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July 2007 edition IN THIS ISSUE 1. What's on 2. Join our Sensational Seniors Club! 3. Snuggle up this winter 4. Charismatic Canines 5. What's Up Doc? 6. What a team! 7. Wee problems and how to deal with them 8. Zoom in for a “cool times“ groom 9. Feed your pet the best food and save 50% 10. Aqua Dog senior swimmer of the month 11. Training: Teach your dog to 'Come' 12. Living with reduced vision |
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1. What's on What's happening for pets at the vets? Haven't you heard your pets talking about it over the fence?? In this month's newsletter the Sensational Seniors Celebration continues. We have snug and cosy slippers to give away and an exciting new Club, "The Sensational Seniors Club". See article below for how to join. With a real focus on keeping warm this winter and helping older pets keep comfortable in the colder months, this edition is packed with great information. You'll meet one of our stars, Dr Meredith Cox, find out how an ultrasound machine helped save Sacha the Schnauzer while also getting the inside word on how to save on pet food bills. Puppy Preschool is the beginning of a beautiful relationship. It's where we learn to "Live, Love, Listen, Laugh and Learn". Congratulations to our recent graduates: Sarsha Brough, Bundy Lodge, Molly O'Brien, Kouta Darrat and Chase Wood. For more information click here. Great specials and events this winter: · Talk about respect for your elders; the hot goss down at the vets is that each family gets a pair of cute n cuddly Pet Slippers when they buy Hill's Senior Diet. Its great nutrition for mature folk, helping them to "Live Longer AND Better". And you know what they say about human folk? “Warm feet… warm heart”!! We'll get lots more cozy cuddles with the family this winter! So take the 7 YEAR SWITCH….. and get your Winter Warmers !!! Purchase any Hill's Senior Science Diet or Mature Adult formula Prescription Diet and RECEIVE $10 OFF NEXT PURCHASE and a pair of CUTE N COSY PET SLIPPERS [see image at left]. Back to top |
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2. Join our Sensational Seniors Club! If your pet is 7 yrs or over JOIN THE NEW SENIORS CLUB NOW [click on the button below]. There's so much we can do for senior pets to help them live longer and happier - such as regular blood testing to make sure they're healthy on the inside. As a member, you'll receive your Sensational Seniors Newsletter quarterly with all the latest news, petcare information, product specials, discounts and benefits. Annual Birthday Gifts ...Let us help you give your mature age pet the extra love and care they need in their senior years!! Together we can help your pet enjoy a lifetime of good health. LET'S CELEBRATE SENIORS - LIVE LONGER, LIVE BETTER WIN WIN WIN Join Now – Register your Pets Name and Birthday!! Go in the draw to WIN a DVD PLAYER and ONE MONTH'S SUPPLY OF Sensational Seniors HILL'S Prescription Diet. Back to top |
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3. Snuggle up this winter Don't you just love snuggling up when it's cold? Grabbing a doona, curling up on the couch and settling in with a good book or DVD? Your pets also like to feel cozy when it's cold - so here are some things you can do to keep them comfortable this winter: • Kennel review: make sure the kennel is waterproof and the door is not facing the prevailing wind. For good insulation against cold, kennels should be off the ground. If not, jack it up on bricks or a wooden pallet. There should be enough room for your dog to curl up in the kennel but not be overly spacious, as this makes it harder for your dog's body heat to keep the area warm. • Check bedding: over time pets will often destroy their bedding. Check it now to ensure there is enough filling to curl up with and keep warm and if not, replace with new bedding. • Flea control: warm houses in winter mean fleas will breed inside if not controlled. It is important to maintain flea control every month across the colder months. We have some great winter offers this month on different Flea control products with free photo frames to giveaway and a Digital Photography kit and frames, Pet Owner's Packs and a Weekend Trip to Dr Harry's Farm to be won. See below for more details. • Coat care: In some circumstances, long haired dogs are better off with a short coat clip during winter. Dogs such as Schnauzers and Cairn Terriers benefit from short hair on the legs and belly. The benefit is that after running through muddy puddles, they are easier to clean before coming back inside. To compensate for the lack of warm hair coat, get a dog coat. We have a great selection to order from in our catalogue at the clinic. For more grooming advice for your pet this winter read our Zoom in for a Groom article in this issue. Setting your pets up for a cozy winter is very rewarding: there's nothing better than when you've done something for them like this and they look up at you as if to say, "You're awesome - I love you". Put your pet in the picture with Advocate... Receive a FREE PHOTO FRAME with your 6 month purchase of Advocate Plus your Chance to WIN the ultimate Digital Photography Kit or one of 10 Philips Digital Photo Frames Treat with Frontline plus this winter! You could WIN in Spring. Enter the draw to WIN a Frontline Pet Owners Pack or a Weekend Trip to Dr Harry's Farm when you purchase a 6 pack of Frontline Plus. Back to top |
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4. Charismatic Canines A few months ago we gave you the chance to vote for your 'Favourite Famous Cats' to win. By popular demand it's back but this time you vote for your 'Celebrity Canines'. So, all you passionate pooch people out there unite and decide who you think should be awarded TOP DOG. Whether it be an old time favourite or a fresh face on the doggy scene, we want to hear from you. When you vote you will automatically going into the draw to win a Village Cinemas Double Pass. So don't delay - vote today! Back to top |
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5. What's Up Doc? Our veterinary team share some of their interesting stories with you….. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!! Extra Extra …..read all about it! Stop Press! Our Clinic is buzzing with excitement as we took delivery of an amazing new piece of technology last month. Our new Ultrasound scanning machine is already proving to be a powerful tool for confirming the diagnosis of a variety of conditions in our animal patients. Although our veterinary team is excited about having this valuable tool at their fingertips, the best news is for your pets! This method of having a look inside at what maybe effecting your pets health is non-invasive, pain free and at most pets may require a light sedation and an area of their coat clipped. It works effectively and hand-in-hand with radiography, wellness testing and other diagnostic laboratory testing to pinpoint the cause of illnesses or at least confirm are no further problems present. Ultrasound scanning is imperative for cardiac diagnosis as it shows clearly the detail and workings of the heart without any need for invasive surgery. Recently Sasha, a five year old minature schnauzer, came to see Dr Sonya with a suspected bladder infection. Initial urine tests confirmed the presence of blood and crystals. Utilizing our ultra sound equipment Dr Sonya was able to confirm to Sasha's family that there was nothing more sinister present like stones, blockage, or tumor. As Sasha's procedure was non-invasive she was able to go home happily a few hours later on medication to treat the infection. Just call and speak to our veterinary team for information on our ultrasound equipment or to discuss how it may benefit you and your pet. Back to top |
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6. What a team! As we have promised each month we are again really excited about introducing you to the newest members of our veterinary team. For several months now they have been getting to know you and your pets, so look out for them and say Hi when you next visit our clinic! Introducing... Dr Meredith Cox - Associate Veterinarian Meredith graduated from the University of Queensland in 2006 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with First Class Honours, also being awarded a university medal. Not only is Meredith talented in the veterinary field, but she also holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy obtained in 2000. Having a keen interest in small animals, Meredith now makes The Vets at Helensvale her home. Meredith's beloved furry family includes 'Tweedledum' and 'Sammy'. Back to top |
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7. Wee problems and how to deal with them Cats are known for their immaculate grooming and toilet behaviour. However, things can go wrong and you can be left with a mess. It's best to clean up straight away and nip the problem in the bud so you don't get a repeat performance. Here's how: 1. Have a urine sample tested: Many cats that urinate outside their designated toilet are doing so because they have an inflammed urinary tract. This condition is painful and causes cats to feel they need to urinate constantly. Often they only pass a few drops and the urine may contain blood. Bladder stones and bacteria can contribute to this condition. Call us immediately if your cat is behaving like this and we'll organise a urine sample to be tested. 2. Removing urine stains: The quicker urine is removed from carpet the better. Blot with a clean white cloth or paper towel. Remove as much as possible. Before using a carpet cleaner, dab the area with water or soda water. Don't rub – you may damage the carpet fibres. Repeat this process several times, absorbing as much of the water as possible. We have products that can help with the elimination of urine odour. 3. Litter tray tricks: Sometimes we inadvertently contribute to a urine problem by not preparing the litter tray correctly. Here's how: remove faeces and clumps of litter from the tray at least once a day, wash the tray with mild detergent, avoid ammonia based cleaners [these leave a smell of urine and are unsettling to cats], provide one tray for each cat and ensure the tray is located in a quiet area away from traffic. Ensure your cat can access the tray from all sides and it's not jammed in a corner. Back to top |
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8. Zoom in for a “cool times“ groom The Vets at Nerang and Helensvale is a great place for your pet to get a “cool” new hair style. Our professional pet stylist, Lisa can get even the scruffiest coat looking great and smelling sweet. As the “cool times” commence, Lisa's advice is to ensure your pet will spring into spring and not be left with a winter mess. She advises a full clip at the beginning of winter, a good cozy coat for warmth, and then a regular bath, brush, blow-dry or even “the express” top to tail trim and tidy throughout winter. Even though the coat doesn't grow as fast in winter warm baths and brushing is important to maintain a good healthy coat. Matt's and knots are painful, collect dirt and foreign matter and if left unattended can cause skin infections. So...No more bad hair days for your pet this winter ...Zoom in for a “cool times” Groom. Just call us for an appointment. Wishing, your pets the best in hair care. Back to top |
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9. Feed your pet the best food and save 50% Would you love to feed your pet the best food available but afraid it will break the budget? The best food to feed is a premium dry food and, surprisingly, these can be 50% cheaper than leading supermarket brands. Here's how: Feeding a 20kg dog a leading supermarket canned food will cost approximately $1,080 per year. By comparison, feeding a premium dry food will cost around $525 – this is a saving of $555 per year. [On a daily basis for a 20kg dog, supermarket cans cost $3.01 whereas premium food is $1.44] Premium food bag prices can appear expensive but that's because a large bag will last a 20kg dog almost 3 months. More reasons why premium food is best: · Best quality ingredients which leads to healthier and longer lived pets · Produce smaller faeces: Premium foods do not contain fillers so most of the food is absorbed, producing small firm faeces which are easier to clean up. · Tailored to the lifestage of the pet - you get to choose the food that is right for your pet's size and age · Research and development is a key to premium food excellence and why these foods lead in helping to prevent and manage conditions such as arthritis and diabetes. So why not feed the best? Your pet will be healthier, happier and it will be a lot easier on your hip pocket. Back to top |
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10. Aqua Dog senior swimmer of the month Monty Abbot is a Border Collie x (possibly) Great Dane! He is 8 years old which is well into his senior years for a large dog. Monty began swimming at Aquadog in December last year for fun, exercise and to help with his arthritis. Because swimming is a great form of non-weight bearing exercise, Monty can build his muscles and strengthen his arthritic joints without straining them. Monty loves to come swimming every week with his friends, and loves to fetch his toys! We can definitely see that he is stronger and happier for it! The Aqua Dog Health and Fitness Centre is a great place for senior pets. The temperature controlled environment makes it safe for winter swimming and the benefits to heart, muscles and joints are well documented and terrific for older pets. Back to top |
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11. Training: Teach your dog to 'Come' Having a well trained dog means you can do so much more together - such as going to the park and knowing that when you call, your mate will come back. Basic training is all that is needed but for it to be effective, it must be done well. Over the next few editions we'll cover some of the key commands and illustrate them with videos attached. Our instructor on the video today is Jet, a beautiful, 18 month old German Shepherd dog whose owner, Erin Mathieson, is one of Australia's leading dog trainers. You'll notice in the video how calm Jet is – this is a great credit to his breeding [his parents were of a similar temperament] and his care in the hands of Erin. A combination of good breeding and good training will produce a wonderful pet. To begin, we'll start with “Come”. Come is important as once your dog has come to you and is giving you his attention, you can then lead on to other commands. To get your dog to “Come”, follow these steps: 1. Get his attention: wave your arms, make a noise, call his name 2. Say "Come": only once he is coming toward you, say the word “Come” clearly 3. Reward: when he reaches you, reward with pats and food treats To see Jet and Erin perform “Come” click here (Filesize: 1MB) Talk to us about finding a trainer for your pets. Back to top |
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12. Living with reduced vision Many of us have or have had pets whose vision has become impaired, especially as they got older. With a few simple steps, pets can learn to master their new world and live a happy life. Here's how: Build your pet's confidence by talking to them, avoid rushing around and be mindful that young children are more likely to startle your pet. Training: Use simple one word commands to help your pet navigate and consider taking obedience lessons to help consolidate this new learning. Mastering stairs: Take one step at a time and try using a treat to entice your pet down the stairs. Try counting the stairs out aloud, changing your tone as you count up or down - a sing-song technique is best. This way your pet can anticipate the top and bottom of the staircase. Placing incense oils, perfumes or fragranced pot plants at the top and bottom of the staircase will also assist your pet. Play and exercise: Using toys and balls with bells inside or squeaky toys will help build your pet's confidence and stimulate their interest in games. Other pets in your family can also help. Placing a bell on a visual pet's collar will allow your visually impaired or blind pet to use them as an aid. You may notice that a visual pet will recognise a blind animal's handicap and help out by staying close to them and 'leading the way'. Danger: Avoid changing you pet's environment. Keeping a stable environment will mean your pet can move freely about your home without fear of bumping into things. Once your pet has adjusted to the vision impairment, you will be amazed how quickly they will negotiate through their back yard and your home. Your pet will respond best to praise. Finish each lesson on a positive note and use plenty of tasty treats. After following these steps, there's no reason why your pet can't can lead a happy and fulfilling life. 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 |
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