

Does your cat or dog have an ear infection?
Look out for these common ear infection symptoms:

  • – Constant or unusual shaking or tilting of the head
  • – Constant or unusual scratching or pawing of the ears
  • – Swelling or red skin around or inside the ears
  • – Unpleasant smelling ears
  • – Brown, yellow, black, or green discharge in or around the ears

There are many different causes of ear infections in pets:

  • – Heat
  • – Foreign objects (dirt, grass seeds, etc.)
  • – Trapped fluid (water from swimming or playing)
  • – Ear mites
  • – Excessive wear wax
  • – Allergies
  • – Some breeds of dogs with floppy ears are also very prone to ear infections. We recommend regular ear cleaning to prevent infections; speak to us and learn how to do this safely and comfortably for your pet.If you are worried your pet has an ear infection or dermatitis, please book an appointment online, or give us a call on (07) 3807 4113 so we can diagnose the problem and recommend a quick and efficient treatment.