Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to animals we have a list of questions that are commonly asked prior to a consultation. Please read through them to gain a better understanding of what you need to know before contacting us. Of course in an emergency, don’t hesitate to call.

Pets can be fed 4 times/day until 8 weeks of age, then 3 times/day until 12 weeks of age and then twice a day thereafter. Dietary requirements differ depending on your pet’s species, age and lifestyle. When young, they need a puppy or kitten diet to provide them with the correct nutrients critical for growing bodies. It is a good idea to pat and reward your puppy when they are eating to prevent them becoming food aggressive. Kittens (and cats) like to eat and drink separate from each other, and separate from their litter trays.

Firstly you need to make sure their vaccinations cover for kennel cough. This means ensuring their C5 vaccination is up-to-date or if they have only had annual C3 vaccinations, we can give an additional vaccination to cover them for the kennel cough viruses.  The latest we can perform the vaccination is a week prior to going into the boarding kennel. Secondly, they need a vaccination certificate from us confirming they are up-to-date with the correct vaccinations. Finally you need to make sure their worming is up-to-date.

Unfortunately no. Regardless of whether your pet is microchipped or not it needs to be registered with the council. A microchip provides a way for us to get in contact with you if your pet ever gets lost or escapes. The information is kept in a completely separate database to the council’s information. Both your local council and the microchip database need to be updated to have your current details.

If you have moved house or changed your name it is important to change your details with the microchipping database so we can still contact you. To update your details you can either email the registry (Central Animal Records or Australasian Animal Registry) or come into the clinic and fill out a form with your new details. We can then update it for you. If you registered an email address, they do send reminders to check your details are correct.

We desex from as young as 5-6 months of age. Desexing minimises the risk of cancers and infections of the reproductive tract components in both males and females.

Worming should be performed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old and then every 3 months for life. This is in both dogs and cats.

Flea burdens are at their highest in warmer months, but flea prevention should continue all year round to prevent infestations. Some animals are very sensitive to flea bites, thus flea prevention reduces the occurrence of allergies. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms, at any time of year, which can cause other issues.

Colic can range from a simple gut upset to something more severe like a gut torsion or impaction. It is important not to let them graze and roll excessively. Initially at home, you can give them a dose of Bute paste or granules (if you have some) to see if mild pain relief helps. If not successful, or you have none, call a veterinarian for assistance.

Yes, you need an appointment to see a vet.  Our consulting hours are from 9am-12noon and 3pm-5.30pm Monday-Friday.  We are also open on Saturday’s from 9am-12noon.

In sheep, goats, cats and dogs, the membranes are passed with the newborn. A mare passes her membranes within 4 hours of giving birth. Cows should have passed their membranes by 4 days post-calving. If at any stage post-birth your animal becomes inappetant or lethargic, contact a veterinarian as there may be remnants of the membranes causing infection.

Gum disease is the cause of bad breath. Often you might notice a yellow build up on teeth. Infected gums can become red and swollen, eventually receding, which can lead to tooth loss and bone pain. The best treatment is a dental which involves cleaning and polishing the teeth to remove the plaque and tartar. Sometimes antibiotics are needed as well to clear up infection. Prevention can be achieved by using dental treats, raw bones and a dry food diet. If you can, regular brushing can be performed at home.

No, you shouldn’t give human medication as it can be toxic. If you are worried insemination occurred, there are hormones safe for animals we can use to terminate the pregnancy after she comes off season. Alternatively, an ultrasound can be performed 30 days after mating to confirm the presence of pups.

There are two household items you can use to stop the blood if you get any bleeding when trimming nails at home. A wet cake of soap can be held onto the offending nail to form a plug or condie’s crystals (potassium permanganate) on a wet cotton tip  can be used to cauterise the nail. Make sure you cover the end of the nail well. Clotting should occur very quickly.  Nails have a large vascular supply and can bleed freely however it is not an emergency.

Seeing your pet collapse can be distressing and there are many possible causes. It is best to stay calm and talk in a low, soothing tone. Take note of what is happening and whether they are conscious or not. Try not move suddenly as this can startle them, and if unconscious they can become aggressive.  Once the episode has passed, visit your veterinarian.

It is not ideal to give them your medication. Some prescribed medications can be given but always check with a veterinarian first. Quite often human medications are metabolised differently in animals and can be quite toxic. Paracetamol is toxic to cats and should never be used.