Firstly, we’d like to thank all of our fantastic clients for the patience and understanding that we’ve been given during these difficult times. From contactless consultations, 2-3 week waiting periods for non urgent appointments and some delays in response times to customer service enquiries. We have continued to be blown away at the good will, patience and kindness of our community in the face of these challenges.
As the restrictions in the ACT begin to relax, we understand that our clients are eager for protocols to return to normal. We too are looking forward to this! As it always has been, the safety of our staff, clients and patients remains our top priority.
We have begun creating a plan that will enable us to stage the relaxation of practice policies without sacrificing the health and safety of our clients or our staff. The first stage involves combining our working teams to ensure that we have sufficient workforce to provide best care to our patients.
Soon we will begin working on the second stage to allow one client per animal in the the consultation room – so long as there are no public health hiccups. Clients will still be required to wait in their cars until we call them and their animal in for their consultation. The waiting room will remain out of action as we cannot provide adequate social distancing in this area. And there will be plenty of hand-sanitiser!
Right now, our contactless consultations, food and medication collection protocols will continue until further notice.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us on 6230 2262.
In this rapidly changing COVID-19 time, Vets at Amaroo has decided to radically change the way we do consultations and admissions so that we can minimise any possible transmission of the virus.
You Will Need:
You will require access to a mobile phone and a credit/debit card for payment (we are no longer accepting cash).
We ask that all cats and rabbits arrive in a pet carrier.
All dogs must be on lead.
The Contactless Consultation Process:
In short, when you arrive at the clinic for consultation or admission, please remain in your vehicle and call us on 62302262 to notify us of arrival.
When it is time for your consultation, we will come to your car and conduct a hand over. Your pet will be brought into the clinic with us and you will remain in your vehicle where you will await a call from the vet to begin your consultation.
During the consultation you will still be able to tell us your concerns and ask us questions, and we’ll still be able to give your pet a physical examination, explain diagnoses and treatment options.
We’ll be sad not to see people’s smiling faces in our consultation rooms, but we are very serious about maintaining health and safety for you and for our staff, so that we can maintain the well-being of your pet.
Stay safe and look out for each other. Vets at Amaroo (02) 6230 2262
Vets at Amaroo will remain open for as long as possible to ensure we can care for your furry family members. As always, maintaining the health and safety of our staff, our clients and our patients is our highest priority.
It is yet to be confirmed whether we are considered an essential service, however we will continue to service our community until we are advised otherwise or it is no longer considered safe to do so.
In order to ensure we can continue to help you, we have increased our precautionary measures in the hospital;
If you are arriving for an appointment we ask that you please stay in your vehicle and phone us on 62302262 to notify us of your arrival. DO NOT enter the clinic until a staff member has advised you to enter. We will be minimising the number or people in the waiting room at any given time to ensure we are executing appropriate social distancing in the practice.
We ask that you please limit the number of people attending your appointment to only those that are required to be present, to limit traffic through the practice.
We ask that you pay with card where possible to avoid unnecessary risk associated with handling cash.
If you are experiencing any cold/flu like symptoms please advise us over the phone before booking an appointment. We will still find an appropriate way to help you.
We have lots of ideas in the pipeline, such as contactless consultations, phone consultations and home delivery for essential items such as food and medication. If you are in self isolation or are just looking to decrease your risk/exposure but don’t want to do so at the expense of your pet’s health, please contact us. We will do our best to find a solution for you.
We will continue to adapt with the situation and update advice as we receive it. If we need to make changes to your upcoming appointment, we will contact you directly. Please notify us if you need to update your contact details.
We’d like to thank you all for your cooperation on this. It is a difficult time for all but rest assured we will be doing everything in our power to remain available to assist you and your pets.
Stay safe and look out for each other. Kind regards, from all of us at Vets at Amaroo.
We have received multiple enquiries recently around the current COVID-19 pandemic and whether companion animals have any relation to it’s spread. The OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) has released the following information on it’s website; “The current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human to human transmission. To date, there is no evidence that companion animals can spread the disease.”
At Vets at Amaroo the health and safety of our patients, their owners and our staff is our top priority. We want to ensure accessing health care for your animals remains as safe as possible for everyone involved. In the surgery we have ensured that there are hand sanitation stations throughout the clinic for your use, and have ramped up our own hygiene protocols.
We are currently brainstorming alternative solutions for members of our community who may be unwell, in self isolation or are considered high risk, ensuring they are still able to access essential items for their pets such as food and medication. If you fall into this category please contact us via phone on 6230 2262 for more information.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and follow the guidelines of the Australian Veterinary Association & The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
For more information you can contact us on 6230 2262 or at hello@amaroovet.com.au
To celebrate our first year of being open Vets at Amaroo are excited to invite you to our 2020 Open Day. A day of fun filled festivities for humans and their furry friends!
Take a tour of our purpose built hospital, shop up a storm at the market stalls and have a cuddle with a cute kitten looking for their forever home! Spot a reptile at the reptile display station, support charity with a sausage sizzle or get in the spirit with animal themed face painting. Come and meet the team and enjoy a day out on the town with your furry family member.
Plenty of fun for children of both human and doggy kind!
Saturday 14th March 2020 10:00am – 1:00pm Vets at Amaroo Shop 1, 2 Emerald Way Amaroo 2914
Market Stalls by:
• Rascals Treats • Leeloo + Co • Paws 2 Play
★ Adoption Kittens and Cats from Goulburn Cat Rescue
★ Reptile Display by Canberra Snake Relocation & Rescue
★ Animal Themed Face Painting by Anne’s Face Painting
★ 3 Lucky Door Prizes tailored to Dogs, Cats & Rabbits
Food & drink and much much more!
* Friendly, vaccinated dogs only. All dogs must remain on lead at all times.
* Unfortunately this event is not suitable for cat attendees.
Vets at Amaroo and Hall Vet Surgery are excited to be offering an opportunity for a Customer Service Extraordinaire to join our team!
What makes this job special?
Be a part of a team that genuinely enjoys each others company, who support each other through the highs and lows
Work in a fast paced environment where no 2 days are ever the same
Perform meaningful work that satisfies the soul and make a positive change to people and their pets lives
Enjoy being employed by a locally owned business who genuinely wants to see you succeed
Puppies and kittens.. need we say more?
Okay that sounds great, what are the details?
Full time position including some Saturday mornings
Position spans over both our modern purpose built practice in Amaroo and our friendly country practice in Hall.
Training will commence on the first week of February for the successful applicant
Do I have what it takes to thrive in this role?
Are you positive, fun loving and warm?
Are you passionate about delivering customer service excellence?
Do you get the greatest satisfaction from helping people?
Are you keen to learn and improve every day?
Do you have great attention to detail?
Are you a fan of a sneaky afternoon snack binge?
I’m sold! How do I apply?
Give us a buzz for a brief phone interview! Call April on 6230 2223; On Thursday the 9th of January between 12:00pm and 2:00pm Or, On Monday the 13th of January between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
You will then be required to send an email with your resume and references, the email address will be provided at conclusion of your phone interview.
Successful applicants from phone interviews will be offered an interview on Saturday the 18th of January at our Hall practice.
Just like us, our pets can suffer from heatstroke. The difference? Our pets are not able to sweat, are covered in fur and rarely sit in an air conditioned office during the day. This means that our pets can’t cool themselves like we can and makes them very susceptible to heatstroke.
Heatstroke is extremely dangerous, causing irreversible damage to your pet’s internal organs including their liver, kidneys, brain and heart. Heatstroke can be fatal if not recognized and treated quickly.
Watch this video for the symptoms, prevention measures and treatment methods that we think all pet owners should know!
Every year in Australia thousands of family pets are bitten by snakes, the types of snake vary depending on where in Australia the bite occurred. Here in Canberra the most common snakes we encounter are Brown Snakes followed by Tiger Snakes and less commonly Red-Bellied Black Snakes.
As snakes hibernate during the colder months the vast majority of snake bites take place in the Spring/Summer months. Snakes are commonly found in areas with long grass, rocks and other hiding holes, often near a fresh water source such as a creek or dam.
It is important to remember that most snakes will try to avoid you and your pets. However, whilst we humans may simply walk away from a snake, our pet’s are inquisitive, armed with natural hunting instincts and when given the chance, will harass snakes often resulting in snake bites.
What can I do to prevent a snake bite to my pet?
Avoid areas with grass any longer than ankle height
Always keep your dog on lead when walking
Do not let your dog investigate off path/in long grass
Keep your backyard tidy, mowed and remove any rubbish that would make a nice hiding spot for a snake
Consider building a cat enclosure for cats that like to venture outdoors
What are the signs of snake bites that I should be aware of?
There are several factors that may determine the reaction your pet may have to a snake bite. These can include the type of snake, where on the body your pet was bitten and how much venom was injected.
Signs and symptoms of snake bites vary but can often show some of the following:
Vomiting
Sudden weakness
Collapse (can seem to ‘recover’ shortly after)
Twitching of the muscles
Hyper-salivation
Dilated pupils non-responsive to light
And in later stages:
Blood in urine
Paralysis
I think my pet has been bitten by a snake, what should I do?
If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake you should keep them as quiet/still as possible whilst seeking immediate veterinary attention. The sooner your pet is treated the better their chances of survival.
Unless you are certain the snake is dead do not put yourself at risk trying to identify it.
Variations in colour of the Eastern Brown Snake.
What will the Vet do to treat my pet?
Once you arrive at the Vet they may recommend a series of tests to determine whether a snake bite has occurred. After receiving confirmation of a snake bite your pet will be placed on intravenous fluids and possibly oxygen depending on their current condition. Your vet will administer the appropriate anti venom to your pet slowly whilst intensive monitoring and supportive care continues. Subject to your pets reaction to the anti venom occasionally more than one vial is needed. Depending on the severity of your pets condition, intensive nursing, hospitalisation and supportive care such as IV fluids and oxygen may be necessary for a number of days whilst they recover.
What is my pet’s prognosis?
Approximately 80% of pets survive snake bites if treated quickly. The survival rate of pets that are left untreated is much, much lower.
What can I do to remove a snake from my property?
If you see a snake do not try to catch or harm it. All Australian snakes are protected and you will expose yourself to unnecessary danger.
If you need a snake removed/relocated please phone either: • Access Canberra Contact Centre on 132281. • Canberra Snake Rescue & Relocation on 0405 405 304. or visit the Access Canberra website HERE for more information.
Spring is here and the temperature is rising here in the Nation’s Capital. With the change in weather comes some new topics for pet health, here are our top 5!
Allergies and Skin Irritation
Seasonal plants and pollen can cause allergies and skin irritations. If you notice your pet scratching at there ears or skin, licking or biting at areas of their body or if you notice any changes to their skin or coat, give us a call to have it checked out.
Grass Seeds
Grass seeds are prevalent in Spring as new vegetation is rapidly growing. The pointy end make it easy for them to become lodged under the skin in your pets legs and paws. They are also commonly found down ear canals, under eyelids and even in the nasal passage after being inhaled! It is safest to avoid any areas with long grass on your walks and it always a good idea to give your pet a check over on return from a walk. If your pet begins shaking their head, sneezing or licking at any part of their body it is best to make an appointment as soon as you can. In many cases sedation and/or general anaesthesia is required for removal so avoid feeding your pet before their appointment just in case.
Paralysis Ticks and Preventatives
Many Canberrans make the most of the warm weather with a trip to the home of paralysis ticks, the coast! Paralysis ticks are capable of killing a dog within just days of attaching if he/she did not have any tick protection prior. We now have such safe, effective, affordable, quick acting and long lasting tick prevention options available that there really is no excuse. Here are our preventative recommendations:
Nexgard Chewable Tablets (1 month protection for fleas and ticks) – Best for infrequent travelers that have a trip planned for less that 1 month duration or for puppies that are growing and may exceed the tablets weight range in a month. Bravecto Chewable Tablets (3 months protection for fleas and ticks) – Best for people who travel quite frequently and can remember to dose again every 3 months. Bravecto Spot On (6 months [yes 6 months!] protection for fleas and ticks) – Best for year round cover for fleas and ticks and for pets who are hard to tablet.
We sell all 3 options here at Vets at Amaroo, give us a call on on 6230 2262 if you’d like us to pop one aside for you.
Snake Bites
Though it has only just hit Spring, there have already been multiple snake sightings in the ACT and surrounding regions. We recommend keeping your dog on lead when out and about, sticking to the path/walking trail and avoiding areas with long grass. It’s helpful to be familiar with the symptoms of a snake bite so that you can act quickly in an emergency, these include: – Vomiting – Sudden weakness – Collapse (can seem to ‘recover’ shortly after) – Twitching of the muscles – Hyper-salivation – Dilated pupils non-responsive to light If you notice any of the above symptoms give your vet a call straight away.
Plants – Lilies
Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, causing kidney failure and even death after ingesting even the smallest amount of any part of the plant. Cat owners should NEVER have lilies in their homes. Symptoms include: – Vomiting – Other symptoms relating to kidney dysfunction (lessened appetite/disinterest in food, lethargy, depression, changes in urination and thirst). Again, if you notice any of the above symptoms, give your vet a call immediately.
Vets at Amaroo nurses Meg and Jessie making nail trimming a positive experience with lots of cuddles and treats!
Start young and make it positive! Get your new puppy used to examinations and nail trims by gently handling their paws, ears, mouth etc every day. Ensure you make nail trims fun by using rewards (such as food and praise) to keep it positive for your pup!
Enlist a helping hand Having a second person to distract, treat and praise your pup means that you can focus on nail trimming alone and will help to avoid any accidents.
Start slow and finish on a positive note Always stop whilst you’re ahead, if you can sense your pup may be starting to become restless then stop where you are, even if it means that you only do 2 or 3 nails at a time. Always make sure you finish the session on a positive note so that your puppy will have fond memories for the next time the nail trimmers come out.
Cut small Each nail has a blood supply called the ‘quick’. The quick can be visible in some white nails, however it is often invisible in darker colored nails. Clipping the nails too far back can result in cutting the quick, which is painful for your pup and results in a bleeding nail. We recommend only cutting 2mm or so off the end of each nail at a time, some dogs who haven’t had their nails trimmed in a long time can have quite a long quick so always cut small to begin with.
Accidents happen, have styptic powder ready Whilst you will try your best not to cut the quick sometimes accidents happen! In the case that one of the nails is bleeding, dabbing a cotton bud into styptic powder and applying this to the end of the nail will form a clot to stop the bleeding. It is a good idea to have styptic powder on hand and ready whenever you are trimming your dogs nails, cornflour will also do the trick as a substitute if you are stuck.
Don’t forget the dew claw Most dogs are born with dew claws on their front legs (and some even have them on their hind legs too!). These claws are located higher up on the inside of the leg leg, almost like a thumb nail. Often these nails need trimming the most as they don’t come into contact with the ground and therefore don’t get worn down by walking on concrete and other hard surfaces.
If in doubt, give us a shout! If you don’t feel comfortable or confident trimming your dogs nails, give us a call. Our nurses trim nails every single day and know all the tricks in the book 🙂 Their are also many helping hands here to feed treats and distract your pup to make it a better experience for them. Give us a call on 6230 2262 to make an appointment.
