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Gastro and Gut Upsets

Written by Sarah Heather on . Posted in Common Conditions, Healthcare, Medical, Non Medical, Preventative, Uncategorized. No Comments on Gastro and Gut Upsets

Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Pets: Guidelines for Care

Diarrhoea is defined as the frequent evacuation of soft or watery stools.
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.

Vomiting and diarrhoea are symptoms commonly linked to various issues collectively known as gastroenteritis. The severity can vary significantly, with some cases being quite serious, such as poisoning, and others being relatively minor, like dietary indiscretion. If a fever is present, an infection may be the underlying cause. Many infections that result in diarrhoea and vomiting are contagious, so if you have a multi-pet household, it is crucial to isolate other pets immediately to prevent the spread of potential infection.

You should assess your pet for signs of dehydration, such as skin tenting or tacky gums. Contact your vet, especially if the pet is young or appears unusually lethargic, as diarrhoea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration.

Avoid giving over-the-counter or prescription medications without veterinary approval.
Veterinary staff will be able to provide general advice over the phone, but please keep in mind that phone advice can only ever be general. A specific care plan requires a physical examination.
If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours or your pet is lethargic, not eating/drinking or the vomit has blood in it, bring your pet straight into the clinic.

If your pet’s diarrhoea lasts for more than 48 hours, or your pet is acting sick, such as being lethargic or loss of appetite, seek immediate veterinary care.
For an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it is essential to have a consultation with a veterinarian.
A vet will assess your pet and if necessary determine the underlying cause and develop a tailored treatment plan.

Ignoring these symptoms or attempting to treat them without veterinary guidance can lead to complications, so seeking expert advice is crucial to ensure your pet’s health and recovery.

Puppy Preventive Healthcare

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Puppy Vaccination & Safe Socialisation Guidelines

Newtown Veterinary Clinic offers a preventative healthcare program tailored to the unique needs of your pet. This program is based on current research and recommendations from global vaccination guidelines and information from vaccine and preventative care medication manufacturers.

The guidelines are continually evolving, and recommendations may vary depending on disease prevalence, environmental conditions and your puppy’s lifestyle and risk of disease exposure. Our vets work collaboratively with pet owners to create the best preventative healthcare plan.

Vaccinations
There are 4 main infectious diseases that we routinely vaccinate for:

  • Canine Parvovirus (aka. Parvo)
  • Canine Infectious Hepatitis (aka Adenovirus)
  • Canine Distemper Virus (aka Distemper)
  • Canine Cough (aka Kennel cough)
    • Bordetella Bronchisepta 
    • Parainfluenza Virus

We vaccinate for Parvo, Distemper and Adenovirus because they have the propensity to become very severe, even fatal, in dogs and even more so in puppies. Through routine vaccination, we can minimise the likelihood of your pet contracting these diseases.

Kennel Cough is caused by two main viral factors (some bacteria are also involved; however, we cannot vaccinate against bacteria). It is a disease that is spread rapidly through large congregations of dogs (such as those in a boarding kennel or at a dog park). It causes clinical signs of coughing with lots of mucous production. Through vaccination, these clinical signs can be minimised, and the effects disease lessened.

Vaccinations for puppies require a total of 3 boosters.
The timeline for these is as follows:

  • 1st vaccination: 6-8 weeks of age
  • 2nd vaccination: 10-12 weeks of age
  • 3rd vaccination: 16 weeks of age
  • Adult vaccinations: occur yearly after the completion of the 3rd puppy vaccine 

The chart at the end of this document displays how this coincides with other preventative healthcare measures.

Parasites (Internal and External)
There are 4 main parasites that we prevent for:

  • Fleas
  • Ticks / mites
  • Intestinal worms
  • Heartworm

Current recommendations suggest that puppies should receive a worming product once every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then once a month until they are 6 months old, and finally at regular intervals for life. Some products require monthly application, others require once every 3 months. Your vet/nurses will discuss with you which option may be best for your family.

Fleas and Ticks/Mites
These parasites attach to the animal on the skin. These ectoparasites are easily prevented by the application of a parasite prevention product.

Intestinal Worms
Dogs can be affected by a few different kinds of worms, namely roundworm, whipworm, hookworm and tapeworm. All of these find homes in the intestines of our pets and can cause varying signs of disease (some cause diarrhoea, others cause intestinal bleeding). These intestinal parasites can be prevented by the application of a parasite prevention product.

Heartworm
As is suggested by the name, heartworm is a worm that lives in the heart. This worm can go undetected, and some animals can live with this parasite and never show clinical signs. However, for those that do show clinical signs, treatment options are limited. It is for this reason that we strongly suggest finding a parasite prevention product which covers heartworm in addition to the intestinal worms and ectoparasites.

Diet
All puppies require a diet that is rich in nutrients and suited to the needs of growing. As such, we recommend a diet that is specifically for puppies. Your vet can assist you in choosing a pet food suited for your family.

Desexing
Desexing is not recommended before 6 months of age. When to desex your dog does depend on various factors including breed, size and health. We will discuss the ideal time to desex your dog to ensure the best outcome.

Socialisation
We advocate for the early socialisation of puppies between 6 and 16 weeks of age, which is the essential learning stage for behavioural development.
For all puppy social experiences before vaccinations are complete, owners should maintain vigilance by following these steps:

  • Avoid areas frequently visited by dogs with unknown vaccination or disease status
  • Early socialisation is best achieved if you know and can organise socialisation with other puppies or dogs that are known to be healthy and vaccinated

NVC’s Puppy Preschool classes are conducted in a safe and clean environment, each puppy that attends must be up to date with vaccinations. This is the best way to ensure we don’t exposure you puppy to any potential illnesses and diseases. 

Identification
All dogs are required to be microchipped. Most often, the microchip is implanted when the puppies are still with the breeder. It is the new owner’s responsibility to ensure that the details are updated. This requires a “change of ownership” form to be completed. Once this form is completed, it must be submitted to council, where it will be processed and updated on the registry. 
Our team can assist you in checking that your details are up-to-date.

Dental SPA

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DENTAL SPA

A Dental SPA Day at Newtown Vet Clinic involves a Scale & Polish and Assessment of your pets teeth.

Once the Vet has assesed the health of your pets teeth, we are able to book your pet in for a SPA. Under general anaesthetic we do a full mouth of radiographs and scale and polish the teeth. We chart the mouth and make a plan for any future oral surgery/extractions that may be required.

WHY A DENTAL SPA?
At Newtown Veterinary Clinic, we like to provide options to our clients. Dental disease can often be hidden beneath the gum line, making it difficult to assess its extent without radiographs. These X-rays allow us to accurately evaluate your pet’s oral health and determine the necessary treatments.

When we usually book your pet’s dental procedure, we send through an estimate of the costs as prices for oral surgery can vary. Your pet may require no extractions or multiple extractions, resulting in a wide range of potential costs. We understand that the uncertainty around costs can be concerning for many pet owners.
A Dental SPA means your pet has their scale, polish and assessment including radiographs first, this allows us to see if extractions are required, and we can schedule this next procedure for a few weeks time.
This saves you money as the radiographs and scale and polish are not repeated, the extractions are planned and a definitive dental cost provided for the procedure.

We will always call you during the procedure, to inform you of any teeth that need to be extracted and the associated costs. You will be able to make the decision if you would like to continue with the extractions at this time or schedule for a later date. This cost is in addition to the Dental Spa fee and priced based on oral surgery time.
Note-: we do not like to continue dental procedures beyond 2 hours. If the required oral surgery is extensive, then we will sometimes stage the procedure to ensure safety for our patients under anaesthetic.

Dog Care

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Dog Care

Owning a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. They offer companionship, loyalty, and affection that is unmatched by any other animal. However, owning a dog is not just about having a cute pet to play with – it comes with a great deal of responsibility.

Before you decide to adopt a dog, it is important to do your research and choose a breed that best suits your lifestyle. Different breeds have different temperaments, energy levels, and health concerns, and it is crucial to find a dog that fits your living situation and activity level.

Once you have brought your new furry friend home, there are several important aspects of their care to consider. Firstly, we strongly recommend that you look into pet insurance for your new dog, this can help you cover unexpected veterinary bills and provide peace of mind.
It is essential to keep your dog in a secure area such as a dog-proof yard or indoor space, your dog should never be left unsupervised when tethered. We have a checklist of what you will need for your new pet here.

All dogs need daily exercise and mental stimulation, including socialisation with people and other dogs, to avoid behavioural and health problems. It is also important to ensure that your dog receives regular veterinary care, including routine health checks and vaccinations, desexing, and flea & worm control.

Regular grooming and brushing keeps your dog looking and feeling good, it also promotes good health. Helping to remove dust, dead skin, loose hairs, grass seeds, preventing tangles, skin irritation, matting, and other coat problems.
Nutrition is important for your dog’s overall wellbeing. A healthy and balanced diet is essential, providing protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. If you are unsure what to feed your dog, make an appointment with us to discuss the best options for your particular breed.
Dental care is a crucial aspect of your dog’s overall health and well-being. Tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth can lead to more serious dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. To prevent these issues, it’s important to establish a regular dental care routine for your furry friend, you can read about how to brush your dog’s teeth here. In addition to regular brushing, other ways to promote good dental health for your dog is through chew toys, antlers and dental treats. It is important to choose the right products for your dog’s size, age, and dental health.

Our team are always happy to discuss your current or future pets health care. We can provide advice on everything from nutrition and behavior to vaccinations and grooming.

Dog Rehab

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Knowledgebase

Dog Rehabilitation

Dogs are very resilient creatures, but sometimes they need help recovering from an injury, illness or a bit of extra support for our senior arthritic friends. This is where canine rehabilitation comes in.

What is canine rehabilitation?

Canine rehabilitation is a form of physical therapy that focuses on restoring a dog’s mobility, strength, function and can give relief from pain and discomfort. 
Rehab can help dogs recover faster and more completely than if they were left to heal on their own.
It can also help prevent future injuries by strengthening muscles and improving their range of motion. Dogs of all ages can benefit from rehabilitation, from puppies with developmental issues to senior dogs with arthritis.

What does rehabilitation involve?

Rehabilitation involves a specifically trained vet nurse working with the dog to complete a combination of therapeutic exercises and techniques to help regain their mobility, strength, and function.
The rehab nurse will create and implement a rehabilitation plan that is tailored to your dog’s specific needs, they will monitor the dog’s progress and make adjustments to the plan as needed. They can also provide owners with guidance on how to continue rehabilitation exercises at home.

What exercises and techniques does my dog complete?

Depending on the requirements and plan for your dog’s rehabilitation, there are a number of options for exercises and techniques that will be personally tailored to fit your dogs needs. 

We also have the option to measure and fit your dog for a custom made brace to support their recovery.

Brace wearing – A brace is a specialised device designed to provide support and aid in the rehabilitation of dogs with injuries or conditions affecting their limbs. Such as hip dysplasia, arthritis and ligament tears. These braces are often used to support the joint or limb affected by the injury or condition, reducing pain and inflammation, and promoting healing and recovery. In addition to providing support and facilitating healing, they can also help prevent further injury by stabilising the affected limb or joint during physical activity

Range of motion exercises – ROM exercises aim to maintain or improve the motion and flexibility of their joints. The ROM can be assessed by gently manipulating each joint in a dog’s body through its natural flow of movement.

Strengthening exercises – These exercises help build a dog’s strength and muscle mass to improve their balance and coordination, and enhance their overall physical fitness.

Balance and coordination exercises – These may involve standing on a balance board or performing other activities that challenge a dog’s stability to help improve their physical fitness and coordination. 

Hydrotherapy – Hydrotherapy involves using water’s resistance to help dogs recover from injuries. It can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and increase range of motion, while exercising in a low impact environment. 

Massage therapy – Massage therapy can help reduce pain and stiffness in dogs. It can also help improve circulation and promote relaxation.

If your dog is in need of rehabilitation, having someone to offer encouragement and guidance can make all the difference. 
Talk to us about how our rehab nurse can help get you and your furry friend off on the right paw. 

CALL NEWTOWN VET CLINIC

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Insuring your Pet

Written by Sarah Heather on . Posted in Healthcare, Non Medical, Preventative. No Comments on Insuring your Pet

Pets are part of our families, they bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love. However, as much as we love them, they can also become a financial burden if they require unexpected medical attention. This is where pet insurance comes in. Pet insurance can help you cover unexpected veterinary bills and provide peace of mind in knowing that your pet will receive the best possible care without the added stress of a financial burden.

Pet Insurance provides financial protection, like humans, pets can fall ill or get injured unexpectedly. In some cases, these illnesses or injuries can require expensive medical attention, such as surgeries or hospitalisations. Pet insurance can help you cover these costs, ensuring that your pet receives the necessary care without breaking the bank. It can also:

  • Prevent difficult decisions: When faced with a sick or injured pet, the last thing you want to worry about is how to pay for their care. Without pet insurance, you may be forced to make difficult decisions about your pet’s treatment or even consider euthanasia if the cost of treatment is too high. Pet insurance can prevent these difficult decisions by providing the financial support you need to provide your pet with the best possible care.
  • Cover a variety of treatments: Pet insurance can cover a wide range of treatments, including surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, and potentially even alternative therapies like acupuncture or hydrotherapy. This means that no matter what your pet needs, you can rest assured that you will be able to provide it without worrying about the cost.
  • Save money in the long run: While pet insurance does require a monthly premium, it can save you money in the long run by reducing the cost of unexpected veterinary bills. By paying a small amount each month, you can avoid large bills down the road, which can be especially important if your pet requires ongoing medical care.
  • Provide peace of mind: Perhaps most importantly, pet insurance provides peace of mind. You never know when your pet may require unexpected medical attention, and having pet insurance can provide comfort in knowing that you will be able to provide them with the care they need without the added stress of a financial burden.

Pet insurance is an important investment for pet owners. It can provide financial protection, prevent difficult decisions, cover a wide range of treatments, save money in the long run, and provide peace of mind. So, if you haven’t already, consider investing in pet insurance for your furry friend, have a chat with us today.

Traveling With Pets

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Taking a road trip with your pet in Australia can be a great way to explore the country and create lasting memories with your furry friend. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared and have everything you need to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your pet.

Here are some tips for road tripping with your pet in Australia:

  • Plan your route and accommodation in advance
    Before hitting the road, plan out your route and make sure you know where you’ll be staying along the way. Look for pet-friendly accommodations, such as hotels or campgrounds, and make sure you book in advance to ensure availability. Remember pets are not allowed into National Parks.
  • Pack for your pet’s needs
    Make sure you pack all the essentials your pet will need for the trip, such as food, water, bowls, toys, and bedding. It’s also important to bring any necessary medication and a first aid kit for emergencies. We can help with a first aid kit.
  • Ensure your pet is comfortable during the drive
    Make sure your pet is comfortable during the drive by providing them with a comfortable spot to rest and plenty of ventilation. If your pet gets anxious during car rides, consider using a calming spray like Adaptil or bringing along their favorite toy or blanket to help them feel more secure.
  • Take breaks and give your pet exercise
    It’s important to take breaks every few hours to give your pet a chance to stretch their legs and go to the bathroom. Look for rest stops or dog parks along your route where your pet can get some exercise and play.
  • Follow the local laws and regulations

It’s important to be aware of the potential risks of certain diseases that your pet may encounter. One of the most common and dangerous diseases is tick paralysis. The ixodes holocyclus tick is located on the eastern seaboard of Victoria, this causes an ascending paralysis that is fatal if not treated. Bravecto and Nexgard spectra are two effective flea/tick preventatives we recommend to help reduce the chance of a tick bite.
Heartworm, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes is another potentially fatal disease. Heartworm can cause serious damage to your pet’s heart, lungs, and other organs, and can even be fatal if left untreated. To protect your pet from heartworm, make sure they are up-to-date on their preventative medication, this is available in various forms, including pills, topical treatments, and injections. Speak with us about the best option for your pet and make sure to administer it as directed.

In addition to heartworm disease and paralysis tick, there is a new emerging disease in Australia called Ehrlichliosis. This disease is transmitted by the bite of the brown dog tick and causes potentially fatal disease including organ shutdown, Bravecto and Nextgard are recommended for dogs traveling into the northern parts of Australia.

Whilst we have no treatments to prevent encounters with cane toads, they also pose a threat to our domestic pets. The toxin they excrete on the backs is dangerous when ingested. If a dog was to mouth or bite a cane toad they will likely be exposed. So keep your pets on leash and be aware of toads, snakes, spiders, crocodiles and other deadly creatures found in Australia.

Overall, traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions to keep them safe and healthy. By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for both you and your furry friend.
It is so important for you to see us before you travel so our team can ensure you have all the information you need for a safe adventure!

End of Life Care

Written by Sarah Heather on . Posted in Healthcare, Non Medical, Services.

Euthanasia is a difficult choice for every pet owner. We are here to support you through this period to help guide you and support you in your decision.
We wish our pets would live forever, but we know that they do not. In most cases the decision to euthanize a loved pet is made to end or prevent suffering at the end of life. Euthanasia is a kindness that we can offer our pets that is often not afforded to our human loved ones.

We know the decision is difficult and the loss of a beloved pet is heartbreaking. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate and caring end of life services.
From our dedicated euthanasia “lounge-room” to allow for a longer and private goodbye when requested. We use relaxant and sedative medications to ensure that your pet is calm and relaxed during the entire process.
We welcome family members to be present to help support you alongside our team.
The euthanasia process is tailored to each individual family and pet. Some families do not want to be present, others want to stay until the end.
The separate euthanasia space means you can take the time that you need before and after the euthanasia.
We use the services of Eden Hills Cremation to take care of your beloved pet’s body. With communal or private cremation available.
Individual urns, wooden boxes or jewelry can all be chosen to store the ash of your beloved pet.
If you or your family members need further support following the loss of your pet, we are again available to advise and guide you to help you in your grief recovery.
Our aim is to provide a relaxed and dignified end for your beloved pet, whilst ensuring your emotional wellbeing is supported.

If you would like to discuss end of life care with one of our compassionate team members, please give us a call.

Puppy & Kitten Care Essentials

Written by Sarah Heather on . Posted in Non Medical.

The first two months in the new home

Congratulations!

You are expecting to hear the pitter patter of tiny paws. Whoever said money can’t buy happiness didn’t know about puppies and kittens!
There are a few things that you need to know in order to give your puppy the best start to life with you. First things first, once you pick up your new fur baby, register with us so we can help you both enjoy a long, happy and healthy life together.

Medical Essentials

Vaccinations

Just like human babies, puppies and dogs need vaccinations to protect them from a range of diseases. Some diseases are fatal, so please don’t put your puppy at risk!

It is recommended that you vaccinate your dog at the following ages

  • 6-8 weeks old*
  • 11-12 weeks old 
  • 16 weeks old

* The first vaccination is usually given by the breeder or rescue organisation, you should receive a proof of vaccination.

When you visit the vet clinic with your puppy keep it in your arms or in a carrier until you enter the consult room.  
Do not take your puppy out into public places until your veterinarian advises that it is safe to do so.
If you would like detailed information on our vaccination protocols and safe socialisation options for young puppies, please click here.

Parasite Prevention

Worms and fleas can cause significant illness in puppies and large infestations have been known to kill young animals. As such, we recommend that you routinely treat to prevent parasites:

  • Intestinal worms: every 2 weeks, and then switch to monthly treatments when your puppy is over 12 weeks old
  • Fleas: monthly, ensuring the product is appropriate for the puppy’s age
  • Heartworm: monthly, or via a long acting treatment

It is extremely important that you weigh your puppy before applying the treatment, and give a dose that is more than adequate for their current weight.
If you have any questions about what to use, when or how, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our friendly nursing staff can provide advice over the phone, you can also book a complimentary nurse puppy health consult, for a more detailed discussion, weight check and assistance with administration of any products purchased on the day.

Growth & Development

Diet

From little things big things grow… What you feed your puppy is very important. Giving them a good start in life is the best thing you can do to ensure they will be happy and healthy for years to come.

Many things such as size, breed, age, exercise and growth rates need to be taken into account when considering the best food for your puppy. It is recommended that you feed specific puppy food, to ensure they can grow to their full potential and avoid diet-related health problems.
In Australia, pet food must clearly state if they are a complete diet for pets, or a supplement, so look for diets that are clearly labelled as a complete diet for puppies.
We can help you choose the best option whether you have a large breed puppy (25 kg+ as an adult) who needs a puppy food formulated to ensure proper bone and muscle growth, or a small breed puppy with a little mouth who may need smaller kibble.

Foods  to avoid: 

  • bones (raw and cooked)
  • raw meats, particularly chicken
  • home cooked diets, unless the diet was formulated by a veterinary nutritionist
  • hard chews & treats
Puppy Preschool Classes

A puppy’s “socialisation period” ends at around 4 months old, it is extremely important that you give your puppy a range of positive, and varied, social experiences before this time. Puppy Preschool Classes at Newtown Veterinary Clinic are a 4 week class that covers basic training and how to take care of your new pup. These classes are held regularly but we recommend that you book early, to secure your puppy a spot.

Desexing

It’s never too early to think about preventing an unplanned pregnancy – a 6 month old puppy can become pregnant! Speak with us today to find out the appropriate age to desex your dog to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

Health issues

If your puppy is acting flat or unwell in any way, please immediately seek veterinary attention. Puppies can deteriorate quickly, so it is vital that you act quickly. You can call our clinic or Geelong Animal Emergency after 5pm.

Other Things…

Identification

It is compulsory for all cats & dogs to be microchipped and registered with the council.
In addition to the microchip, your puppy should wear some sort of external, waterproof identification that clearly displays your phone number.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you consider pet insurance and encourage you to do your own research on which policy is best for your pet and financial situation. Standard inclusions vary from policy to policy, and prices vary depending on the pet’s breed and age. Comprehensive and independent information on pet insurance is available on the Choice website.