Protecting Your Pets From The Sun

During summer, most of our pet patients visit our East Kew veterinary clinic because they have been overexposed to the harsh sun. In this blog, we are explaining the different health consequences that this exposure can have on your pet. We’ve also put together a quick 5-step grooming guide for owners to care for their pets during summer.

Sunburn

Pets can get sunburnt too! Whilst any breed of animal can get sunburnt, pets with white or lightly pigmented hair are particularly susceptible. Sun damage usually occurs where your pet’s hair coat is at its thinnest. For cats and rabbits, sunburn is most common on the tips of the ears, eyelids and noses; for dogs, sunburn is most common on muzzles, armpits, abdomens and groins.

Like humans, sunburnt pets will have skin that looks red and flaky. Longer term sun damage shows up as thickened or scarred skin with ulceration and crusting. This skin is also susceptible to secondary bacterial infections and sun cancers may also develop.

 

How to protect your pet from the sun – slip, slop, shade

  • If you have an all-white or light coloured dog, or they have a thin coat, invest in sun-protective clothing. (Yes, they make sun shirts for pets!) Just make sure they don’t overheat in them.
  • Use a pet-specific sunscreen (available in our East Kew veterinary clinic) to ward off sunburn. Apply as directed to vulnerable areas twice a day.
  • Try to keep your pets out of the sun between 10am and 4pm. UV rays are at their strongest between these times so keep them in a well-shaded area of your yard or inside under the air con.

 

Pad burn

Did you know: When the air temperature is 25°C, the temperature of asphalt in the sun is 51°C. You can fry an egg at 55°C so imagine what that feels like on your dog’s feet!

The pads of your dog’s feet are as thick as the skin on the soles of your own feet, so walking your dog on surfaces like asphalt, concrete and brick during the summer months can burn the skin in as little as 60 seconds.

The best way to test if the pavement is too hot for walking your dog is to press your own hand onto the surface for 7-8 seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for you, then it will be uncomfortable for your dog.

Other summer walking tips to keep in mind:

  • Walk your dog in the morning rather than the evening, as asphalt retains heat.
  • Walk on dirt or grass paths which don’t soak up the heat at the same rate.
  • Consider investing in protective booties for your dog.

 

Our summer grooming guide

  1. Get your dog a summer cut but make sure they are not shaved all the way down to the skin as this makes them susceptible to sunburn.
  2. Cats typically do not need to be shaved unless they are unable to groom themselves.
  3. Bathe your dog once every few weeks using pet-friendly shampoo. Bathing more often or with products meant for humans can cause irritation.
  4. Check in between your dog’s paw pads after they have been playing outdoors – burrs and grass seeds can work their way into the skin and cause irritation or infection.
  5. Summer is flea and tick season! Make sure your pet is up to date with their parasite control and chat with your vet if you’re planning on taking your pet to the beach (other parts of Victoria and Australia are home to different kinds of parasites).

Vets on Balwyn is an East Kew veterinary clinic that is dedicated to supporting our community with helpful veterinary advice and services. Please don’t hesitate to book an appointment at our clinic today!

The Christmas Treats That Aren’t Pet-Friendly

In December, our Balwyn vet sees a lot of patients with tummy upsets which can often be traced back to too many rich festive foods. Ideally, pets should not ever be fed processed foods as their stomachs have not evolved to digest them and so eating them often leads to diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

 

However, there are some festive ingredients (and inedible) which can cause more serious health issues including:

  • Candy wrappers/toothpicks/skewers: If something smells good, your pet will eat it, even if it’s not edible. These are just some of the things that can get swallowed and stuck in your pet’s oesophagus or intestines.
  • Poinsettias: These traditional flowers are toxic to dogs and cats, so keep them out of reach or out of the house altogether if your pet likes to nibble on plants.
  • Raw or undercooked meats: The bacteria in raw or undercooked meat makes pets sick too! If you do give your pet some meat over the festive season, it should be boneless and without seasoning- lean cuts like chicken breast are ideal.
  • Dough: Once ingested, the raw dough will continue to rise in your pet’s stomach and it can cause life-threatening bloat or alcohol poisoning (from the yeast).
  • Alcohol, tea and coffee: Whilst tea leaves and coffee are only likely to cause a stomach upset, alcohol is toxic to pets and can be lethal even in small amounts.
  • Sage: Toxic to cats, this herb can cause central nervous problems.

Has your pet consumed any of the above? We recommend you book an appointment with our Balwyn vet clinic immediately.

Does Your Dog Or Cat Have Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a common psychological condition which pets can suffer from when separated from their owner. Both cats and dogs can suffer from separation anxiety and it can manifest at any time over the course of your pet’s life. There are a number of events which can trigger separation anxiety including a traumatic event or major life change; however, there are also some misconceptions about what causes separation anxiety like the idea that it is the result of too much ‘coddling’ or that it is a sign of poorly trained or naughty pet. Separation is a genuine health condition which can be successfully treated. In this blog, we’ll go through some of the most common symptoms associated with separation anxiety and how the problem can be treated.

 

Symptoms

The behavioural symptoms associated with separation anxiety typically begin to manifest 30 minutes after you leave the house. It’s important to note that separation anxiety may only manifest when you leave the house at certain times or for certain purposes (like getting ready and going to work), some pets even display symptoms of stress when their owners enter or leave a certain part of the house. Pets suffering from separation anxiety can display a wide range of physical and behavioural symptoms when left alone including:

In Dogs

  • Urinating and defecating
  • Barking, howling
  • Chewing or scratching of doors, windows, walls or furniture
  • Escape attempts
  • Pacing
  • Coprophagia (eating excrement)
  • Excessive drooling or panting

In Cats

  • Urinating and defecating outside of the litter box (often on your bedding or clothing)
  • Excessive and persistent meowing
  • Excessive grooming
  • Lack of appetite/excessive appetite
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Hiding when you leave the house

 

Courses of treatment

Because separation anxiety is a psychological rather than a physical condition, there is no magic pill solution. What might work for other pets may not work for your pet’s unique situation. The best thing to do is book a behavioural consultation with your vet to discuss your pet’s symptoms as well as changes in their life which may have triggered their separation anxiety. Based on their assessment of your pet’s situation, your vet may recommend environment adjustments, desensitising techniques, routine modifications, working with a trainer, or perhaps even medication to manage their anxiety.

Vets on Balwyn are here to help you and your pet live harmoniously and happily. We offer behavioural consultations at our Balwyn veterinary surgery and have plenty for experience helping pets overcome their separation anxiety. You can book an appointment online or by calling (03) 9857 8100.

How To Introduce A Puppy To Your Cat

We’ve all heard the phrase, “First impressions are everything.” But did you know that this age-old adage applies to the animal kingdom, too? Many people ask our vet in East Kew how they should go about introducing their new puppy to a cat, so we decided to give you a guide in this blog.

 

Understanding puppies and cats

Before you consider introducing your puppy to your cat, you need to consider the intrinsic behaviours of both animals. Generally speaking, cats can be quite territorial and standoffish, whereas puppies are social and curious.

However your cat tends to react to dogs normally, it’s important to take introductions slowly. Remember to show both pets plenty of affection during the introduction process, as it’s a big change for your cat especially.

 

Step 1: Start with separation

It’s important to take things slowly. Keep both your pets in separate rooms at the start. Take small steps and introduce your puppy and cat through scent first. You can begin by placing blankets with your puppy’s scent in your cat’s room, and vice versa. This helps to familiarise both pets with one another. Once they are comfortable with scents, you can then switch their rooms.

 

Step 2: Introduce them slowly

After each pet seems confident with the other’s scent, you can introduce them both in the same room with a barrier. Remember to always keep your puppy on a leash so that you can closely monitor their behaviour. It is likely that your cat will keep his or her distance regardless.

 

Step 3: Always supervise

Keep a close eye on your puppy when he or she is interacting with your cat. Reward him or her when they are calm and collected around your cat to reinforce that this is good behaviour. You should also ensure your cat has a place he or she can go to if they want some alone time.

 

Get advice from a vet in East Kew

Looking for a vet in East Kew? Vets on Balwyn is a veterinary clinic dedicated to supporting our local community of pets and pet owners. Whether you need puppy pre-school services or personalised advice on introducing your puppy to your cat, it’s our mission to help you.

Get in touch with our friendly vets today on (03) 9857 8100.

Why De-sexing your Cat is the Environmentally Responsible Thing to Do

On July 26th 2018, the Victorian Government officially declared feral cats to be a pest species on public land. This means that trapping, baiting and possibly bounties can be put into place in order to manage feral cat populations. It’s thought that Australia’s feral cat population first began establishing itself in the 17th century as a result of Dutch exploration. At certain points in history, cats have even been released into the wild by farmers in a bid to control mice and other rodents. However, the major spread of feral cats in Australia occurred in the 20th century as domestic pet cats were allowed to roam and breed. We have often talked about the importance of de-sexing your cat from a health and wellbeing perspective but in article, we take a look at the link between de-sexing your cat, and doing your part to help manage Australia’s feral cat population.

How un-desexed cats can go from fluffy to feral in three key phases

Of course, your tummy rub loving cat doesn’t transform overnight from a beloved family pet to a highly aggressive, 15kg predator, but there is a direct link between the two, and it doesn’t take more than a few generations for your cat’s descendants to go from domestic to feral.

Domestic

Your pet cat is entirely dependent on you for survival and their lifestyle shows it. When properly cared for, a domestic cat has very little impact on the environment and the wider community. Veterinary care ensures they are free from all common feline diseases, have a minimal impact on the local wildlife (by being kept inside at night), are entirely dependent on humans for food, and stay close to home with a territory size between 230 (for female cats) and 500 meters (for male cats). The problem comes when owners fail to de-sex their domestic cats. Animals that have not been de-sexed tend to roam much further, driven by the desire to look for a mate. When this happens, cats often lose their bearings and are unable to find their way home, becoming lost. RSPCA statistics suggest that 9/10 cats which go missing are never reunited with their owners.

Unowned/semi domestic/semi feral

Cats which have become lost or are abandoned enter a state known as ‘unowned’, ‘semi feral’ or ‘semi domestic’. These animals and their immediate offspring are still reliant on humans for their food and shelter but have a much lower quality of life than a domestic cat. They live in large colonies in urban fringe areas such as rubbish dumps and around factories and rely on scavenging or occasional feeds from well-meaning members of the public. As these animals receive no veterinary care, they often suffer from common (and preventable) feline diseases and parasites. Provided there is food around, they will continue to breed and when left unchecked, feline populations can grow at an astonishing rate.

Feral

Around 130,000 unowned cats end up in Australian shelters every year, and over 100,000 of these are then euthanized. The remaining half a million unowned cats that survive into adulthood every year continue breeding and eventually become feral. Feral cats are wild animals which are self-sufficient and survive by hunting or scavenging. In Australia, it’s estimated that there are 0.7 feral cats per square kilometer of land.

 

Feral Cat Facts

  • Feral cats can have 2-3 litters per year
  • It takes 6 months for feral kittens to become experienced hunters
  • Remarkably adaptable, feral cats are present on >>99.8% of Australia’s land area
  • Feral cats live for 2-7 years
  • Feral cats carry a wide range of diseases and parasite which can be passed onto wildlife, humans and other domestic animals
  • Feral cats have a low quality of life with leading causes of death being other cats and disease

Economic Impact

  • The Australian Government spends $2 million dollars per year on feral cat management and research
  • Feral cats cost inflict economic loss of around $144 million per year through bird predation alone

Ecological impact

  • 80 endangered and threatened Australian animals are at risk of feral cat predation
  • Feral cats have been implicated in the extinction of 20 Australian mammal species and sub species including the lesser bilby and the desert bandicoot
  • Feral cats are estimated to kill 75 million animals every night in Australia
  • Feral cats kill around 272 million birds per year or 2-3% of Australia’s bird total population

De-sexing is not just an important part of being a responsible cat owner, it plays a crucial role in protecting Australia’s unique and vulnerable ecosystems. Vets on Balwyn offer onsite de-sexing day procedures and we strongly advise that every cat is de-sexed once they are 5-6 months old. Book a consultation online or give us a call on (03) 9857 8100 to learn more.

 

 

 

Why The Pros Of Dry Food Outweigh The Pros Of Canned Food

As a pet owner, it is imperative to know what kinds of foods are appropriate for your cat or dog. Whether you should feed your pet wet or dry food has been hotly debated among the pet community for quite some time. However, the knowledgeable vets at our East Kew veterinary clinic prefer to recommend dry food for your pet. This is because the pros of dry food far outweigh the pros of canned food, and today we are exploring why.

 

The main pro of canned food

The main pro of canned food is that it is hydrating. This means that vets may sometimes recommend canned food if your pet suffers from certain conditions such as kidney and liver disease.

 

Cons of canned food

The biggest con of canned food is the inconvenience it entails. Unlike dry food, which can be stored at room temperature for up to six weeks, canned food must be refrigerated and often lasts less than a week once opened. This means that in order to feed your cat or dog canned food, you’ll need to buy it in smaller quantities, and make more shopping trips each week – which unfortunately doesn’t suit everyone’s lifestyle.

The other cons of canned food include:

  • It tends to be more costly, which can affect your final purchase decision
  • It is sticky and encourages the accumulation of plaque and tartar on your pet’s teeth, which is bad for dental health
  • Canned food can cause disturbances to your pet’s gastrointestinal system, which can lead to issues such as diarrhea.

 

Pros of dry food

The biggest reason why pet owners choose dry kibble is due to its convenience. It is much more cost effective than canned food and only needs to be bought once every month or so. It’s also easy to portion and leave in the bowl for your pet to consume in his or her own time – rather than canned food, which can’t be left out for too long.

Another major pro of dry food is its positive effect on your pet’s dental hygiene. The effect is similar for both cats and dogs. The dry, tough kibble scrapes against the teeth and helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup. In combination with a proper dental routine, dry food can help keep your cat or dog’s teeth nice and healthy.

 

The main con of dry food

The only con of dry kibble is that it isn’t as hydrating as wet food. However, this is easily fixed by providing a bowl of clean water for your pet to drink beside the food.

Vets on Balwyn is an East Kew veterinary clinic that specialises in pet care. With our state-of-the-art medical facilities and friendly, pet-loving vets, we put your mind at ease when it comes to your pet. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

4 Pet Toxins In Your Home

While we may be aware of what can poison us, we can’t always say the same about knowing exactly what will harm our pets – especially since they generally seem willing to give anything a go. Today, we’re assessing some things we might have in our homes that could be bad news for pets.

Plants

Some common houseplants that can be deadly to your pets include:

  • Lilies
  • Aloe Vera
  • Bird of Paradise
  • Florida Beauty
  • Devil’s Ivy
  • Yucca

There are quite a few more plants that are harmful to cats and dogs. It is vital that you conduct your research before bringing a new plant home.

While pets generally avoid plants that are toxic to them, there is a chance that they can nibble on these plants anyway out of curiosity (and we all know how that can turn out for cats)! To avoid this, ensure these plants are not accessible to your cats or dogs.

 

Food

We all know that chocolate is bad for your pets. However, did you know that grapes, salt, tomatoes, garlic, onions and avocadoes are also toxic to your pets, with some of these foods even causing death? Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum) is another common and harmful toxin. It is important to check exactly what kinds of human foods can be harmful to your cats and dogs.

 

Human medication

Anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil are a common cause of gastrointestinal ulcers in cats, dogs, birds, and even small mammals like hamsters or ferrets. Again, the best way to prevent this is to ensure that your pet cannot easily access your medication.

Other harmful (and common) medications include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Paracetamol
  • Cold medicines
  • Muscle relaxants

 

Rodenticides

Rodenticides – such as rat or mouse bait – are pet toxins because they are designed to attract them. Moreover, the poison can be transferred to your cat if it eats a poisoned rat. For this reason, it is advised that you exercise extreme caution when placing bait. Symptoms such as weakness, coughing and depression tend to appear up to four days after ingestion.

 

What do I do if my pet has ingested any of the above?

It is a good idea to collect any remnants of what your pet may have chewed or vomited (including labels or packaging) in a zip-lock bag. This can help make clear exactly which toxins are involved, and may save the life of your pet.

The next thing you should do if you suspect your pet has swallowed any toxins is to contact a vet. Calling a vet as soon as possible is imperative, as some symptoms may take hours or days to show. The Vets on Balwyn veterinary clinic in Balwyn North can assess your pet in a timely manner if you’re concerned for your pet. Call us today on (03) 9857 8100.

Pet Allergies? ‘Snot A Problem

Spring is already upon us, and with so much pollen in the air many of us use of hay fever medication to keep allergies at bay. But what about your pets? For cats and dogs, it’s a little more complicated to minimise the problems that come with environmental allergies. In this week’s article, we’ll be going over pet allergies in greater detail, so that you can help your furry friend enjoy the rest of spring.

 

What are some of the allergy symptoms?

While we may not speak the same language as our pets, they’re generally pretty good at letting us know that something isn’t quite right. For example, pets that are itchy are difficult to ignore. Itchiness is often symptomatic of allergies, so if you notice any excessive hair loss, licking or raw, red spots on your dog it may be a sign of an allergic reaction (and time to take them to the vet). Luckily, it’s rare for cats to suffer from seasonal allergies, although many sneeze due to irritation from pollen. Those cats that do struggle with allergies will show similar symptoms to dogs such as scabs and hair loss.

 

What can I do if my pet has allergies?

One of the best ways to manage your pet’s allergies is to simply limit their exposure to pollen. This can involve a weekly bath with a skin supportive shampoo, or wiping your pet’s paws and belly after they have been outside to remove the pollen. These are great steps to take, but don’t ignore house dust and dust mites found inside the home – these are often the worst culprits! Ensure that you’re cleaning your house regularly by vacuuming carpets and washing linen on a weekly basis. It’s also a good idea to consider paying close attention to the areas of your home where your pets spend most of their time. When it comes to your pet’s favourite toy, you can freeze these plush toys every now and then to kill any dust mites that may be lurking – just make sure to do so while your pet isn’t watching!

 

Many pets that suffer from skin allergies are also extremely sensitive to flea saliva, with one bite can cause them to madly scratch for hours if not days. Using a regular flea preventative can protect your pet (and your household) from these pesky blood suckers. Speak to one of our friendly staff members about the best preventative for your pet.

 

While these tips are helpful, if your pet is suffering from seasonal allergies, truly the best thing you can do is visit your local vet for advice. Veterinarian professionals are in the best position to diagnose the allergies, and provide you with medication that is appropriate to your pet. For expert support and advice on a range of issues including allergies, call Vets on Balwyn today on 9857 8100.

How To Choose The Right Pet For Your Family

Introducing a furry friend into your home can be an incredibly exciting time, but it’s important that you make an informed decision about the right pet for your family. Among other factors, your family size, housing situation and amount of time you’ll be able to dedicate to your pet will impact this choice. In this article, we’ll be going over some questions to consider if you’re thinking about getting a new pet.

 

What type of pet should you get?

Are you a cat or a dog person? Or are you someone who likes both, or neither? These are important questions to ask yourself before choosing a new pet. In general, dogs will require a considerable time investment as they need to be taken for walks, trained properly and prefer not to be left alone for long periods of time. In contrast, cats are much more independent, but will still require lots of love and affection. If you’re time poor and looking for something more low maintenance, a rabbit or guinea pig can be a great place to start as they don’t require a lot of space and are relatively quiet whilst still being incredibly affectionate pets and full of personality.

What kind of pet will best suit your lifestyle?

Aside from time commitment, different types of animals have different lifestyle needs and you need to thoroughly research these before you make any final decisions. For example, dog breeds like a kelpies, Labradors and border collies need an outdoor space to run around and exercise. Breeds like these are also highly intelligent and energetic, so they’ll need toys to amuse them and you’ll need to schedule in regular play time to ensure they get the mental stimulation they need. By contrast, dog breeds like Boston terriers, pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Shih Tzu are well suited to apartment life or small space living, as they tend to prefer the quiet life indoors and are quite content as long as you take them on daily walks. However, it’s important to remember that many lap dog breeds like Shih Tzu, Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers require daily brushing and regular trips to the groomer so you’ll need to become handy with a brush and deshedding comb.

Where should you get your new pet from?

Once you’ve decided what kind of pet to get, you then need to consider where you’ll buy that pet. If you’re sold on one particular breed or another, it’s best to do your research to find an ethical breeder. The best place to source an ethical breeder is through a registered breeding club which exists for both dogs and cats in Victoria.

As an alternative, mixed breed dogs or cats are generally much less prone to illnesses or genetic diseases, and can be a great option for many families. The RSPCA and other local rescue shelters are some places where you can find mixed breed pets. In doing so, you’ll most likely be saving that animal’s life, and supporting those organisations to continue their work. But a word of caution- visiting rescue shelters can be an overwhelming experience, especially for children, so make sure you’re prepared before you go.

To make the best decision, you must consider factors such as lifestyle, environment, temperament and other social needs. It may sound obvious, when you’re bringing a new pet into your home, it’s a long lasting commitment. If you’re unsure, reach out to an animal welfare organisation or your local vet, as they’ll be able to give you the most relevant and comprehensive information.

If you want some professional advice in choosing the right pet for your family, the team at Vets on Balwyn are more than happy to help. With a comprehensive knowledge of all kinds of domestic pets, we are well placed to advise you on the right fur, scale or feather baby to add to your family. Get in touch with us today by calling 03 9857 8100.

 

Festive foods that are bad for your pets

We all love a treat over Christmas, but making sure your pet has the right ones is important.

It’s normal to go a bit over the top with food over the festive period, but whist you’re being merry it’s important to make sure your pet doesn’t join in. The following items are bad for your pet and should be kept away.

Chocolate

Most people know that chocolate can be toxic for cats and dogs, but with the sweet stuff likely to be floating around over the season it’s important that it is out of their reach.

Raw or undercooked turkey

For many it’s a tradition to have turkey on Christmas day, but as you’re preparing the bird it’s important to make sure your pets don’t get near any raw or undercooked meat. Should they have any of your cooked turkey make sure it is boneless.

Alcohol

Those who will be celebrating the end of the year with a glass of champagne should be vigilant none gets near their pet as alcohol can lead to a lot of nasty symptoms, including vomiting and breathing difficulties.

Wrapping paper

Wrapping can lead to intestinal obstructions if a pet digests it. It is also important to keep any plastic bags or covers out of reach as pets can suffocate if they get stuck in them.

Via:: Dr Kevin Pet Advice