Narre Warren Veterinary Clinic would like to congratulate our new puppy school graduates.

Pictured at top left (from left) are: Molly the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Buddy the Spoodle and Molly the Poodle. (Not pictured are JJ, Tiffany and Herlew)

Pictured at bottom left (from left, top row) are: Kokomo the Staffy X Maltese, Buster the Staffy X Ridgeback, Kira the Boxer X Staffy, Indiana the Lab, (bottom row) Diesel the Labradoodle, Pheobe the Sheltie X and Harley the Boxer X Lab.

Good luck with all further training!

The summer holidays were over and it was back to school for the kids. Jack, the 2 year old Kelpie cross didn't cope so well. The family had been around every day for the past months but were now suddenly gone for long periods. Jack started chewing the legs of the outdoor table setting, digging up the garden and howling all day while the kids were away.

Jack was suffering from separation anxiety and was fretting constantly. Howling and destructive behaviour were helping alleviate his stress.

How can you prevent this situation?

• Teach your dog to be comfortable when separated from you. As the school holidays come to an end, gradually build up the time spent away from the family
• Make the time apart a positive experience by leaving your dog with something to do. Rawhide chews, treatballs and other food treats can help divert their attention. Visit www.kongcompany.com for ideas
• When you leave your dog alone turn on some music or talkback radio
• Lessen the enthusiasm in your hellos and goodbyes to help make those moments calmer - this will lead to less anxiety
• Reward your dog only when behaving in a calm and relaxed manner

These tips helped alleviate Jack's anxiety and he is now content when left at home. Contact us if you feel your pet is suffering from separation anxiety or other behavioural problems.

Does your pet show any of these signs?

• Coughing or gagging especially after lying down
• Tires from minimal exercise
• Increased breathing rate, panting induced easily

If you answered yes to any of these questions your pet could be showing signs of heart disease. When the heart is not pumping properly blood backs up in the lungs. This excess fluid produces coughing, the most obvious sign of heart disease.

You may also notice your pet tires easily from minimal exercise or just can't make it around the block like he used too. This is because the heart is not able to pump enough blood with adequate oxygen to the tissues.

Diagnosis of heart disease involves a combination of tests to help evaluate heart function. These include listening with a stethoscope, x-rays of the chest and examination with ultrasound. An assessment of the heart's electrical activity with an electrocardiogram may also be necessary.

The good news is that there are many treatments available to help the heart function better, and this can help pets live happily for many more years.

Speak to us if you feel your pet is showing any of the signs of heart disease.

Hill's^TM Prescription Diet^TM h/d^TM is specialised for the management of heart disease in dogs. For more information click here

Many of us will be driving long distances, often interstate this holiday season. It is not uncommon to come across injured wildlife along the way. What should you do?

Contact the local vet or wildlife hotline in that state. The numbers are:
VIC - 1300 WILDLIFE (1300 9453 5433)
NSW - 13000 WIRES or 1300 094 737 
ACT - 132 281 or RSPCA Wildlife - (02) 62878100
NT - Wildcare - (08) 8988 6121
QLD - (07) 5527 2444
SA - Fauna Rescue - (08) 8289 0896
TAS - (03) 6233 6556
WA - Wildcare - (08) 9334 0333

Some additional wildlife handling tips include:

• If you see an animal beside the road pull over only when it is safe to do so and put your hazard lights on
• Approach the animal carefully and cover it with a towel or blanket to calm it and contain it
• Stress is the major killer of injured animals so keep handling and disturbance to a minimum
• Do not attempt to feed or force it to drink

Remember, it is in the best interest of the animal to seek help as soon as possible. For more information go to www.wildlifevictoria.org.au or www.wires.org.au

Jasper the energetic Cocker Spaniel pup visited us earlier this month with an irritated ear. Earlier that day he had been to the park and had rummaged around in the long grass - his favourite activity. When home he suddenly started shaking his head and scratching his left ear frantically.

Examination of his ear canal with a special light called an otoscope revealed the culprit - a grass seed. The tip of it was only just visible but impossible to grab as Jasper was so sensitive.

Brief sedation allowed us to safely remove the grass seed without causing Jasper's delicate ear structures any damage.

Jasper was sent home a much happier dog. A revisit 3 days later ruled out any infection caused by scratching.

Prevention tips:

• Avoid walking your pet in long grass
• Check around your pet's ear for grass seeds
• If you suspect your pet has an ear problem call us to arrange an appointment

A world first trial involving a bunch of puppies and penguins is proving to be a success on an island off the coast of Warrnambool in Victoria.

Maremma dogs, commonly used to guard sheep flocks, are being used to protect penguin chicks from predators such as foxes. After a dire population of just four in 2005, the penguin numbers have bounced back this year.

A new generation of puppies are currently undergoing training to become permanent guardians of the breeding penguins. The dogs will be placed on the island and given a full time job keeping the penguins safe.

For more information on this story go to: https://www.coast2coast.org.au/PresentationPDFs/Amor.pdf