Category Archives: Pet Advice

Paws and Parasites: The Recent Outbreak of Giardia

. Giardia is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals and humans and vice versa, that affects the gastrointestinal tract causing diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, bloating and nausea.

We’ve seen a recent spike in the number of Giardia cases presenting to our hospital and surrounding veterinary clinics. Giardia is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals and humans and vice versa, that affects the gastrointestinal tract causing diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, bloating and nausea. Giardia is considered a zoonotic disease, which […]

Bravery Award October 2023

Fella, a small white Maltese dog with a fluffy tail, stands on a clinic floor looking up with his tongue out after being treated for a urinary tract infection and diagnosed with bladder stones.

Twelve year old Maltese Fella seemed to take ill quite suddenly one afternoon, shaking, panting and refusing to eat.  His owners took him to see Dr. Izzy at our Narre Warren clinic to see what might be going on with him.  After a general examination, a urinalysis was performed, and it appeared that Fella was […]

Frighteningly Fun: Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Dog sitting by a Halloween-themed doorstep holding a pumpkin bucket, reminding pet owners to keep Halloween safe and fun for pets.

Halloween can be a fun and festive time of year, but it’s important to keep the safety and well-being of your pets in mind. Here are some tips for celebrating Halloween with your pets: Costumes: While it can be cute to dress up your pet, not all animals enjoy wearing costumes. Make sure your pet […]

Protecting Your Pet: Navigating Springs Hidden Hazards

Cat walking through a sunlit garden, highlighting the need to protect pets from spring’s hidden hazards.

Spring can be a wonderful time for both pets and their owners, with the warmer weather and blooming flowers providing opportunities for outdoor activities. However, spring also comes with its own set of hazards for pets. Here are some common spring hazards for pets and how to prevent them: Allergies: Just like humans, pets can […]

Scratching the Surface – Understanding and Managing Skin Allergies in Pets

Cat sitting on a couch, scratching its head with a back paw, showing signs of skin irritation.

As the seasons change and the world around us bursts into bloom, many of us can’t help but embrace the beauty of spring. But for some of our furry friends, this time of year comes with a less enjoyable side effect: skin allergies. Itchy, irritated skin can make your pet miserable, and as a responsible […]

Ear-Resistible Care: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears

A calm Labrador retriever has its ear gently cleaned by its owner using a soft cotton pad, showing proper pet ear care technique.

Cleaning your dog’s ears is an important part of their overall hygiene routine, and it can help prevent ear infections and discomfort. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your dog’s ears safely: Materials You’ll Need: Ear cleaning solution: You can purchase a dog-specific ear cleaning solution at your local veterinary clinic. Do not […]

Suds and Scrubs: How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

Dog being rinsed during a bath, illustrating proper grooming and how often dogs should be bathed.

The frequency of bathing your dog depends on several factors, including the breed, coat type, activity level, and any specific health considerations. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how often you should bathe your dog: Breed and Coat Type: Dogs with different coat types require varying levels of maintenance. Dogs with short […]

Bravery Award September 2023

Akira, a seven-year-old husky, sits alert and happy on a couch, looking bright and relaxed while recovering from a fracture in her right forelimb toe.

Gorgeous Akira the seven-year-old husky has been quite the frequent flyer with the team at our Narre Warren clinic in the last several weeks.  She was initially seen at the specialist hospital with a history of being lame on her right forelimb for a couple of days.  Radiographs were performed straight away and revealed a […]

Buzzworthy Concerns: Bee Stings in Pets – Causes, Symptoms and First Aid

A honeybee collecting nectar from a vibrant purple flower, showcasing the beauty and potential sting hazard bees pose to curious pets

Bees, with their vital role in pollination, are crucial to the ecosystem. However, encounters with these tiny creatures can sometimes lead to bee stings, not just for humans but for our beloved pets as well. While bee stings in pets are relatively common, they can be painful and even life-threatening if not properly managed. With […]

“Slumbering Tails and Dreamscapes of Furry Sleepers

A small tan dog sound asleep under a warm grey blanket, paws relaxed and face peaceful, capturing the essence of slumbering tails and furry dreamscapes.

There is evidence to suggest that dogs do in fact dream. Like humans and many other mammals, dogs have a brain structure called the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and learning. Additionally, they exhibit similar sleep patterns to humans, including periods of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is associated with dreaming. During REM […]