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.

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 Mistakes To Avoid At The Dog Park

The dog park can be a great way to allow your pet to have some physical and mental stimulation away from home, as well as meeting other dog owners. However, there are some basic rules you should be aware of. Knowing the basic rules (as well as the ones applicable to different dog parks) will help to prevent fights and attacks in the park. In this blog, we’re listing the dog park rules everyone should know to keep it a safe, playful place.

#1: Only exercising your dog at the park

Exercising your dog before going to the dog park seems like a tip that defeats the purpose of a park trip. However, the park is an extremely stimulating place for a dog and a fight can easily escalate if your dog is overly excited. Exercising your dog beforehand will help it to release pent-up energy it may have from being at home all day.

#2: Bringing a dog that is not suitable for the park

While you might want your dog to get all the playtime it deserves, sometimes certain dogs just aren’t suitable to bring to dog parks.

You should not bring your dog to the dog park if he or she is:

  • A puppy
  • Pregnant/on the heat
  • Unvaccinated, or not up-to-date on vaccinations
  • Unregistered
  • Not desexed
  • Aggressive or possessive

#3: Not bringing plastic bags

While some dog parks may offer plastic bags, it is still your responsibility to bring some just in case there aren’t. Picking up after your dog is basic decency and this rule is just as applicable in a dog park as it is on a local sidewalk.

#4: Not paying attention to your dog

As an owner, it is your duty to ensure your dog feels comfortable and is not putting other dogs in danger. You should be attentive to cues that signal your dog might want to leave the dog park; hanging around your legs is one of those signs. In the worst case scenario, not watching your dog can even lead to a fight.

If you’re looking for a vet in East Kew to consult, Vets on Balwyn should be your first port of call. Get in touch today on (03) 9857 8100 to schedule an appointment for your pet.

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.

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.

 

How To Introduce A New Puppy to Your Cat

The age-old battle between the animal kingdom’s greatest ‘enemies’ has been exaggerated in pop culture but has never actually been scientifically proven . Nonetheless, introducing a new puppy to your household if you already have a cat can be a sticky diplomatic situation and a stressful time for both pets and owners. In this blog, we’ll be debunking the dog and cat rivalry myth and sharing some tips on the best way to introduce a new puppy into your household.

 

Do cats and dogs hate each other?

While their differing behaviours may lead to some conflict, cats and dogs are actually pretty similar in many ways. Because cats and dogs are carnivores, in the ‘wild’ they would compete for prey, or may feed on each other if there were no other food sources around. Whilst they might be competing predators, dogs don’t actively hunt or chase cats or vice versa. Problems can arise however, when cats and dogs cohabit in the confined territory of your household.

 

What’s the major cause of conflict between cats and dogs?

The answer to this question lies in their ancestry: cats are evolved from the lonesome Arabian wildcat, whilst dogs evolved from the wolf, a highly social animal that generally travels in packs. Cats like to hang back, assess the situation from a distance and treat others with suspicion until they’re comfortable. On the other hand, dogs often interact in a way that is highly dynamic, and will bounce right up to someone new. Cats may interpret this behaviour as a threat, and run away, prompting the dog to chase them, thinking it’s a game. In this situation, neither the cat nor the dog understands the other’s motivation behind the behaviour, which can cause problems.

 

What can I do to ease the transition of a new puppy?

It may not seem fair, but the new puppy essentially has to learn the cat’s language. In the initial introductory period, it’s a good idea to place the puppy and cat in different areas of the house so that they are close enough to smell and hear one another without direct interaction. Make sure you spend time with each pet individually, as this can help both relax and avoid jealousy. Once they’re familiar with the scent and sound of one another and you’ve given them lots of reassuring cuddles, it’s time to set up a face to face meeting. In the beginning, hold the puppy on a leash so that the cat has time to adjust and can retreat if it needs to. Over time, both animals will learn to share the space and your affection, and may even become friends.

 

Luckily, domesticated animals such as cats and dogs are highly adaptable to new situations and environments. As long as you supervise the interactions between your new puppy and cat in the beginning to ensure there’s no animosity between the two, they should be able to peacefully cohabit. If you find yourself struggling to introduce your puppy and cat, Vets On Balwyn is here to help with advice and even behavioural training if necessary. 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