summer-2013

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Glenvale Veterinary Clinic
Summer 2013 Newsletter


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Tips to keep your pet safe this New Year!

As we Kick off the New Year, there are some potential hazards around that could affect you pet. Remember these tips to make sure your pet also has a Happy New Year!

Heatstroke
Pets can overheat VERY easily. Always make sure your pet has access to substantial shade and plenty of fresh water. Never exercise your pet in the heat of the day, either go very early in the morning or wait until the sun has gone down and NEVER leave your pet in your car, even if it is just for a few minutes. A 25 degree day can lead to an inside car temperature of near 50 degrees in just 30 minutes.

Parasite Prevention
All those parasites are out and about at this warmer time of the year. Fleas, flies, disease carrying mosquitoes and parasite ticks want to party with your pet so you need to be on top of prevention. Prevention is easy - just ask us! 

Snakes 
The warmer weather means snakes may be out enjoying the sunshine. Take care walking your dog - especially around areas of water, in parks, reserves or near long grass. Curious cats are also at risk. Keep an eye on your pet when they are outside!

Signs of snake bite include dilated pupils, drooling, trembling and collapse. 

puppy kitten

Protect your pet!

We think intestinal worming is an important issue (and potential health hazard) that you need to be aware of. The most common intestinal worms that dogs and cats may pick up are Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms and Tapeworms. There are about 11 different types of species of intestinal worms that can cause problems in dogs and cats. Infestation mainly occurs when a dog or cat eats worm eggs from poo, contaminated meat or offal, or even from grass. However, worms can also pass through the womb or mother's milk and can also burrow through the skin.


The main groups of intestinal worms are:

Hookworms

A hookworm in dogs is a small parasitic worm that fastens itself by mouth parts to the inner lining of their host’s small intestines and feed on the host’s blood. A hookworm infection causes anemia, diarrhea and weakness in infected dogs, and a dog with a major infestation can become severely underweight and lethargic. A severe infection can be fatal. A hookworm in dogs can seriously damage a dog’s lungs and cause a form of pneumonia, depending on the type of infestation. Puppies, which can contract hookworms from an infected mother, are especially at risk for a fatal hookworm infection.

Roundworms

Probably the most common worm in dogs and cats. It is a large white worm up to 10.0cm long. There are four possible modes of infection: via the womb (not in cats), in the milk, through eating small birds and rodents, or from soil and poo. Most puppies are born with roundworm. This is why they should be wormed at 2 weeks of age. A dog or cat that has a heavy burden of roundworm may develop a pot-belly appearance, stunted growth, poor coat, occasional diarrhoea and may vomited or poo out live roundworms. When the worms migrate through the body they can also damage the lung.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are very long and are made up of segments that act as egg sacs. The egg sac segments drop off when ready to be passed ousegments thatTapeworms require two hosts, the main host (e.g. dog or cat) and a secondary intermediate host (e.g. cow, sheep, rabbits), for their life-cycle. The main host usually does not develop serious health problems but the intermediate host can suffer from an infestation. There are two types of tapeworms which both pose human health risks.

Whipworms

Whipworm is mainly transmitted through ingestion of eggs. Most infestations are light and have no clinical signs. On heavier burders, they can cause inflammation to the large intestinal lining and develop watery mucus diarrhoea and anemia. Whipworms can live in the environment for up to 5 years.

Top tips to prevent intestinal worms in your pets and you

  • Worm your dog or cat regularly – speak to the nurses about an appropriate worming program for your pet.
  • Maintain good hygiene - wash your hands regularly
  • Avoid dogs licking you and other family members around the face
  • Keep your backyard clean – pick up dog and cat poo regularly
  • Clean kennels and sleeping areas regularly
  • Maintain flea control – this can be tied in to your worming regime

Making a Splash!

Taking your pooch to the beach on a hot summer's day is a great way to relax, enjoy the sunshine and cool off.

No one likes to create havoc at the beach so there are a few things to remember!

  • Remember that not all beaches are dog friendly. Check with your local council before you go. Some beaches have certain times where dogs are not allowed on the beach. Also find out if your dog is allowed off leash.
  • Always make sure you are in control of your dog, never let your dog bound up to strangers, small children or annoy other dogs.
  • Always pick up your dog's poo - no one likes to go swimming with or stand in dog poo with no shoes on!
  • Keep dogs off sand dunes and native vegetation areas. Shore birds such as Oystercatchers, Plovers and Terns nest along the high tide mark and will not breed if disturbed. Look out for signs warning you of sensitive nesting areas.
  • Take care near the water & always keep watch of your dog. Dogs that swim in the surf can easily drown if they are swept under by a wave; consider a canine friendly life jacket.

Don't let your dog eat any dead fish or birds, these can be toxic if ingested (such as the puffer fish)


dog beach

Curious Kitties!!!

Cats can be very curious creatures but don’t let curiosity kill your cat. Look out for these potential dangers in your house:

  1. Lilies
    Ingestion of even a small part of the lily plant can cause kidney failure in cats.The flowers, leaves and pollen are all potentially toxic. Cats that lick a tiny amount of pollen from their coat or drink the water that the lilies are stored in can suffer toxicosis. Potentially dangerous lily species include Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum), tiger lilies (Lilium tigrinum), rubrum or Japanese showy lilies (Lilium speciosum and Lilium lancifolium), and various day lilies (Hemerocallis species).
  2. Panadol
    Paracetamol may be a common pain relief medication in humans but if given to a cat, it can cause death. It can cause a life threatening anaemia, liver failure and gastrointestinal damage. Typical signs include lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing and facial swelling.
  3. String  
    String can kill your cat. If ingested, thread, yarn wool, ribbon and string can cause serious gastrointestinal problems. Cats are particularly attracted to string, especially if it has a toy attached.

Signs of a foreign body can include gagging, vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia (not eating), lethargy, a painful abdomen, and perhaps a fever. If you are worried your cat has ingested something it shouldn't have, call us for advice.

Staff News

A very big CONGRATULATIONS to our wonderful nurse Lauren who has recently completed her final Veterinary science exam & is now a qualified vet. Lauren officially graduated from Melbourne University in December. We are so proud & wish her all the best in her future as a veterinary surgeon, but we are sad to lose her as a nurse. Well done Lauren!

Kitty Cat Jokes!

Did you hear about the cat that drank 5 bowls of water?
He set a new lap record.

Why don't cats play poker in the jungle?
Too many cheetahs.

What is a cat's favourite song?
Three Blind Mice.

What does a cat like to eat on a hot day?
A mice cream cone.

What do cats use to make coffee?
A purrcolator.

What kind of cat will keep your grass short?
A Lawn Meower.

Doggy Jokes!

What do you get when you cross a small dog and a large boat?
A Ship Tzu

What did the hungry Dalmatian say after his meal?
"That hit the spots!"

Why are Dalmatians no good at "Hide and Seek"?
They're always spotted!

What breed of dog loves to take a bath?
A Shampoodle

What did one flea say to the other flea when they walked out of the movies?
Shall we walk or take the dog?
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