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April 2008 edition IN THIS ISSUE 1. Whats happening for your pets down at the vets? 2. AquaDog swimmer of the month 3. Tyson's ears 4. Worms are NOT part of the family 5. Desexing saves lives 6. Puppy Preschool 7. Reader’s stories: Oscar 8. The benefits of growing up with pets 9. Kids and pets - introducing a pet into a household with kids |
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1. Whats happening for your pets down at the vets? As we recover from the choc fest of Easter we celebrate new beginnings. This month's newsletter prepares us for the school holidays with some great tips about kids and pets and their true value to our family. We explore the benefits of growing up with pets and as we continue our focus on health & fitness we discover that pets truly are good for us! We also have some great pet care tips in our essential Ten Step Pet Care Plan, so you can give your treasured family members the best of care. We also continue to focus on our Pets health and fitness with Geronimo, our amazing AquaDog swimmer of the month, who lost 21kgs in a little over 5mths in our specially designed weight loss swim program. Like his name it seemed like magic but his health and fitness is a credit to the low impact swim program, a strict diet and the shared commitment of Geronimo and his owner. Good nutrition and regular exercise improves our quality of life and it's the same for Geromino and all our pets. Sadly obesity is the most common nutritional disorder seen in cats and dogs. In Australia, 41% of dogs and 33% of cats are considered obese. To give your pets the Best for Life we offer a comprehensive range of individually tailored health and fitness programs. Chubby Checkers weight-loss Club has been specifically designed to help pets rediscover their “waste” line and regain their quality of life. Membership includes your pets very own personal trainer for life, exclusive AquaDog swimming for weight-loss introductory and “6 pack” exercise programs and professional advice on diets. We design a calorie controlled program which includes a special premium nutrition diet, low impact exercise and some very helpful tips to reshape your pet. For more information please click here As the heat of summer seems to linger on into Autumn, we recommend you Zoom in for a Groom to beat the heat and keep your Pet looking and feeling cool. The Vets at Nerang and Helensvale is a great place for your pet to get “The Express” - Top n Tail trim tidy with hydrobath or “The Works” including a whole new cool hair style. Our professional pet stylist, Lisa can get even the scruffiest coat looking great and smelling sweet. Just call us for an appointment. Back to top |
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2. AquaDog swimmer of the month Geronimo is a 7 year old Alaskan malamute, who had surgery on his cruciate, a ligament in his knee joint and has also been living with hip dysplasia. Geronimo's owners knew that he had a few kilos to loose to help him get through life with both of these health problems. So that's when they decided to put him on a strict diet and also to start him swimming regularly at AquaDog. When Geronimo started swimming once a week at AquaDog, back in September 2007, his weight was a hefty 65 kg. An individually designed weight loss swim program was discussed and planned for Geronimo. He began swimming 3 laps on lead wearing a floatation vest then we slowly increased his laps over the next couple of months. Every week Mr Holloway would take Geronimo next door, at The Vets, and weigh him. Over the next few months we watched as the weight dropped off and as walking became easier, he became happier and more active. On the 11th March 2008 we weighed Geronimo again. His weight was an amazing 44 kg! With the help of a strict diet and swimming once a week at AquaDog, Geronimo had lost an amazing 21 kg!!! His quality of life and fitness has improved so much now that he is now swimming between 25 to 30 laps, and loving every minute of it! Kaia was talking with Mr Holloway about how much weight he has lost and how his walking has improved immensely. Mr Holloway, extremely impressed with the results of the program exclaimed “he's actually got a great figure now and even has a waistline for the first time in a long time. I am also so happy to see him getting around a lot better now” So it just goes to show that a low impact swimming program, helped by a strict diet really does pay off!! Well done to Mr Holloway and Geronimo! Here's to Geronimo continuing to make a big splash in our “ Fit for life” program with fun, healthy and safe swimming at AquaDog. Call our friendly team at AquaDog on 5502-2444 to arrange an introductory swim. Join our Chubby Checkers Weight Loss Club including your pets very own personal trainer for life, professional advice on prescription weight loss diet, a FREE introductory swim at AQUADOG and a special “6 pack” swimming program fully tailored to your dogs needs. Your chance to WIN a “6 pack” swim pass for yourself at your local pool. Enter the 2008 Hills Slimmer of the Year Competition and you and your Pet could WIN $ 1000 worth travel vouchers and a years supply of Hills pet food. For more information please click here Back to top |
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3. Tyson's ears Tyson was about to shake himself to pieces. He'd had a great time at the beach but now, as the walk was drawing to a close, he was bothered by something in his ear. When the shaking continued on and off all morning, his owner Margaret, brought him to the vet. At the clinic, Tyson was given a full examination. It was evident there was a problem in the ears from the smell. Lifting up the ear flaps, the problem was clear to see. Both ears were red and full of dark brown waxy material. A sample of the waxy material was examined by the vet under the microscope. It showed Tyson to have a yeast infection. Yeast is found in normal ears but can cause severe inflammation if given the opportunity, and allergies are often the underlying cause. Tyson's ears were cleaned and he was given an ear ointment to control the infection and reduce the swelling. Margaret reported that he doesn't much like having the ointment put in but does love the ear rub he gets afterwards. On his revisit a week later, the ears were much improved. To avoid ears getting to be as bad as Tyson's we encourage all our clients to look in their pet's ears regularly and notify us of any bad smell, redness or discharge. Animal Prescription Medicines Similar to human medicine, certain medications used for infections like Tyson's and other conditions in pets are available on a prescription only basis, which means only a veterinarian can prescribe them for a specific treatment. These medications include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, painkillers, tranquilisers and vaccines. To supply these drugs without the patient being examined by a Veterinary Surgeon or under their care would be in breach of strict Health Regulations. In some cases repeat prescriptions may be available although most of these medications require periodic re-examination and blood testing. We recommend calling ahead for repeat prescriptions so we can arrange veterinary authorisation, and prepare the medication to avoid delays for you at the counter. If the signs of a previously treated condition reoccur, it is important not to assume it will require the same treatment, as many different conditions may appear the same. Only a veterinary examination can determine the correct diagnoses and treatment. Self treatment or misuse of these medications can be ineffective and at worst dangerous to your pet's health. To provide the best veterinary care for your pets it is important that a veterinarian monitors and approves the use of prescription medications. Please contact our professional vet care team for further information. Back to top |
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4. Worms are NOT part of the family In last month's edition we heard about how our resident pet, Byron the golden retriever, gave his lifesaving blood to 6 puppies with a nasty hook worm infestation. This real life situation highlights the clear and present danger to our pets of parasites especially intestinal worms. So here's some important information about worms to better equip you to provide the best for your pets. Preventing worm infestations is one of the most important jobs you do for your pet. With pets living as members of the family, keeping them free from parasites is vital. They often share the house with us, watch TV on the couch and sleep on the bed. For this to be safe, pets need to be free from any illness that may affect them or us. What are worms? When we refer to “worms” we mean intestinal worms, parasites that live in the gut. These are different to heartworm, which lives in the heart, or ringworm, which is a fungus and lives on the skin. Worms cause disease in pets and can be passed to people, sometimes causing serious illness. The types of intestinal worms are: Roundworms – which cause pets to be thin, tired and lose the shine in their coats. Affected pets can show vomiting and diarrhoea and have a pot-bellied appearance. Hookworms - these can cause severe illness with bleeding into the bowel and the resulting blood loss can lead to anaemia - especially in young animals. Tapeworms - can cause diarrhoea and are carried to pets and people by fleas Can you tell if your pet has worms? This is often difficult. While some pets may have a poor coat, weight loss or even rub their bottoms on the ground, usually there are no signs. Infected pets look healthy and the worms themselves are rarely seen. How to make sure your pet is free from worms: The best way is to ensure your pet doesn't have worms is with regular worming. This is either with a monthly or 3 monthly medication. We will recommend the best one for your pet. To help you remember when to worm, ask us to send you a reminder. Special Offer: DRONTAL All Wormer CHEWS Buy 3 get one FREE... That's a whole years worth of worming for your adult pet! Back to top |
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5. Desexing saves lives To understand how desexing saves lives, we need to look back 30 to 40 years. Undesexed pets, especially dogs, roamed widely in search of a mate. While this is safe in the wild, in urban areas the risk of being hit by a car was high. Partly as a result of so many dogs being run over, desexing became more common. Today, most pets are desexed and road accident victims are few and far between. Other great reasons to desex are: · Reduced risk of cancer and other reproductive disease in both males and females · Lower aggression for many male dogs · Reduced inappropriate urinating behaviour [eg the male dog that wees on the curtains or male cats that spray] · Helps control the number of unwanted puppies and kittens · Reduced council pet registration fees Desexing of dogs and cats is carried out at the clinic. The procedure includes a full general anaesthetic, sterile surgery and pain management. The combination of these modern techniques means pets recover quickly and comfortably. Desexing, like preventing worm infestations are important steps involved in our essential TEN STEP PET CARE PLAN. By working together through this plan we can help provide your pet with excellence in pet care. How does your Pet score ? ·Vaccination and Health Examination ·Intestinal worming ·Heartworm prevention ·Flea Control & Tick Control ·Microchipping ·Nutrition ·Dental Hygiene ·Desexing ·Socialisation & Training ·Responsibility and Pet Care Insurance Unticked boxes? Contact our veterinary team for information and advice. HOW DID YOU SCORE? 7-10 Excellent! 4-6 Doing well, do you need any help? 0-3 we are here to help with your pet's health care needs. Back to top |
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6. Puppy Preschool Puppy Preschool is where we “Love, Listen, Laugh and Learn". It's a fun way for puppies and families to learn all the skills required for a rewarding life together. Under the expert guidance of our qualified nurses, families can enjoy being involved in developing their new puppy's social skills to ensure they become polite and well behaved canine citizens. Classes are held once a week for 4 weeks 6.30 - 7.30pm at our Nerang, Helensvale and Arundel Clinics. To join our next class, please call the location that suits your family and ask our friendly staff for more details. Our 4 week program includes a puppy water safety class at our indoor swimming facility, AquaDog Health & Fitness Centre. For more information click here Congratulations to our recent graduates: At Nerang Daisy Richens, Sunny French, Moe Benn, Asher Morris, Jack Morris, Bronson Krefts, Clodagh Sullivan, Iggy Wright At Helensvale Mac Gray, Milky Climpson, Tyra McKinnon, Roxy Banton, Max Raddatz At Arundel Pepper Woods, Duddley Bransden, Derana Sunaba. Thank you to all the enthusiastic puppy preschoolers and their dedicated parents for sharing the experience with lots of love and laughter. We hope you will enjoy the memories of your time together at Puppy Preschool by printing your class photo to display in the frame provided. To print your class photo or to email to friends and family go to our website by clicking here then go to E Cards to find your framed photo. Back to top |
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7. Reader’s stories: Oscar My husband never allowed the children to have a dog. When he died suddenly, my daughter announced that now we could get a dog. She had names picked out - Oscar if it was a boy. Soon after, she found a note in the local milk bar window saying, "Free to a good home, male dog, 2 years old, named Oscar". She said, "This dog is meant to be ours!" So off she went with her brother and they brought this dog home for me to approve. Oscar ran up the hallway, jumped up on my bed and grabbed the teddy sitting on my bed and took off with him. "We are not keeping this dog!" I said, but we did and he was spoiled rotten. He died on the 30th December, 2007. We had him for 10 years and the joy he brought us is immeasurable. We now have 2 new puppies to fill the gap in our lives. Animals teach us about unconditional love and are valued members of the family. Enjoy them and learn from them. Story from Chris Rotin. If you have a great story you'd like to share about your pet or another you know, email it to info@petpack.com.au and it will be considered for publication. Back to top |
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8. The benefits of growing up with pets Pets are a big part of being Australian. In fact, 80% of us have grown up with pets as companions. The relationship between children and their pets is special and comforting and brings with it benefits for child development, family harmony and even health. Here's how: Children with pets learn: • how to nurture • compassion and empathy • responsibility • non verbal communication Studies show that children with pets have: • higher self esteem • improved social skills • and are more popular with their peers Family harmony: Families with pets spend more time interacting and pets provide the focus for conversation, especially about the important topics in life Health: The stress relief provided by pets has benefits for parents. Those with pets have less cardiovascular disease, visit the doctor less and have fewer minor illnesses. [With thanks to the Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Vic. For more information and to view their very useful kids and dogs pamphlet click here]. Back to top |
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9. Kids and pets - introducing a pet into a household with kids One of the best friends you can have when growing up is a pet. Pets help teach kids compassion, responsibility and humility. Getting started on the right foot is important if this relationship is to blossom. Here are some tips: • Choose a pup or kitten that has had friendly exposure to children in the breeder's home. For older pets, assess their response to children before bringing them home • Talk to your children about how the new pet is a living being, not a toy • Giving your child supervised, positive experiences with other pets before getting your own can be beneficial • As much as possible, treat the new pet gently and quietly • Teach kids that pets need to be left alone at times, such as when eating or sleeping. Provide “time out” areas where the pet can escape the constant attentions of young hands • Children should be encouraged when old enough to take on some responsibility for the pet eg providing fresh water or helping with brushing. Older children often jump at the opportunity to get involved in training • Train your child to make sure an adult is always present when in the company of a dog [With thanks to the Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Vic. For more information and to view their very useful kids and dogs pamphlet click here]. 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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