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Diet details

Posted on by peter

Ever feel overwhelmed when you start to peruse all the various dietary options on offer for dogs? Which is going to be the healthiest diet for your pet?

The truth is, there is no one perfect diet to suit every dog. Home-cooked diets can be preferable for some pets, but they don’t always deliver on long-term nutritional requirements without the guidance of a qualified veterinary nutritionist (plus, it’s lots of preparation and work on your part!). Additionally, pet health benefits from the food safety checks, nutritional consultancy, and long-term feeding trials that go into the production of established veterinary-approved pet foods.

With that in mind, here’s what we would recommend feeding your dog for balanced nourishment throughout their life.

Feeding during the puppy stage

For puppies, we recommend feeding a complete and balanced puppy growth diet in accordance with the labelled quantity guidelines. So, what does that look like?

Compared to adult dog foods, standard puppy diets have higher protein and calorie levels for growth, and a specific balance of calcium and phosphorous to support healthy bone development. Interestingly, large-breed-specific puppy diets have different levels of calories and balanced nutrients to support the slower growth rate and lean body condition recommended for healthy bone development in larger pups.

It’s generally recommended to feed a small to medium-sized puppy a regular puppy growth diet until they are 10-12 months old, whilst large- to giant-breed puppies should be fed a large-breed growth diet until 18-24 months old. Feeding a puppy diet for longer than this isn’t specifically harmful, but can predispose your pet to stacking on excess weight!

Adult dietary requirements

The good news is as long as a food states that it is “complete and balanced” for adult pets, you have a larger range of potential diets for your adult dog, depending on your preferences (and theirs).

We recommend that the majority of your adult dog’s diet consists of a veterinary-approved food that meets their micronutrient requirements, and limits their exposure to excess ingredients that could cause health problems in the long-term.

 

Senior diets

Between 7-10 years of age, some dogs can benefit from a switch to a senior diet.

Senior diets focus on high-quality, digestible proteins combined with reduced overall calories to help your pet to maintain a healthy lean muscle mass. They also frequently incorporate clinically-proven antioxidants and essential fatty acids to support brain, joint and organ health.

For older pets on a regular adult diet and in healthy body condition, we recommend the benefits of a high-quality, veterinary-approved essential fatty acid supplement for long-term anti-inflammatory benefits. Consult our supplement-savvy vets regarding the safest and most effective options for your pet.

Special dietary needs

For pets with specific health concerns, prescription veterinary diets can be a simple way of treating and supporting their condition so that they can continue living their best life.

Prescription diets can help in the management of:

  • Kidney disease
  • Dental disease
  • Intestinal sensitivities
  • Brain health
  • Liver disease
  • Arthritis

For more personalised advice on the healthiest diet for your pet, have a chat with our nutritionally-knowledgeable veterinary team!

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Proudly sponsoring Templestowe Valley Preschool’s aquarium

Posted on by peter

We are very pleased to announce our sponsorship of Templestowe Valley Preschool’s aquarium. Staff at Templestowe Valley have found that the new classroom addition provides a calming distraction, stimulating young minds and encouraging new enquiries into science and animal care.

The final weeks of the school term can be very demanding on preschool-age children as they navigate the transition into school programs and more intense learning, and the aquarium has been a welcome inclusion to the classroom. “The children have really embraced it, they enjoy watching the fish”, said teacher Lee Thiele. “They’ve expressed a strong interest in learning more about them through our research, stories and craft activities.”

Unfortunately, continuing the aquarium rental through the end of term wasn’t going to be feasible financially for Templestowe Valley Preschool, so we at Vets on Parker have offered to cover the remaining costs. We’re so happy we’re able to contribute to the welfare of our smallest community members in this way.

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Summer Heat Hazards

Posted on by peter

As we reach the peak of summer we welcome long hot days and balmy nights. It’s the best time of the year to get out and about with your pet but there are a few hazards you need to watch out for. 

Heat stroke:

It can be easy to overdo it in the summer and heat stress can be very serious in our pets. Therefore, it’s crucial to remember that our pets can’t perspire the way humans do, as they only produce only a tiny amount of sweat through their footpads. They cool themselves down by panting but sometimes this isn’t enough and they start to overheat.

Brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs (French bulldogs, Pugs, Cavaliers, Boxers) are super susceptible to heat stroke but ANY breed is at risk. Keep an eye out for excessive, exaggerated or noisy panting, drooling, weakness or collapse. 

If you think your pet might have heat stroke, bring them to us immediately (or seek emergency veterinary care). It’s best to place your pet in front of the air conditioner or a fan while you are in the car. You can lightly spray them with water and also place wet towels on hairless parts of the body (footpads and groins). You should not immerse them in cold water or use ice as this can cause the body to cool down too quickly and lead to further complications.

Hot underfoot:

Ever heard the term ‘this pavement is so hot you could fry an egg on it?’ The hidden danger on the street this summer IS the street!

Pavement and bitumen (and even sand at the beach) can get so hot in summer that it can cause excruciatingly painful burns and blisters to your dog’s paw pads. Metal ute trays can also burn your dog’s paws. 

We recommend you test the surface by holding your hand to it for a count of five seconds. Or stick to walking your dog in the cool of the day and take the softer (grass) route to the park.

Pools are not always safe:

Pets don’t always like the water and many cannot swim. Never force your pet to get in the water and do not leave your pet where they can access a body of water without supervision. Dogs have been known to fall into pools and drown. 

Don’t let your pet drink the pool water as it can be toxic and wash your pet off after a swim as chlorinated water can irritate the skin and eyes. Moisture in the ears can also lead to annoying ear infections. 

Our top tips for preventing heatstroke:
  1. Never leave your pet in the car even on a mild day as the internal temperature of a car can become like an oven in minutes. Dogs can die in just six minutes in a hot car so don’t risk it. 
  2. Never exercise your pet in the heat of the day and skip exercise altogether on extremely hot days.
  3. If your pet has a thick coat, consider a full summer clip to help them stay cool.
  4. Always provide plenty of drinking water in multiple bowls.
  5. Make sure your pet has access to shade throughout the day, or even better, airflow from a fan (and/or air-conditioning – this is particularly important for Brachycephalic breeds).
  6. Pets should be brought inside on extremely hot days.
We are here to help keep your pet healthy and comfortable over the summer months. If you are worried about your pet you should always ask us for advice.
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Christmas dog hiding under blanket

The “Twelve Pet Hazard of Christmas”

Posted on by peter

We’d like to help make sure your pet stays happy and healthy this silly season so here’s a list we’ve compiled of the ‘Twelve Pet Hazards of Christmas’:

Christmas can be a risky time for your pet. There is usually lots of food around as well as plenty of people, parties and changes in routine. You may not be able to keep an eye on your pet as much as usual and on top of this, we tend to find that pets can get themselves into all sorts of trouble during this period. Keep an eye out for the following hazards, and give you and your pet the best shot at a happy, healthy, holiday season!

Food Hazards:

1. Christmas dinner and leftovers: These are all too rich for our pets and can cause nasty tummy upsets and even life threatening Pancreatitis. We recommend you stick to ‘pet approved’ treats only, and avoid the temptation to feed your pet Christmas ham under the table.

2. Macadamia nuts: While they are very popular at Christmas, Macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs if ingested. The toxicity leads to muscle weakness, vomiting and tremors.

3. Sultanas and raisins are common in Christmas cakes and grapes make a lovely addition to a fruit platter but they may contain a mycotoxin which can cause kidney failure in dogs. Keep these out of paws reach! 

4. BBQ skewers can be catastrophic for pets if they are accidentally ingested. Take extra care to ensure your pet doesn’t grab one that has fallen off the BBQ. NEVER feed your pet cooked bones as these can splinter, or cause an obstruction, and result in the need for emergency intestinal surgery.

5. Chocolate – dogs can’t metabolise the theobromine in chocolate. Chocolate ingestion can lead to an increased heart rate, tremors, seizures and even death. The darker the chocolate the more toxic, and the size of the dog and amount ingested also plays a part in the severity of the symptoms. Seek veterinary attention immediately if your dog eats chocolate. 

Environmental Hazards:

6. Decorations such as tinsel and fairy lights are very attractive to pets (especially cats) but can lead to a gastric obstruction if eaten.

7. Ribbons and string tied around presents are also super attractive to cats and if ingested can lead to a nasty gastric obstruction requiring emergency surgery.

8. The Christmas tree might be an attractive indoor ‘pee tree’ but can also be a falling hazard.

9. Lots of guests can cause your pet to become stressed and even lead to them trying to escape, so make sure they have a safe and quiet place to retreat to.

10. Christmas lilies can cause kidney failure in cats. The stamen, leaves and stems are all potentially toxic as is the water they are stored in. If possible, it’s best not to have them in the first place.

11. Snakes are out and about and will be all summer. Take care in long grass, around water or areas where there are rodents (grain sheds and chicken pens are common places.)

12. Heatstroke: Never leave your pet in the car during the warmer weather as heat stroke can occur very quickly. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can reach dangerous levels in minutes. Leaving a window down will not help either, so please don’t risk it! It’s best to avoid car trips in the heat with your pet unless absolutely necessary. 

If you think that your pet has partaken in one of the “Twelve Pet Hazards of Christmas,” or generally have any questions, we are always here to help!
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Vital vaccinations

Posted on by peter

Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we utilise to help keep your pet healthy. Vaccinations are safe. They have minimal (if any) side effects and we recommend you vaccinate your pet because, above all, they work.

Quick Vaccination Facts:
  • Vaccinations protect against potentially fatal diseases.
    Many dangerous or life-threatening animal diseases are preventable with the right vaccinations.
  • Vaccinations protect other pets in the community. 
    When there are a greater number of pets vaccinated, the spread of disease is greatly reduced. (This if often referred to as herd immunity.)
  • Vaccinations protect your pet when they are at their most vulnerable.
    If your pet is old, or unwell, their immune system may be weak. Vaccinations ensure that they are protected even in this state.
  • Vaccinations mean you can board your pet.
    Kennels and catteries require that pets be up-to-date with their vaccinations. This comes in handy in family emergencies, or if you decide to go away on holiday.
  • Vaccinations save money. 
    The cost of keeping your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date is minimal when compared to the cost of treating a preventable disease. In other words, it’s better to be safe now, than sorry later!
Core and non-core vaccines

Vaccines are grouped into either core or non-core vaccines. Core vaccines should be administered to all pets to protect them from disease, no matter their circumstance. Core vaccines help protect your pets from life-threatening diseases that can be found, or contracted, anywhere:

Core vaccines for dogs protect against 
Canine distemper virus 
Canine adenovirus (hepatitis)
Canine parvovirus
Kennel cough

Core vaccines for cats protect against
Feline parvovirus 
Feline calicivirus 
Feline herpesvirus
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

Non-core vaccines are not always necessary. This is because non-core vaccines are only required by animals whose location, environment, or lifestyle places them at risk of contracting specific infections.
For example, non-core vaccines protect against:
Leptospira interrogans in dogs, and Feline leukaemia virus and Chlamydia felis in cats.

Remember, we are always available to help identify any risk to your pet’s health. A quick chat, or a check up, can help us determine if your pet needs a non-core vaccination.

How often should you vaccinate your pet?

This depends on the type of vaccine given. For instance, some vaccines will only protect your pet for a year, and there are other vaccines that will give your pet three years protection. A vital part of being a good pet owner is keeping up to date with your pet’s vaccinations.

It’s important that, if you are unsure of your pet’s vaccination status, you talk to us as soon as possible.

A Word from our Vets:

“No matter how often you vaccinate your pet, it is important that we perform a health check on your pet at least once a year.  This helps monitor all aspects of their health. We look to their dental, heart, and joint health, their weight and mobility, and look out for any new lumps or bumps.”

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Kidney disease can be thirsty work

Posted on by peter

If your pet is thirstier than usual it could be a sign of kidney disease. The increase in thirst may only be subtle but if you find yourself filling up the water bowl more regularly or even notice your pet drinking from the shower recess, you should arrange a check-up with us.

When it comes to the kidneys and exactly how they work things are pretty complex. Having said that, their basic role is to work out how much water should be conserved in the body. They do this using thousands of little factories called ‘nephrons’. Once damaged or destroyed, nephrons do not function properly. As a result, the body doesn’t conserve enough water so your pet will need to drink more to stay hydrated.

Toxins, drugs, diseases or even just old age can harm the nephrons. The alarming thing is, your pet may not show any signs or any changes on routine blood tests until 75% of these nephrons are damaged. Unfortunately, nephrons do not regenerate.

There are two types of kidney disease (also known as renal disease) that can affect your pet. The chronic form of kidney disease is often referred to as ‘the silent killer’ as it can sneak up on your pet and signs may be hard to notice. In other cases, kidney disease can come on quickly (classified as acute kidney disease) and might occur following the kidneys being exposed to a toxin or a certain drug for example.

Other than increased thirst, signs of kidney disease might include:

  • increased urination
  • weight loss
  • vomiting
  • lethargy
  • dehydration
  • mouth ulcers

There are other diseases that will present with similar signs to kidney disease (such as diabetes) so if there are ever any changes in your pet’s daily habits we need to investigate further. Measuring your pet’s water intake over 24-hours and bringing us a morning urine sample are two things you can do at home to get the investigation process started. A blood test, urine test and a measure of your pet’s blood pressure may then be necessary.

The good news is that there is a new blood test available that can help detect kidney disease earlier than ever before. The result of this blood test is always interpreted with the results of a urine test, routine kidney blood tests and a blood pressure check to help stage the disease and decide what treatment if any is necessary.

If we detect that your pet’s kidneys are not working properly, the earlier we initiate treatment the better. Treatment may include diet modification and even medication that can help reduce protein loss through the kidneys. This can all help slow the progression of this insidious disease.

It’s best to arrange an appointment with us as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your pet’s thirst, urination or any other daily habits. Subtle changes can be an indication of an underlying disease and early intervention is going to help your pet live a happier and healthier life.

Pet Tips, Uncategorized

Our Seasonal Allergy Guide

Posted on by peter

Spring season is allergy season for pets so keep an eye out for skin irritations and inflammation, excessive scratching and respiratory issues. In particular, we want to highlight three types of allergies which land pets in our clinic around this time of year:

Grass allergies

The pollen from grass can cause an allergic reaction in both cats and dogs. Some animals have the condition for life, some develop it over time. The allergy most commonly shows up as dermatitis- an itchy rash on the skin which your pet will scratch excessively. Scratching often leads to hair loss and wounds, which can then lead to infection. If you notice your pet displaying these symptoms, your first stop should be the vet to rule out parasites and other allergies. If your pet does have a grass allergy, your vet will be able to provide medication to treat inflammation when it appears. Limiting the amount of contact your dog has with grass pollen is also important. Keep your grass mowed down, and wash and dry your dog’s feet when they come in from playing outside.

Purple heart (Wandering Jew)

 This common weed causes allergic dermatitis in dogs when they come into contact with it. Simply walking through the plants can cause redness and irritation as well as loss of fur and potentially even a secondary infection if your pet scratches and damages the skin. If your pet comes into contact with the weed, bring them to the clinic and your vet will be able to soothe the irritation to make your pet more comfortable and stop them scratching so they heal quickly.

Bee stings

 Dogs can have a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to bee stings. Symptoms begin to show up almost immediately and include itching and swelling around the sting area, redness, hives, diarrhoea, and possibly vomiting. If you notice these symptoms, call your vet immediately as time is key when it comes to treating allergic reactions. Some dogs go into anaphylactic shock when stung by bees which is characterised by symptoms including trouble breathing, wheezing, a blue tint to the skin and collapse. If your dog is displaying these symptoms, it is an emergency situation and you should call the team at Vets on Parker as soon as possible.

 

The team at Vets on Parker have all the skills and resources necessary to help you manage your pet’s seasonal allergies. Book your pet in for an allergy consultation today by calling

(03) 9850 1355 or booking online.
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Winter Pet Care Tips

Posted on by peter

Winter is here!
Here are some handy tips on preparing your pets for another chilly Melbourne winter:

• Remember that even though your pet has a fur coat, they still feel the cold.
• Ensure your pet has a thick, insulated bed for chilly nights. If you’re unsure whether their bed is warm enough why not add a nice fuzzy blanket?
• For rabbits and guinea pigs, add some extra straw to their hutch and give them a protected box to make their bed in. Place a blanket or waterproof tarp over outdoor runs to help keep the weather out.
• Birds feel the cold too. Bring birds in cages inside or place them somewhere sheltered out of the wind and weather. A blanket can be placed over the cage at night to help keep the warmth in.
• If your pet is outside, ensure they have an area they that is out of the wind and protected from the rain with a dry clean floor. Providing access to food, water and a bed in this area is ideal.
• Dog kennels should always be placed against a fence or undercover to give them extra protection from the wind and rain.
• Warm up your pet’s meals. We all love a warm meal on a cold night so why shouldn’t our pets enjoy it too?
• Pet coats. There is a huge range of warm and stylish pet coats on the market. These are great for short haired dogs and older pets who struggle to insulate themselves from the cold.
• Remember that young animals can’t control their body temperatures the same way adult animals do, so you’ll need to keep them inside in cold weather.
• Older pets with arthritis often have flare ups in colder weather. Speak to us about natural supplements and dietary tweaks that can help keep them moving comfortably.

Cats, Dogs, Health, Kittens, Pet Tips, Rabbits & Pocket Pets, Senior Pets, Uncategorized

Ear Infections in Dogs and Cats

Posted on by peter

With all the recent rain, we have seen an increase in the number of dogs coming into the clinic suffering from ear infections.

Dogs and cats have L shaped ear canals that easily trap moisture. This then creates a warm, moist environment that yeast and bacteria thrive in. These ear infections can become very painful and cause permanent damage to your pets hearing if not properly treated.

Signs your pet has an ear infection

  • Rubbing their head along the ground or scratching at their ear
  • A dark discharge coming from the ear or the ear canal appearing red
  • A strong smell – yeast releases a particularly unpleasant smell

What you should do

If your pet displays any of these symptoms, we recommend booking them in for an appointment to see one of our lovely vets. They will take a swab of the ear canal and diagnose what type of infection is plaguing your pet. Once your pet is diagnosed, the vet will able to prescribe the best medication to eradicate the problem quickly.

How to prevent ear infections

We also stock an ear cleaner that is perfect for preventing ear infections in dogs. The cleaner not only helps remove the natural waxy build-up of the ear but dries out any additional moisture, making the environment less appealing to yeast and bacteria. This cleaner is easy to use and perfect for using after baths or when your pet has been playing in the rain.

Cats, Dogs, Health, Pet Tips, Uncategorized