Pet Care Tips
Explore our range of practical pet care advice and answers to commonly asked questions
Why is chocolate poisonous to dogs?
Chocolate contains compounds called methylxanthines including both theobromine and caffeine. These drugs cause stimulation of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), stimulation of the heart muscle and diuresis
Keep your pets safe during fireworks (and thunderstorms)
Some dogs can get anxious and frightened when fireworks are around or during other loud events like thunderstorms. Here are some tips to increase your pets comfort during loud events.
How do you clip your pet's nails?
Incorrect nail clipping can hurt your pet. Using good equipment and good technique is vital. Follow these instructions so you can safely trim your pet’s nails yourself.
Rat Poison
How to tell if your pet has eaten rat baits? What should you do next? Never say never when it comes to our pets gaining access to and eating rodent poison.
Green Tree Frog Toxicity
We’ve recently had an influx of dogs becoming unwell after interacting with Green Tree Frogs. Check out this article to learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of dogs affected by Green Tree Frogs toxins.
Heat Stroke
Heatstroke is one of the most catastrophic, and yet easily preventable, conditions that dogs can suffer from. Dogs can't sweat and they cool by panting; they are often so eager to please and will continue to play until their bodies can't take any more.
Are reptiles good pets?
Owning a reptile is a fantastic pet option. Reptilian pets can be fun to have around – not to mention educational and awe inspiring. Here are some things to consider before buying a reptile.
How to give your pet medication
Instructions and tips for giving your pet ear drops, tablets, eye ointment, clean their teeth and clean their drains post-surgery.
Grass Seeds
The grass seeds have tiny barbs to only allow forward movement. The consequences of this migration can be quite serious. Read on to learn about the signs, treatment and prevention of grass seeds in dogs.
Allergies in Pets - Atopy
Atopy, or Atopic dermatitis, is an allergic skin disease that causes itching. It is one of the two most common skin allergies in dogs and cats, along with flea allergy dermatitis.
Treatment for Atopy
When we remember that there are various known causes for Atopy, we will work with your pet’s particular case in coming up with the most practical treatment plan. Remember, by removing a primary allergy like flea allergy dermatitis
Arthritis in Dogs
Arthritis is a very common condition, affecting 20% of all dogs, and up to 80% of all aged dogs. Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, difficulty in moving and reduces the animal's quality of life.
Arthritis in Cats
Arthritis (inflammation of the joints) is a painful condition in all species, including ourselves. Cats are good at hiding obvious signs of arthritis, but it is very common with around 90% of cats over the age of 12 becoming affected.
Signs of Parvovirus in Dogs
Parvovirus is a life-threatening viral disease which infects dogs only and is particularly dangerous to puppies. The virus can remain in the soil and environment for more than 5 years after contamination by an infected dog.
Breeding Considerations
Breeding your dog can be an exciting and wonderful experience, and there is nothing quite like raising and playing with gorgeous, healthy puppies! But before you start, we want to help make sure that breeding is right for you.
Keep your pet safe this summer
There are times in our area when the mercury can push all the way past 40 degrees. None of us feel like hanging out in this kind of weather, in fact we do our best to get cool and stay cool.
The truth about dental disease in pets
Dentistry in small animals is so important; it goes far past being a cosmetic or elective procedure. Approximately 80% of dogs and cats over the age of 3 years have dental disease that requires treatment. Without treatment, these teeth will cause infection and pain.
Signs of Ageing
SLOWING DOWN - You may notice that your pet’s energy slows with ageing. This isn't always the case however, keep an eye for subtle changes in how they move around, get up, lie down, use stairs or exercising.
Pet Health Insurance
Pet health insurance can be a responsible choice these days. Pets are considered family members by many. Their pets’ health is as important as anyone else in the household.