Category Archives: Pet Advice

‘Tis the Season for Safety: Navigating Christmas Pet Hazards

A fluffy dog sits near a decorated Christmas tree, playfully holding a shiny red gift bag in its mouth, capturing the festive spirit while reminding pet owners to keep holiday hazards in mind.

The holiday season is a time of joy, festivities, and family gatherings. As we immerse ourselves in the holiday spirit, it’s essential to be mindful of potential hazards that can pose risks to our beloved pets. Christmas, in particular, brings unique challenges for pet owners, from decorations to festive foods. In this article, we’ll explore […]

Bravery Award November 2023

Corgi puppy

Lovely little Theo, the 25-week-old Corgi puppy presented to the team at Narre Warren this month feeling pretty rough after 24 hours of profuse watery diarrhoea.  He was still happy enough to eat and drink with no vomiting, however his owners were concerned at the amount and frequency at which he was going to the […]

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 […]

Finding a Fledgling: A Guide to Finding and Caring for Baby Birds

Educational flowchart titled “So You Found a Baby Bird – Now What?” explaining steps to identify and care for baby birds or fledglings.

Finding a fledgling bird can be a common occurrence, especially during the spring and summer months when many birds are breeding and raising their young. Fledglings are young birds that have just left the nest and are learning to fly and forage for food. If you come across a fledgling bird, here are some steps […]

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 […]