Skip to main content

How Do I Know When It’s Time?

Written by Sarah Heather on . Posted in Healthcare, Medical, Non Medical, Services, Uncategorized. No Comments on How Do I Know When It’s Time?

How Do I Know When It’s Time?

Making the decision that it is time to say goodbye to your beloved pet is never easy, it is one of the most challenging and emotional choices an owner can make.

Some obvious signs that your pet may no longer be enjoying a good quality of life include:

  • Difficulty breathing, weakness or extreme lethargy
  • Ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea that isn’t resolving with veterinary treatment, leading to weight loss or dehydration
  • Chronic or severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication
  • Difficulty walking or inability to get up without assistance
  • Refusing to eat or drink
  • Trouble urinating or defecating
  • Losing interest in surroundings, family activities or favorite pastimes

When it seems the time is getting close, multiple aspects of your pet’s well-being need to be considered rather than focusing on one single factor.
You’ve likely heard phrases like, “You’ll just know when it’s time,” or “When they stop eating,” or “When they can’t get up anymore.” These statements can be misleading. Taking a balanced approach by reflecting on your pet’s emotional, physical and social quality of life is the most compassionate way to honor your pet’s dignity, while considering their overall well-being.

Emotional Wellbeing
Do they enjoy their usual routine?
Are they mentally engaged and stimulated?
Are they handling their health challenges well? eg mobility, incontinence, blindness or deafness
Are they showing signs of anxiety or distress?
Has their personality changed?
Do they seem happy?

Physical Wellbeing
Can they breathe comfortably?
Are they eating and drinking well?
Are they losing weight or seeming dehydrated?
Can they walk, urinate, defecate and groom on their own?
Are they sleeping through the night?
Are you worried your pet is in pain? It is important to keep in mind that animals are incredibly good at hiding signs of pain.

Social Wellbeing
Do they interact with the family as they did before?
Are they still affectionate and playful?
Do they enjoy being around other animals?
For outdoor cats, can they still explore outside?
For dogs, can they still go to the park or take walks to meet others?
How are you coping with caring for an elderly or sick pet? Caring for a pet in this condition can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. How is your quality of life?

Our pets deserve love and care every step of the way, including in their final moments. Euthanasia is one of the most compassionate acts we can offer them, preventing unnecessary suffering and ensuring their farewell is as peaceful and gentle as possible.

Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR)

Written by Sarah Heather on . Posted in Healthcare, Medical, Non Medical, Preventative, Uncategorized. No Comments on Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR)

Assessing Cardiorespritaory Health Through Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR). To monitor your pet’s disease progression, we ask owners of animals with cardiac disease to monitor Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR). This is a simple tool method you can use at home as an indicator of developing pulmonary oedema or pleural effusion in dogs and cats.

Why monitor Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR)?

Assessing and recording the Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR) is an invaluable home-monitoring technique for pet owners and is one of the best indicators of changes in your pet’s heart health.
To measure SRR accurately follow the below steps

  • Find a quiet, comfortable, thermo-neutral area (usually your home in front of the TV)
  • Let your pet fall asleep (note: don’t include breaths taken when your pet is dreaming – twitching or vocalising)
  • Start a timer for 60 seconds
  • Watch your pet’s chest – it will rise and fall each time they take a breath
  • Record the number of breaths taken in the 60-second timer. This process should be repeated 2-3 times per day initially to establish a baseline. Later this can be reduced to once or twice weekly.

If your pets SRR is above 25BPM call the clinic immediately on (03) 5221 5333.
If there’s a significant change in SRR between measurements, resume daily recordings to confirm the change or observe any trends. There are a couple of apps available to assist you with monitoring and recording your pet’s SRR – Cardalis© andHeart2Heart© are two reliable examples.

Chocolate Toxicity Calculator

Written by Sarah Heather on . Posted in Common Conditions, Emergency Care, Non Medical, Uncategorized. No Comments on Chocolate Toxicity Calculator

If your dog has eaten chocolate this tool can estimate if a toxic dose has been consumed and guidelines for appropriate treatment.

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

Written by Sarah Heather on . Posted in Healthcare, Non Medical, Preventative, Services. No Comments on Puppy Preventive Healthcare

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

Written by Sarah Heather on . Posted in Common Conditions, Healthcare, Non Medical, Preventative. No Comments on Dental SPA

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

Written by Sarah Heather on . Posted in Healthcare, Non Medical. No Comments on Dog Care

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

Written by Sarah Heather on . Posted in Healthcare, Non Medical, Preventative, Services. No Comments on Dog Rehab

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

Related Knowledge

View Knowledgebase

Continue reading

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.