| |
|||
| a great place for pets - www.thevets.com.au | |||
June 2006 edition
1. Arthritis Relief Month 2. Joint Rescue - win a prize 3. Grooming: behind the scenes 4. Is your pet thunderstruck? 5. Fun in the dark 6. Sooty O'Brien to the rescue! 7. Meet our staff: Paul Joubert 8. Kids' Club 9. Senior Club 10. Aquadog update 11. Worms, worms, worms! 12. Puppy Preschool |
||||
|
|
1. Arthritis Relief Month Did you know that it is estimated that 20% of dogs in Australia suffer from arthritis. The primary signs of arthritis are difficulty rising and lameness. It's at this time of year that dogs suffer most and the signs become evident. We're focusing on providing relief for dogs this winter with a special offer for our clients. A free 10 ml trial bottle of Metacam is available to all pets diagnosed with arthritis for the first time or that have not previously been treated with this medication. Metacam can increase your pet's mobility and give it a new lease on life. Call us today if you would like to book your dog in for examination during Arthritis Relief Month Back to top |
|||
|
|
2. Joint Rescue - win a prize This month you can win Hill's* Science Diet* as part of our focus on arthritis – so read on. Just as with humans, the cold days of winter can bring about particularly painful joints, with arthritis affecting approximately one in five dogs in Australia. The good news, however, is that small changes to the way you treat your pet can make a huge difference in alleviating the painful symptoms of the condition. In medical terms arthritis means “inflammation of the joint” and osteoarthritis is the most common. This progressive condition causes cartilage covering the ends of bones in the pet's joints to deteriorate and the resulting pain and loss of movement arise as bones begin to rub together. What to look for: • Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, or play • Limping • Lagging behind on walks • Difficulty rising from a resting position • Flinching or yelping in pain when touched • A change in personality • Generally slowing down If your pet is showing any of the above signs, arthritis may be involved and we recommend you make an appointment with us for a health check. Even though arthritis is degenerative, progression can be slowed with proper care and the help of observant and caring owners. To win a one month's supply of Hill's* Science Diet* for your pet, click on the button below. Hill's* Pet Nutrition offers foods specially formulated for senior pets with the Science Diet* Mature Adult 7+ range. For more information click here Back to top |
|||
|
|
3. Grooming: behind the scenes When a dog is groomed, what actually goes on? Pets are dropped off in varying states of dishevelment and come out looking sensational. To see how this transformation occurs click here and watch Butch and Spencer as they take us through the essential steps to attaining a state of beauty. Grooming your pet is an important part of regular care. Whether it be at home or at the groomer, the principles and benefits are the same. The key points are: 1. Regular brushing – removes dirt, sticks and loose hair from the coat, helping to avoid mats forming. Most pets really enjoy a good brush, and it's especially good to start at a young age so it becomes a habit - and assists if you ever need to visit a groomer 2. Check for any abnormalities in the coat and skin – such as lumps or hair loss. Regular brushing allows you to monitor changes in the body. The earlier changes are detected and acted upon, the better the result. Include massaging paws and checking for mats between foot pads. Investing in a good pair of nail clippers is worth every cent 3. Bathing – use a medicated pet shampoo [ask for our recommendation] to help reduce itchiness, clean the coat thoroughly and leave your pet smelling fantastic. During winter use warm water for a more pleasurable experience Back to top |
|||
|
|
4. Is your pet thunderstruck? Does your pet have a phobia about thunder? It's rare to actually find a person or a pet that actually likes thunderstorms, but for some pets their dislike can develop into excessive distress – what we term a “phobia”. During a storm, these pets can become so worked up they end up injuring themselves, damaging the house or leaving their owners just as distressed. What can we do to help? Combinations of the following techniques can help: Allowing the pet inside – a simple solution that just might work Perfusing the area with pheromones – a product that mimics the naturally occurring feel-good pheromones produced by dogs and cats Create a cubby – this is an area that is small, dark, has a low ceiling, is as quiet as possible, and has an entrance that is just large enough for the dog or cat to get in and out. In other words, the inside should be just big enough for her or him to enter, turn around, and lie down. An unwashed woollen garment of the owner could be put in there to help the pet feel even more secure. It would be a good idea to train him or her to enter by putting small, highly palatable food treats progressively closer to the entrance and then towards the back. Kennels tend to be too big to be cubbies The company of someone the pet trusts who is able to calmly but firmly instruct the pet to “drop” or go to the cubby High quality recordings of thunder can, believe it or not, help desensitise a dog to storms – ask us for more information Back to top |
|||
|
|
5. Fun in the dark Exercising your pets through winter can be difficult because shorter days mean it's often dark before you get out the door – not to mention the cold! There's nothing worse than losing your dog in the dark – it can be frustrating and at worst, dangerous. To help make night walks easier, safe and fun, here are a range of reflective and lighted products that can make a big difference: Lights for collars: Pet Blinkers are a flashing pet safety light that can be seen up to half a mile away. These come in a key ring style format and are attached to the cat or dog's collar. Reflective collars: help increase safety by reflecting bike and car lights. The Australian made Polybright collars and leads are approved by Queensland Search and Rescue organisations as they are both reflective and light up at night. Flashing leads and harnesses: can be seen up to 600 feet away Glow toys: If you get home late and want to play, the Glo Kong and Glow Ball are great fun. The Glo Kong will give you 2 hours of fluorescent fun and the popular Glow Ball flashes – to watch a dog chase one of these across a darkened park is wonderful. Back to top |
|||
|
|
6. Sooty O'Brien to the rescue! Bravery in animals is well documented but occasionally you come across a story that is truly remarkable. Sooty O'Brien, a beautiful tabby cat, lived in Sydney with his family in a flat above a laundromat. He loved his home, often sunning himself on a ledge while keeping an eye on the world as it passed below him. One night, after his family had gone to bed and Sooty was watching the city lights, smoke began to curl up the stairwell from downstairs. Sooty's response was to run immediately into the parents' room, jump on the bed and begin howling. The parents, Jim and Danielle, were rudely awakened by his distressed howl. Quickly rousing themselves, they soon realised the flat was on fire and ran straight to the next room to rescue their sleeping 3 month old baby. Unbelievably, Sooty had got there first and was sitting at the foot of the bassinet, howling. He only stopped howling when the parents scooped him and the baby up and rushed down the fire escape. The fire brigade came promptly and most of the building was saved. It turned out that oily towels in a dryer had caught fire, setting fire to the laundromat and the flat above. Sooty became an instant local hero and lived with his family for many more, uneventful, years. Back to top |
|||
|
|
7. Meet our staff: Paul Joubert Paul graduated from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1995. After graduating Paul worked in England for 7 years in mixed practice in Worcestershire followed by 4 years in small animal practice close to Manchester. Paul has a special interest in small animal Dermatology. Paul joined the Coast and Country team in March 2003 making the Gold Coast his new home. Paul is now an Aussie although when it comes to rugby union he is a keen South African supporter! Paul works mostly at our Helensvale clinic, say hi next time you're visiting. Back to top |
|||
|
|
8. Kids' Club All kids club members, visit either our Nerang or Helensvale clinics and collect a puzzle. Return your completed puzzle to the clinic to go into the draw to win some fantastic prizes. You could win a years worth of Sentinel Spectrum for your dog, or a free swim at Aquadog, or a hydrobath. Lots of great prizes to be won for kids and their pets. Enter today, winners to be drawn on the 1st August 2006. Not a member? It's easy to join, you need to be between 5 and 13 years of age and love animals. Ask at your local Coast & Country Vets next time you visit. Back to top |
|||
|
|
9. Senior Club Attention all cats and dogs over 7 years, you are now in your senior years. Next time you visit the clinic ask for a free sample of Hill's senior food. All senior dogs on this diet (or on the Joint diet, or weight loss diets) are also entitled to a half price introductory swim at Aquadog. Call (07) 5502 2444 for details. Back to top |
|||
|
|
10. Aquadog update We are soon to have a professional grooming dryer available for use after swims at Aquadog. The dryer will be available for use free of charge to all clients using the Aquadog facilities. Great for those evening swims over winter! Call (07)55022444 for details. Back to top |
|||
|
|
11. Worms, worms, worms! Just a reminder that all pet cats and dogs require intestinal worming at least every three months, more frequently for pets under six months of age. Parasites in cats and dogs can not only affect the health of your beloved pet but also affect the health of other family members. Ask at your next visit about the best product for your pet. We currently have a special on Drontal all wormer chews, buy three doses and get one free. That's a whole years worth for an adult pet! Back to top |
|||
|
|
12. Puppy Preschool New classes starting all the time, every Tuesday night we meet at Nerang and Wednesday nights at Helensvale. Phone Nerang to book on (07)55962322 or Helensvale on (07)55298011 Back to top |
The Vets Nerang Unit 5/90 Spencer Road Nerang 4211 ph 5596 2322 fx 5596 0549 Helensvale Unit 7/14 Sir John Overall Drive Helensvale 4212 ph 5529 8011 fx 5529 4133 www.thevets.com.au |
|
|