Pet Care

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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Cooling off at the beach is a great way to turn your hot dog into a cool dog. As long as it isn’t too hot and you have plenty of water on hand, a trip to the beach with your dog can be an amazing way to spend a summer’s day. Below we have listed …
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Our very own Dr. Kevin provides 5 top tips for keeping your pets happy this summer. Build the exercise up slowly The New Year is here, and it’s time to step back into our exercise routines (or start new ones!). Australians love Summer and so do our dogs. More daylight means more hours to spend …
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Jacinta from Vets on Parker spent a week helping sick and mistreated elephants at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai Thailand last month. Read on to follow her adventure. As some of you may know, I spent an eye opening week volunteering at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai Thailand last month. The …
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We all love a treat over Christmas, but making sure your pet has the right ones is important. It’s normal to go a bit over the top with food over the festive period, but whist you’re being merry it’s important to make sure your pet doesn’t join in. The following items are bad for your …
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Did you know about the “Hay & Veggies” diet? Offer an unlimited amount of fresh grass, grass hay and weeds to your rabbit. The “Hay and Veggies” diet consists of lots of hay, fresh grass, weeds and fibrous grasses, plus a large and varied selection of greens and vegetables every single day. This is undoubtedly …
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Vets on Balwyn provides the highest quality of care for your pet. As your pet has been booked in for surgery or anaesthesia we would like to inform you of the extra-care options available. Intravenous fluid therapy General anaesthesia or heavy sedation causes a pronounced drop in blood pressure. Coupled with surgery this can have …
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When you think about it, it’s amazing that any pet learns housetraining manners at all. When your pet’s bowels say ‘Now!’, your pet has to put into motion several complex thought patterns; where to go, how to get there, and how to let its owner know if it needs to go outside. What if there …
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Protect the health of your cat or dog with expert dental care from Vets on Balwyn pet dentist services More than 80% of dogs and cats in Australia are silently suffering from painful dental disease. Tartar and calculus build up on our pet’s teeth occurs due to lack of chewing and tooth overcrowding. This leads to …
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Microchipping It is highly recommended that you microchip your pet. Microchips provide a permanent form of identification for your pet that cannot be changed or removed. This identification lasts for the life of your pet. In Victoria, microchipping is compulsory for cats and dogs. If your pet has been stolen and then later recovered, ownership …
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Rabbits are great pets! They are a great alternative to cats and dogs and with time and commitment they can be a great addition to your family. Rabbits can live outside in a run or a superb indoor companion that can even sit with you on the sofa. Rabbits can even be trained to use …
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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 disease. …
Read More >

The first few months of a kitten’s life are very important for both you and your kitten. As well as learning proper behaviour and being socialised, there are some important health needs to attend to. 1. Vaccinations Your kitten should receive a number of vaccinations depending on the age of your kitten and the type …
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The first few months of a puppy’s life are very important for both you and your puppy. As well as learning proper behaviour and being socialised, there are some important health needs to attend to. 1. Vaccinations Your puppy should receive a number of vaccinations depending on the age of your puppy and the type …
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The first few days with a new pup can be a nightmare and particularly trying to get the little hair-ball to sleep through the night. Getting some sleep How do you do it? Do you ‘tough love’ the pup and force it to stay in the laundry or outside or do you ‘spoil the pup’ …
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Young puppies and kittens can be very mischievous and inquisitive. Before you bring home your new pet you should make sure your house is as safe as possible. 1. Store any household poisons, such as cleaning agents and detergents, where your pet will not be able to access them. 2. When using rat or mouse …
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