Pet Care

12 October 2023
There are three reasons why we recommend a full consultation and health check for every pet at the time of vaccination:
Read More >
14 September 2023
If we surveyed pet owners about potential allergy symptoms in dogs and cats, most would list signs such as recurrent ear infections, generalised itchiness, paw licking, or tummy upset.
Read More >
14 August 2023
Whilst most owners understand the impact of their pet's oral health on their general health and quality of life, many may still need clarification on the practical ways to achieve excellent pet dental hygiene.
Read More >
Understanding blood and urine tests
8 June 2023
How many amazing medical skills and services do our veterinary hospitals have to offer? To show you, we’d like to tell the story of little Morris, who had an unfortunate run-in with a car.
Read More >
11 May 2023
Our vets are passionate about joint comfort and good mobility for all pets! So, we’ve compiled a list of veterinary recommendations for keeping your pet’s joints in top form throughout their life.
Read More >
17 April 2023
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?
Read More >
9 March 2023
Whether you’re purchasing a special breed pup or scouting out local rescues to adopt a canine companion, it’s important to research and plan for your future dog’s specific care needs.
Read More >
8 February 2023
Trigger warning: this blog post discusses terminal illness in a pet. Frankie was a beautiful 11-year-old greyhound, who loved nothing better than being with his family. Wherever the family was, Frankie was too: watching with interest and with a wagging tail, doing a few zoomies, or lying down comfortably “pancake style”. One day as Frankie …
Read More >
11 January 2023
Is your pet a bit of a “nervous nellie”? Pet anxiety can be a worrying issue for pet owners, not to mention the pets themselves!
Read More >
14 December 2022
Whilst the summer holidays can be a wonderful time for us and our four-legged family members, there are a few seasonal hazards to avoid in order to keep your pet feeling merry too! Here are the seven rules for a safe and happy festive season for your pet.
Read More >
14 November 2022
Imagine that you’re a dog. Your owner clips on your lead (exciting!), pops you into the car (woo hoo!), and you excitedly journey to… the vet. Now, imagine you’re a cat. You see “the box of doom” (also known as the pet carrier), and before you can escape, your owner scoops you up, pushes you …
Read More >
14 September 2022
Jasper, a one-year-old Cocker Spaniel, just couldn’t stop licking at his paws. After a particularly sleepless and irritating night for both Jasper and his owner Ben (where Ben felt just about ready to crack if he heard one more licking sound), Ben booked Jasper in for a check-up with his regular veterinarian, Dr Steve. Dr …
Read More >
13 July 2022
Is your senior dog or cat moving more slowly? Taking the stairs a bit more hesitantly? Or perhaps having trouble keeping themselves looking clean and neat? While advancing age will lead to some inevitable changes in your pet’s physical capabilities and condition, there is a lot you can do to support them in their golden …
Read More >
14 June 2022
Did you know that keeping your dog in a slim and fit body condition is actually associated with a reduced risk of joint problems, heart and respiratory disease, diabetes and some types of cancer?   If your pet is carrying some extra weight, it might be time to take them to boot camp! Read on …
Read More >
23 May 2022
It’s quite common for owners to find new lumps on their pets during routine grooming or cuddle-time and start feeling a little worried. What could the lump be? And what’s the best course of action, monitoring at home for a few weeks or a vet check? Here’s some solid lump advice from our experienced vet …
Read More >
29 March 2022
Seeing your pet afflicted with any unwellness or injury can be very worrying and may leave you feeling helpless or uncertain, especially if you’re unsure whether their condition warrants an emergency or after-hours veterinary assessment. With this in mind, we’d like to provide some general information about common emergency symptoms, so you can feel informed …
Read More >
28 February 2022
Regular veterinary care is important for keeping your pet in good health. During your pet’s six-monthly veterinary health checks, we will perform a general physical assessment and make recommendations on any preventative therapies or proactive treatments that we feel your pet would benefit from. Just as important, however, is the daily care that your pet …
Read More >
9 December 2021
Two years ago, a couple of days after Christmas, Pepper seven-year-old female Schnauzer was acting quieter than usual. She had left half her breakfast untouched, which for Pepper was highly unusual. Over the next few hours, Pepper became increasingly lethargic and began vomiting. Pepper’s concerned owner, Bec, decided to take her to the vet for …
Read More >
4 November 2021
Did you know that many cases of feline anxiety may sadly go unrecognised?  This is because cats, not being pack animals, won’t always seek social support as a dog would, and instead may mask feelings of stress to avoid appearing “vulnerable”. What are the potential symptoms of anxiety in a cat? In more introverted cats, …
Read More >
25 June 2021
Like us, our pets can unfortunately fall victim to the ‘middle-aged spread’ and put on weight. This occurs due to the natural slowing of the metabolism associated with ageing, which can predispose your pet to excessive weight gain. For this reason, depending on the lifestage of your pet, we often recommend varying their dietary and …
Read More >
28 April 2021
There’s a lot to love about welcoming a particular breed of dog or cat into your family. Whilst there is always variation between individual animals, many owners like the predictability of knowing the likely temperament, grooming requirements, activity levels, full-grown size, and appearance of their future pet.  Additionally, given that some breeds can be predisposed …
Read More >
23 March 2021
Vaccinations are vital Regularly vaccinating your pet is important to protect them against various potentially fatal or debilitating infectious diseases. During a consultation, we can discuss with you the most appropriate vaccination protocol for your pet to keep them healthy. Our vets will advise the type of vaccination which will be best for your pet, …
Read More >
23 February 2021
Keeping our pets happy and healthy is a top priority, so having a good handle on routine preventative health care is a great start! Vaccination It is recommended that all dogs and cats who go for walks outdoors or otherwise come into contact with other animals (e.g. in boarding) should be kept up-to-date with their …
Read More >
15 January 2021
Many common veterinary treatments, such as worming products and antibiotics, require owners to regularly administer oral medications to their pet. Whilst some pets will obligingly allow tablets to be popped down their throat, or at least eat them in food, other pets can prove more difficult. Here are some vet techniques for successfully medicating those …
Read More >
14 November 2020
Holidaying with your pet Is your pet joining you for a Christmas holiday trip? Here are some basic pet travel guidelines to keep everyone merry! Making a list and checking it twice Pets away from home can easily get disoriented and lost. Before you travel, check that your pet’s microchip registration details are up-to-date. If …
Read More >
12 November 2020
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 …
Read More >
30 October 2020
With increasing day length and warmer weather, most of us, including our pets, will be enjoying more time spent outdoors. It’s always important to ensure your four-legged friend is up-to-date with routine disease and parasite prevention, but especially so at a time of year when insects are more prevalent and more animals are out and …
Read More >
12 October 2020
20% off Hill’s skin and food sensitive diets! For the months of October and November 2020, we are offering 20% off Hill’s skin and food sensitive diet range for dogs and cats. Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians developed the Derm Defense, z/d and d/d food ranges especially to support pets with skin and food sensitivities. Offer …
Read More >
11 August 2020
The development of dental disease in pets can be affected by the animal’s breed, oral anatomy, diet and age. Dental disease is one of the most common problems we see in veterinary practice and it needs to be managed with a multi-targeted approach. Regular check-ups with the vet will help to identify any dental issues …
Read More >
6 August 2020
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 …
Read More >
30 July 2020
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 …
Read More >
3 March 2020
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 …
Read More >
2 March 2020
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 …
Read More >
29 January 2020
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 …
Read More >
Christmas dog hiding under blanket
16 December 2019
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. …
Read More >
20 November 2019
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 …
Read More >
28 October 2019
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 …
Read More >
18 October 2019
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 …
Read More >
19 September 2019
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 …
Read More >
16 August 2019
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 …
Read More >
18 July 2019
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.
Read More >
13 June 2019
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.
Read More >
23 January 2019
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 …
Read More >
19 December 2018
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, …
Read More >
13 December 2018
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 …
Read More >
30 November 2018
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 …
Read More >
30 October 2018
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 …
Read More >
12 October 2018
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 …
Read More >
24 September 2018
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 …
Read More >
19 September 2018
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 …
Read More >

Newsletter Signup