Newsletter December 2018

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas is less than a week away and as we get prepared for the festivities and get excited as we put up the Christmas tree and decorations, our pets need to be prepared as well. Christmas brings with it lots of celebratory food. Unfortunately some of this food (or what comes with it) can be a hazard for our pets. Keep a look out for:

• Skewers from barbecued kebabs and fruit kebabs.
• Fatty meat offcuts (can lead to pancreatitis).
• Chocolate.
• Sultanas and raisins in fruit cakes and puddings.
• Onion and garlic.

Is your dog or cat still a rascally youngster or young at heart? Then watch out for christmas decorations such as tinsel and beads, candles and lights and even the tree may not be safe from some trying to climb it.

Our Opening Hours over Xmas and New Year

Over the Xmas/New Year Period, the following hours apply: Monday 24th December 7am to 3pm Tuesday 25th December CLOSED Wednesday 26th December CLOSED Thursday/Friday 27th/28th December 7am to 8pm Saturday 29th December 8am to 2pm Sunday 30th December 10am to 12pm Monday 31st December 7am to 3pm Tuesday 1st January CLOSED Wednesday 2nd January onwards (open as normal): Monday to Friday 7am to 8pm Saturday 8am to 2pm Sunday 10am to 12pm Need any medication dispensed for your pet to cover the holidays?..Please contact us asap to organise this. While outside of these hours, we are closed for consultations, procedures and boarding admissions/discharges, all boarders in care are lovingly cared for every day. For any emergencies out of hours (including public holidays) please contact NEVS (Northside Emergency Veterinary Service) on 9452 2933.

Thunderstorms and Fireworks – Is your dog prepared?

It’s now the summer storm season and it’s not just us that can get a bit scared of the loud booms and the lightning flashes! Storm phobias are quite common in our companion animals, especially dogs. Would you know if your pet has a phobia of storms? Some of the more common signs seen are:

• Escape (sometimes resulting in self injury)
• Inappropriate toileting
• Vocalising, trembling, hiding, pacing and salivating
• Destructive behaviours

Many animals that have storm phobias may also have a fear of loud noises such as fireworks, music and gunshots. So how can you manage storm incidents?

1. Provide a den or hiding place where your pet can feel safe and comfortable (a crate or cardboard box just big enough for them to lie down and turn around is perfect).
2. An Adaptil collar or diffuser releases pheromones (similar to those released by a mother dog when her pups are feeding) which can increase your dog’s feeling of security.
3. Make sure all windows, doors and cat flaps are securely closed during the storm. This will reduce the chances of your pets escaping.
4. Provide positive distractions such as new toys, games or chews while the storm is active. Distractions like these are much more effective than cuddling or talking to your pet. Draw the curtains and switch on the TV for some background ‘white noise’ to mask the outside noise.
5. Try not to leave your pets alone when the storm is approaching and in full swing
6. DO NOT punish your pet for the behaviour. This will only make your pet more distressed!

If your dog’s noise phobia is severe and the above strategies are not effective enough, then book an appointment with Katie Bedrossian, one of our nurses with extra qualifications in behaviour training along with a veterinary medical assessment.