A big friendly hello from the Animal Doctors Team,
We hope this email finds your family warm this very early spring (almost....)
Health alert outbreaks - current status - Medium
Current month - As a bit of a shock, we have been treating Tick Paralysis cases already (this week which prompted us to email you). We advise to restart your daily checking of every animal, and also resume preventative therapies (don't make the mistake of using a shampoo that washes your prevention away, ask us for a list of safe shampoos). It has come 3 weeks earlier than last year, we will keep you updated each month with numbers and hotspots for ticks. Tick "season" normally occurs between late August and Late March. Best treatments depend on your lifestyle, ask us for current best options for tick prevention. Cat flu cases continue as expected.
| Parvo virus | Low |
| Canine Cough | Medium |
| Cat Flu | High |
| Ticks | Medium |
| Feline Aids | Medium |
We have been proudly nominated for the Chamber's Business Awards, and humbly seek your help. Voting forms are in this months Port News, and we would be honoured to receive your votes either directed to Port News, or dropped into the clinic. We will strive to continue to provide your family with excellent, innovative and authentic care.
Common Ailments at this time of year (briefly)
1. Rat bait poisoning - as the cold months continue we normally see rodents frequent our homes, and the natural response is to bait them. Consequently we get multiple cases where dogs eat readily found baits that have been shifted by rats into the open. Poisoning and death occurs about 2 days after eating the bait. Getting immediate treatment can help avoid the risk of death. The antidote is effective as long as we get it in place quickly. Importantly blood transfusions can save their life (thanks for our Toby the blood donor). Avoid using baits if possible in your home, and if you suspect poisoning, don't expect sudden changes and ignore it, seek our help.
2. Obesity - It is common for our pets to be a little less active over winter, just remember to reduce their feed amounts, or, keep up with the walks or play sessions (cats). Shifting those extra kilos in Spring is hard, but we do have a weight loss program called PetFit. It is free and can be tailored to your animal. It is online and you will need a log in password. Bear in mind you should be able to feel but not see you pets ribs easily.
3. Arthritis in dogs
Very common - see our email 2 months ago, or email us back for a free detailed information sheet - info@animaldoctors.com.au
Topics of interest - dental health
We see a lot of pets with dental health issues that their mums and dads inadvertantly were unaware of. Not due to lack of care, not due to indifference but just not knowing what to look out for. Our goal is to raise your confidence about being able to tell if your pet has a problem in their mouths.
Have you noticed staining? Bad smells? Change in smell or chewing habits, or are curious about how you go about examining the mouth of your pet, or maintaining the healthiest mouth you can? Would you like to have a free dental assessment for your pet?
The Animal Doctors Nursing Team are running 1 on 1 dental assessments free of charge this month. Just need to ring 6581 5111 and book a session. They can show you how to look at the mouth, and can give you up to date advice about dental care, or refer you to one of our vets also free of charge if there are issues to sort out. It will take approximately 15 minutes.
Want to know more about us? - see our website - http://www.animaldoctors.com.au
See us on facebook - http://www.facebook.com/animaldoctors (you don't have to join to view the page - have a look! Post some pics of your pets or share a yarn)
See our tweets on twitter - http://www.twitter.com/animaldoctors
Peruse our blog - http://blog.animaldoctors.com.au
Hope you have a great day,
Steve and the Team at Animal Doctors
