Pet Care

Following yesterday’s announcement by the Victorian Government, we can now say with certainty that we will remain open during the Stage 4 restrictions. We are pleased that the government has recognised the important role our pets play in our lives and community. By remaining open during these Stage 4 restrictions, Vets on Parker is here …
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Thanks to better nutrition, disease prevention and proper home care, cats are now living longer than ever before. Senior cats have recently been redefined as cats over the age of 11 years, but it’s not uncommon for us to see a ‘super-senior’ feline over the age of 18 years. We have even had the pleasure …
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At some point in your pet’s life, they will probably experience a gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea. It can be distressing for you and your pet, and it’s sometimes hard to know what you should do. We have simplified the facts, so you know how best to care for your pet.  …
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“Oh no! My dog isn’t a footballer but could he have just ‘done his knee?”  One of the most common orthopedic conditions we see in dogs is cranial cruciate ligament disease, which is actually very similar to the injury seen in humans on the sporting field – rupture of the “ACL”. Cranial cruciate ligament disease …
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COVID-19 has changed the way we go about our lives and will continue to for many months. When it comes to the virus, there are plenty of questions to be asked, so here are a few answers: How is COVID-19 spread? Although it has been theorised that the new coronavirus emerged from an animal source, …
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During this constantly evolving situation regarding COVID-19, the safety of our clients, patients and team members is our highest priority. We are in this together.  Contactless Consults: We have decided to implement the below guidelines and we ask for your understanding, patience and your cooperation so we can all do our best to protect each …
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As February features its heart-focussed Valentine’s Day, we thought that this month would be the perfect time to talk about the heart that matters most: your pet’s. When it comes to diseases of the heart, knowing what to watch out for really makes a difference. Early detection of heart disease means that medical treatment is …
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In recent weeks we’ve noticed an increase in the number of Giardia cases in dogs and cats in our community, so we thought we would put up some information outlining what Giardia is, what it does, and what we can do to prevent it. Giardia is a parasite which inhabits the intestines of dogs and …
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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 …
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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. …
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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 …
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It’s Spring, the season of adorable baby animals, and that means kittens are going to be out in abundance! Already, we have been inundated with requests from kind members of the public to help with small kittens that have been found in sheds and under houses. If you find yourself with a surprise family in …
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Pardon the pun, but you don’t have to be blind to see that your pet’s eyes are very important! Eye issues can be serious. That’s why, if you notice anything unusual about your pet’s eyes, it’s best to have them checked out ASAP. Conditions like conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, uveitis and glaucoma can be very painful …
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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 …
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You don’t need us to tell you that an episode of itchy and scratchy can be extremely frustrating for your pet. If the cycle of itch, scratch, rub and lick it continues, it can leave your pet feeling uncomfortable, frustrated and downright miserable. Not to mention the need for ongoing veterinary visits and medication! A …
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When it comes to your pet, you might think that carrying a few extra kilos isn't a big deal. Unfortunately, even slightly overweight pets are at an increased risk of developing a host of diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, respiratory disorders and diabetes.
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When it comes to your pet, you might think that carrying a few extra kilos isn't a big deal. Unfortunately, even slightly overweight pets are at an increased risk of developing a host of diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, respiratory disorders and diabetes.
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Registering your cat or dog helps in ensuring they can be located quickly if they ever go missing. When your pet reaches 12 weeks old, they must be registered. This process involves a microchip being implanted into your pet, as well as a tag that is sent to you after registration, to be put onto …
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What is your New Year’s resolution? For many of us, it’s weight loss. While our personal health is incredibly important, it is not every day that we take our dog’s weight into consideration too. In fact, approximately 40% of dogs in Australia are overweight or obese, and many pet owners don’t even know it! Therefore, …
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In December, our Bulleen vet sees a lot of patients with tummy upsets which can often be traced back to too many rich festive foods. Ideally, pets should not ever be fed processed foods as their stomachs have not evolved to digest them and so eating them often leads to diarrhoea and/or vomiting.   However, there …
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During summer, most of our pet patients visit our Templestowe veterinary clinic because they have been overexposed to the harsh sun. In this blog, we are explaining the different health consequences that this exposure can have on your pet. We’ve also put together a quick 5-step grooming guide for owners to care for their pets …
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As we head into summer, it’s important to know the risks that the hot weather will present to your cat, dog or pocket pet. The main risk is heatstroke – a life-threatening condition that can escalate in a matter of minutes. In today’s blog, our trusted vet in Templestowe has put together a guide for …
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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 …
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Good dental health is important for dogs at every age. Unfortunately, around 80% of dogs over the age of three years old suffer from tooth and gum disease. If your dog has untreated tartar build-up from such a young age, by the time they reach their senior years (dogs aged 7 and over are considered …
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Many children love animals and can develop close bonds with their pets. This, in turn, can help the child learn important social skills such as empathy, respect for others and patience. However, if an animal feels trapped, frightened or threatened, even the most docile pets will do everything they can to make a perceived threat …
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Pet surgery can understandably be a stressful time for owners. If your pet is due for surgery, you might be feeling nervous or worried, but don’t stress: at our Narre Warren North veterinary hospital, we often get surgery-related questions from nervous pet-owners. In this blog, we are taking you through some of the most commonly …
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By now, most dog owners are aware that their pet can’t eat chocolate or drink alcohol or caffeine. However, there are plenty of other seemingly innocuous natural foods that are often fed as treats to dogs that can cause health issues. In this blog, we take a look at 4 natural foods which can be …
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As your dog gets older, its body will begin to change. In particular, your dog will become more susceptible to a range of health problems. This is why senior dogs require attentive care, extending all the way to their diets, which we are exploring today in this blog.   When is a dog considered ‘senior’? …
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When it comes to deciding between wet or canned food for your pet, there are a number of pros and cons on each side. However, the vets at our Bulleen veterinary clinic usually recommend dry food over wet food for both cats and dogs. Today we are explaining exactly why dry food is better for …
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Taking your dog to the dog park can be rewarding for both of you. Interaction with other dogs is necessary for your pet’s social skills, while meeting other owners can be fun for you, too. But for the safety of your dog and others, there are some dog park etiquette tips you should keep in …
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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 …
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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 …
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What’s good for humans is not always good for pets. This is particularly true when it comes to essential oils. Because essential oils are a cornerstone of holistic human healthcare and are used for everything from cleaning through to creating ambience in a room, pet owners often make the mistake of assuming that these oils …
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During the summer months, snakes are far more active than they are at other times of the year. Whilst you might think of snake habitat as being the country or the bush, they are just as prevalent in suburban and metropolitan areas. Snakes will live anywhere there is a food source, water and shelter so …
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Although human road safety is something we are taught about from an early age, pet road safety is an important issue that is often overlooked. Just like us, pets need to be properly secured when travelling in cars to ensure that they remain safe and do not distract the driver. In this week’s blog, we …
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Snakes! As we are heading out to enjoy the warmer weather, so are the snakes that we share our parks and river areas with. Snakes seek out warm places to sun themselves as well as an ongoing supply of food and sometimes travel into homes and yards in search for these. During these searches snakes …
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As pet owners, we know how difficult it can be to resist the puppy dog eyes pet gives you when they spy some human food they want to eat. Although giving your pet a little bit of what you’re eating from time to time doesn’t seem like it could hurt, the food we eat is …
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Have you ever been worried that your pet may be suffering, but feel as though you lack the proper knowledge to help ease their pain? While it’s always best to seek advice or treatment from a professional veterinarian, there are some basic first aid tips that all pet owners should know. In this week’s article, …
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Everyone loves going away on a holiday. But as a pet owner, there are some extra arrangements you need to make to ensure your pet remains happy and healthy while you’re away. There are lots of different options available to look after your pet and in this week’s blog, we’ll be discussing a few of …
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October to March is snake season in Melbourne – our pets are most at risk from tiger and brown snakes. To avoid you or your pet being bitten: Control mice and other vermin which may attract snakes (but be very careful if you are using poisons as bait) Keep a tidy, well maintained garden and …
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Along with all the benefits of living in the most liveable city in the world, not having to worry about the paralysis tick was an added bonus. Unfortunately, thanks to climate change, they have arrived on our doorstep. I don’t want to be an alarmist and worry pet owners unnecessarily, the risk is still very …
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The warmer months provide a great opportunity for us to get out into the sunshine with our pets! With the heat comes a few potential dangers – here are some of the more common things to be mindful of over the summer months: Heatstroke is a common problem seen in both dogs and cats during …
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We love to see senior pets! Dogs and cats age seven times faster than humans, so it is vitally important that your senior pet has an annual or twice annual health check. Health checks in senior pets often identify health problems that owners simply aren’t aware of. For example, we often see untreated dental problems …
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– Keep them active. Arthritis is extremely common in our ageing pets and with the colder weather their joints can start aching. Regular low impact exercise is extremely important – the last thing we want is for those joints to freeze up. A visit to your trusted vet may be in order to provide some …
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Kids love pets, and studies show that owning a pet creates plenty of benefits, such as encouraging respect for living things and even improved academic performance when a pet is kept in the classroom. Owning a pet can also foster a sense of responsibility in your children, but only if someone else doesn’t end up …
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Rabbits make great pets. They are lovable, inquisitive creatures that are full of personality. Rabbits are a good alternative to cats and dogs but what else should you know when you’re considering a bunny buddy? Rabbits can live outside in a run or as house trained indoor companions that can even sit with you on …
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The best part of Easter is the sweet treats that fill your house, but not for your pet! Cats and dogs should avoid the types of Easter foods you’ll be snacking on. Every year we warn pet owners on the seriousness of chocolate poisoning. But why is chocolate so bad? Surely a little bit won’t …
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As veterinarians we can always give medicines to stop that itch, but not all of these medicines are safe to use long term. What we need to do is work together (pet owner and vet) to find out why they are itching. Below are some simple tips and first steps to help reduce that itch: …
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Meet Macy Macy is an Airedale Terrier, who is almost five years old. Her best trick is a classic – it’s where she pretends not to hear Dr Kevin’s call or instructions. That is, until the treats come out and then her ears are magically open! Macy is relatively healthy aside from a sensitive stomach …
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