Just like us humans, it’s important for dogs to get vaccinated to protect from certain diseases.
Their vaccination schedule starts from just 6 weeks old and it’s important to keep up with the recommended schedule for puppies, as this will help ensure they’re properly protected from diseases such as canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, infectious canine hepatitis, and infectious canine tracheobronchitis (kennel cough).
A typical vaccination schedule starts when your puppy is 6−8 weeks old; their second injection is at 10−12 weeks and their third and final ‘booster’ is at 14−16 weeks. This can vary depending on your location and the type of vaccine your vet uses. One thing to be aware of is that vaccinations can take up to two weeks to have their full effect, so unless your vet has advised otherwise avoid taking your puppy out and about, particularly to dog parks, beaches and other dog hotspots until 2 weeks after they have had their final vaccination.
Bringing your new puppy in for their vaccinations is a great way to get them acquainted with the vet. We’ll be here to make the experience as positive as possible, with lots of treats, toys and cuddles!
If you have any questions about anything regarding your puppy, get in touch with us today, or bring them in for a check-up (we love meeting new puppies!)
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is one of the most wonderful things you’ll experience as a pet parent.
As you celebrate and fuss over the newest addition to the family, you might suddenly find there’s a lot to consider, as well as some important steps you need to take to get your puppy ready for the big wide world.
Desexing is generally recommended at around 6 months of age. Not only does it prevent any unwanted litters, but it reduces the risk of certain diseases and cancers.
Ever heard the expression ‘You are what you eat’? Well, it applies to our canine friends as well. Proper nutrition is vital for puppies because it helps them to grow strong bones and muscles …
It’s a good idea to start caring for your puppy’s teeth from a young age. Proper dental care can help prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay in later years.
It’s very important that your puppy has positive interactions with other people and dogs during their first few weeks to help them grow into a confident and well-behaved member of the family.
If you have any questions about anything regarding your puppy, get in touch with us today, or bring them in for a check-up (we love meeting new puppies!)
Our Pet Age Calculator will tell you. Turns out it’s not as simple as just multiplying a cat or dog’s age by 7! Pets can age differently depending on their species, breed, and size. Input your pet’s calendar age below and find out their relative age and life stage, anywhere from a fresh-faced Puppy or Kitten to a “golden oldie” Geriatric.
Hi paw parent, just like you, pets want to live a long and happy life. With proper health care management, older pets can live their lives to their full potential, which may be well over the equivalent of 100 human years! The key to giving them a longer, healthier time with you can be pretty simple, it’s all about detecting problems early. Half yearly check-ups and thorough physical examinations are recommended for Senior pets. As are lots of pats and cuddles, but you already knew that bit!
When is a pet classified as being senior or mature? Dogs and cats are considered to be mature adults once they turn 7 years old. Large breed dogs age more quickly and are considered mature at 5-6 years of age.
We are currently in the process of making some changes to our vaccination protocols that affect dogs, cats and rabbits.
Please continue reading to see what these changes mean for you and your pet.
DOGS – Kennel Cough Vaccine
Historically, at Hall Vet Surgery and Vets at Amaroo we have used a once yearly intranasal (administered via the nostril) kennel cough vaccination. We are currently experiencing difficulties sourcing this intranasal vaccine, which has led our vets to change our kennel cough vaccination protocol to an injectable vaccine. We have already been using this injectable vaccine for years, mainly for dogs who are head shy, aggressive or fearful at the vet, as it is easier to administer than the intranasal vaccine for these patients.
What does this mean for you & your dog: At your dog’s next yearly check up, they will be transitioned onto the injectable kennel cough vaccine protocol. They will receive their first dose of this vaccine, and will require 1 booster dose 2-4 weeks later. If your pet is well, this injection can be given by one of our veterinary nurses and there won’t be an additional consultation fee, just the fee for the vaccine itself. After this point, your dog will continue on with a yearly kennel cough vaccine at their annual check up & vaccination review. This vaccine can be mixed with their C3 vaccine prior to administration, meaning they will only receive a single needle for these (and nothing down their nose!), hopefully making the experience a little nicer for them.
CATS – FIV Vaccine
Unfortunately, our FIV vaccine is out of stock with all suppliers, with an ETA date of December. We do still have a small supply of the vaccine available at both clinics, however this may run out before the vaccine is back in stock with our suppliers. The FIV vaccine is recommended for any cats who spend time outdoors to protect from Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, which is spread cat to cat via the saliva of an infected cat.
What does this mean for you & your cat: The vaccine manufacturer has confirmed that if your cat is less than 3 months overdue when the vaccine is back in stock, they can just receive their normal single dose and continue on with a yearly schedule. If your cat is more than 3 months overdue when the vaccine is back in stock, they will require an initial dose and then a booster dose 2-4 weeks later. If your pet is well, the booster can be given by one of our veterinary nurses and there will not be an additional consultation fee, just the fee for the vaccine itself.
For any cats more than 3 months overdue, risk prevention measures may be beneficial. Such as keeping them indoors until they are back up to date with vaccines, or supervising them during any outdoors time.
RABBITS – RHDV Vaccine
Currently all rabbit owners have been advised to get their rabbits vaccinated and health checked every 6 months with a vaccination that protects against Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, more commonly known as Calicivirus. This vaccination only covered against 1 strain of disease – RHDV1. We have just upgraded our vaccination with the recent introduction of a new and improved vaccine (Filavac®) in Australia. Filavac can give protection to rabbits from both the RHDV1 strain and the RHDV2 strain of calicivirus. We feel that this extra level of protection for rabbits in terms of vaccinations is important to ensure that we provide your rabbit with the best preventative care possible. This vaccination can be given to rabbits from 10 weeks of age and then repeated annually.
What does this mean for you & your rabbit: At your rabbit’s next check up & vaccination, they will be given the new vaccine and transferred to the new yearly vaccination protocol. Your rabbit will still benefit from 6 monthly check ups, please discuss with your vet at your next appointment.
If you have any questions or would like to check your pet’s vaccination status, please give us a call on 6230 2262.
With the change in season comes a few new safety topics for pet owners to be aware of. In this article we will be covering four Spring and Summer related health topics;
Grass Seeds
Heat Stress
Snake Safety
Paralysis Ticks
Grass Seeds
Unfortunately with the beautiful spring weather and rapid growth of vegetation comes grass seeds. These seeds have a sharp tip and barbed end, allowing them to puncture skin easily and even migrate through the body. At Vets at Amaroo we often see patients who have these little suckers in their paws, ears, eyes, nostrils and even genitals, ouch!
The best way to avoid grass seeds is to avoid long grass, keep grass on your own property mowed and don’t allow your pet to run through long grass on walks. If your pet has long fur, trimming their fur (especially their paws) can also dramatically reduce their chances of ending up with grass seeds embedded in their skin.
For more information and a list of symptoms to keep an eye out for, see: Grass Seeds Information.
Heat Stress
Heat Stress is extremely dangerous for our pets, in severe cases it can cause irreversible damage to internal organs and can even be fatal. Unlike us, our pets are unable to sweat and are less efficient in cooling themselves down. As pets rely on panting as their primary way of eliminating excess body heat, brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are much more at risk due to their inability to breath and pant as efficiently. Pets who are overweight, have heart disease, are very young or very old are also at increased risk.
Ensuring your pet ALWAYS has access to water, shade and a well ventilated area is the number one way to prevent heat stress. Exercising your pet at cooler times in the day and not allowing them to over exert themselves is also extremely important.
As snakes hibernate during the colder months the vast majority of snake bites take place in Spring and Summer. 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.
The best ways to prevent snake bites are:
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
Symptoms to look out for:
Vomiting
Sudden weakness
Collapse (can seem to ‘recover’ shortly after)
Twitching of the muscles
Hyper-salivation
Dilated pupils non-responsive to light
Blood in urine
Paralysis
What to do if you think your pet may have been bitten by a snake: 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. Snake bite envenomation is life-threatening, 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. Never attempt to catch or harm a snake. Additional information on prevention and treatment of snake bites can be found, here.
Paralysis Ticks
Many Canberra residents like to head to the coast during the Spring and Summer months and often enjoy bringing their furry family members along for the ride. It is absolutely imperative that your pets receive tick prevention before you head to the coast, even if they’re not coming with you, as ticks can even hitch a ride back with you and attach to your pet at home!
Paralysis ticks are capable of killing an animal within 3-4 days of attaching if they have not received tick prevention prior. Thankfully most paralysis tick patients who receive veterinary treatment will recover, but using preventatives is a far safer and cost effective option.
There are lots of convenient and cost effective prevention options on the market nowadays, from chews to topical treatments, one to six months coverage and options that cover for fleas and ticks alone or fleas, ticks, intestinal worms and heartworm all in one.
Early signs of tick paralysis include:
Tiredness or lethargy
Staggering, wobbliness or loss of coordination
Trouble standing, sitting or raising from a laying position
Vomiting or gagging
Harsh breathing sounds or breathing difficulty
Change in the sound of their bark or meow
If your pet is showing any of the above symptoms after they, or you, have been to the coast we recommend seeking veterinary attention immediately. The sooner your pet receives treatment, the better there chance of survival.
If you find a tick on your pet and their are no symptoms that they may be unwell, we still recommend booking in for a consultation. It is helpful for us to be able to identify the tick under the microscope and have a discussion about what to look out for as symptoms can develop even after the paralysis tick is removed.
For further advice on suitable tick prevention products for your pets, or any of the above topics, please call our friendly customer care team on (02) 6230 2262.
A very serious infection of dogs, Leptospirosis, has been detected across NSW with detections on the Central Coast, Central and Northern beaches areas of Sydney and more recently NSW South Coast.
Seven dogs are reported to have been affected in this latest cluster, with four affected in the Newcastle area and three from the South Coast region. This is a wider area than the previous outbreak which occurred predominantly in metropolitan Sydney. Unfortunately, the current outbreak has a case mortality rate of 71% for unvaccinated dogs.
Risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs include a history of hunting or exposure to rodents, access to a stagnant water source, and living in or travelling to an affected area (especially within the preceding 30 days).
Areas which have had reported cases of canine leptospirosis include Annandale, Ashfield, Balmain, Cheltenham, Cooks Hill, Crows Nest, Darlinghurst, Elanora Heights, Erskineville, Figtree, Firefly, Glebe, Horsley Park, Ingleside, Lurnea, Marrickville, Medowie, Newcastle, Newtown, Old Erowal Bay, Paddington, Redfern, Sanctuary Point, Speers Point, South Coast, St Georges Basin, Surry Hills, Trunkey Creek and Waterloo.
WHAT IS LEPTOSPIROSIS?
Leptospirosis (often referred to as lepto for short) is a bacterial infection that travels throughout the entire body via the blood stream, causing organ dysfunction/failure and internal bleeding. It can be fatal in as little as 48 hours.
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
The bacteria favours warm, moist environments, ponds and stagnant water and areas exposed to flooding. The infection is often contracted when the dog is exposed to infected rodent urine in ponds or wet soil in poorly drained areas.
WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS?
Clinical symptoms of leptospirosis vary and are non-specific, but can include;
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Fever (high body temperature)
Lethargy
Increased thirst and urination
Red urine
Yellow gums or eyes
HOW CAN I MINIMISE THE RISK TO MY DOG?
We have access to a vaccine that covers for one strain of leptospirosis. This does mean that there are strains that aren’t covered in this vaccine, however due to the often fatal nature of this disease, any level of protection may be beneficial. This vaccine is not included in our usual vaccine protocols, so even if your dog is up to date with their yearly vaccinations, they likely haven’t received a leptospirosis vaccination.
Vaccination is recommended for dogs who;
Are living in, or travelling to, the known areas affected in Sydney, Newcastle, South Coast, and the surrounding areas
Have contact with rats or other rodents
For dogs who have never been vaccinated against leptospirosis, two doses of the vaccine given 2-4 weeks apart are required, followed by annual boosters to maintain protection. The second dose is to be given at least two weeks prior before traveling to known exposure areas & surrounds. Puppies can receive the vaccination from 6 weeks of age. The vaccination may be given with other yearly vaccines as part of a yearly check up appointment or on its own in a seperate appointment.
In addition to vaccination, we recommend avoiding any stagnant water or places where there has been flooding. Keep your dog on lead when walking and do not allow them to swim in or drink stagnant water.
For more information or to book your pet in for vaccination, please call our friendly reception team on (02) 6230 2262.
We know how tempting it can be to ditch your pets grooming routine in a chilly Canberra Winter, but the truth is, grooming your pet is just as important in Winter as it is in the warmer months.
Grooming isn’t just about looking good and smelling fresh, It is essential in promoting good health and comfort for your pet.
Every pet’s coat is different and so are their grooming needs, it is important to make sure you understand how to look after them properly. If you are not sure about your pet’s specific needs, speak to your vet or a qualified groomer for more information. Grooming your pet for winter doesn’t need to be an ordeal, it can be an extremely simple and comfortable activity with these squeaky-clean tips!
Brushing:
Brushing your pet’s coat is extremely important for removing knots and preventing mats from forming. Keeping a regular and consistent brushing routine will allow you to bathe your pet less frequently. Brushing helps to remove dead skin and hair and distributes your pet’s natural oils throughout their coat. A smooth, well brushed coat is key to properly insulating and keeping your pet clean in winter.
Some dog and cat breeds have double (and even triple!) coats, so getting rid of tangles is a top priority for these breeds! Try to brush your pet every couple of days (depending on their coat) and aim to make it a routine you both enjoy by using lick mats, chews and other treats they enjoy!
Bathing:
Bathing guidelines are a little different, depending on your pet. When it comes to cats, most don’t really need (or enjoy!) a bath, if they are able to effectively groom themselves. Dogs on the other hand, typically need more frequent bathing. Of course, there are special circumstances when you may need to bathe your pet more, for example;
If they are recovering from an injury or procedure and cannot clean themselves efficiently
Some hairless cats require frequent bathing, speak to your vet for advice.
They may need an unscheduled bath if their coat has become matted, stuck with something that cannot be cleaned naturally or even just rolled in something smelly.
If your pet has dry skin or other skin conditions, they may benefit from less (or more) frequent bathing.
When you do have to bathe your pet, keep in mind a few important tips:
Never use human shampoo and conditioner! The pH levels are different to what your pet needs and can cause skin irritations. Make sure you buy a specific kitten, cat, puppy, or dog shampoo.
Check the temperature – pets can’t tolerate the same water temperatures adult humans can. Make sure the water is comfortably warm but not hot or cold – imagine you are running a bath for a newborn baby. Use the tip of your elbow to check the temperature.
Make sure to dry your pet properly after a bath. Whether this is with a hairdryer or towel, it is important to make sure your pet dries thoroughly. Leaving your pet’s coat wet can lead to problematic skin conditions, matted fur and can also cause hypothermia in cold weather. If your pet prefers to air dry after a quick towel rub, make sure you bathe them early on a warm day so they have plenty of time to dry in the sun.
Remember to keep an eye on your hair dryer’s temperature if you use one – these can get HOT!
Footcare:
Our pets need paw-dicures too! Here are some easy tips for looking after your pet’s paws:
Keep your pet’s nails trimmed – this will prevent painful cracked or curling nails and more serious long-term foot and leg damage.
Take your dog outside to walk on hard and rough surfaces like concrete – the rough surface will act as a file and help to wear their nails down naturally.
Trim your cat’s claws during winter – if they spend more time indoors when it is cold outside, they might be more prone to scratch household furniture and other indoor pets!
Keep the fur in between your pet’s toes trimmed neatly. If this becomes wet through walking, it may be slow to dry, encouraging bacterial growth that causes skin irritations and other issues (not to mention, it will become smelly!).
Dry Skin
Just like us, our pet’s skin can become dry in winter too. This can be for a number of reasons (incl. parasites, cool weather or allergies) and may be treated with moisturisers, dietary supplements, regular grooming and if needed, medication (check with us before starting your pet on any treatment). It is important to check your pet closely for signs of dry or irritated skin –
Itchiness (look for excessive scratching)
Dandruff, scabby and flaky skin
Cracked paws
Hair loss
Increased oiliness
An unpleasant odour
No matter how big or small your pet is, proper winter grooming will keep them happy, healthy, comfortable and looking fantastic over the cooler months!
Have a chat with us today about grooming and any concerns you may have – you can get in touch by calling our friendly reception team on (02) 6230 2262.
Are you an experienced veterinary receptionist who’s looking for a change of scenery or a newbie who’s eager to start their career in the veterinary industry?
Hall Vet Surgery and Vets at Amaroo are looking for a loud and proud ‘People Person’ to join our crew! Our customer care team are passionate about providing customer service excellence at every opportunity and making a difference in the moments that matter.
ABOUT US
Located in the picturesque Hall Village, Hall Veterinary Surgery has spent the last 30+ years embedding itself as a practice of choice for many Canberrans and their furry friends. In 2018, we brought our celebrated ‘friendly country care’ to a second convenient location via our new branch practice, Vets at Amaroo. Together, we are a team of diverse minds that are united by the same common goal and passion, delivering gold standard care to pets and their people.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Shared role across both the Hall and Amaroo branches
38 hours per week with additional 1 in 4 Saturday mornings
Fast paced, challenging and rewarding role
Supportive team environment that embraces continued learning
Starting wage $20-$26/hour dependent on age and relevant experience
ABOUT THE PERKS
Enjoy a great work life balance with a standard 4 day working week
Saturday morning shifts on a rotating roster of 1 in 4
Free parking available at both clinic locations
Above award pay rates & paid parental leave
Take advantage of our staff discount scheme for your own animals
Go home feeling fulfilled knowing that you made a real difference to someones day in helping to keep their pets healthy and well!
Need we mention the puppy and kitten cuddles!?
ABOUT YOU
Our ideal candidate;
Has prior experience in a customer service role
Finds satisfaction in helping clients when they need it most
Is excited by the opportunity to push themselves, learn and grow
Is resilient, enjoys a challenge and shows initiative
Possesses a high level of emotional intelligence & self awareness
Is a team player, dedicated to working together to succeed
Is passionate about animals and is excited to pave out a career in a veterinary profession
APPLICATIONS
If this sounds like the job for you we’d love to hear from you! Email a one page cover letter outlining why you’re the best person for the role and your up to date CV to April Maney – april@hallvet.com.au
Trainee veterinary nurses will be considered for this position, however cannot be guaranteed a nursing placement in the near future.
Applications for this role close at 11:59pm Sunday 15th May. Interviews will be held Saturday 21st of May.
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