Our pets are talking about it over the fence so you too should know...

It's time again for the annual Paws and Claws Awards which recognises excellence in the pet industry in South East QLD and this year we have been nominated for the Best Vet Award.

The Paws and Claws People's Choice Awards is an annual event dedicated to paying tribute and show gratitude to the fantastic people within the Pet and Animal Industry who make a difference to our lives and the lives of our animals.

Whilst awards aren't our goal, it is great to be appreciated and acknowledged for the commitment our team shows to caring for your pets and excellence in service. As a 'peoples choice' award it is voted by YOU not decided by a panel of judges. We would be honoured if you would vote for us. It would be a valued endorsement to us that you want and appreciate our family friendly, high quality,personalised service and compassionate pet care that we always strive to deliver.

So if we have made a difference in you and your pets life PLEASE vote for us at www.pawsandclaws.com.au.

Remember your family, friends and associates can vote too!! Voting forms are also available at our clinic.

This month we are paying tribute to all our senior pets and celebrate them living longer and living better with a little extra TLC petcare from us. This heart warming senior's story was sent to one of our readers via email. No one knows if it is true but it is a lovely family tale that we are sure both senior pets and parents of young families will relate to. 

An older, tired looking dog wandered into my yard. I could tell from his collar and his full belly that he had a home and was well taken care of. 

He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep. An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out. 
 
The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour. This continued off and on for several weeks. 
 
Curious I pinned a note to his collar: 'I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap?' 
 
The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar: 'He lives in a home with six children, two of whom are under the age of three, he's trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?'

You can read more heart warming stories at www.mypetstories.com.au

Our pets age very quickly and as they enter their senior years it is especially important to keep up with regular health checks. You may be surprised to learn that dogs and cats are given their seniors card when they reach 7 to 8 years of age.

Some of the early ageing signs may be a few extra grey hairs around the muzzle, difficulty getting out of bed in the morning and unexpected accidents around the house. As well as the changes you can see, there can be much more going on than meets the eye, such as a slowing metabolism, and changing nutritional requirements.

Early warning signs to look out for:

· Changes in appetite or thirst
· Increasing or decreasing weight
· Loss of housetraining
· Difficulty climbing stairs or getting into the car
· A cough
· New lumps
· Bad breath
· Changes in sleeping patterns
· Excessive urination

It is easy to put any one of these signs down to 'getting old', however these symptoms may indicate an underlying age related disease.

Call us to make an appointment for your senior pet. Early detection can help your pet live longer and after the many years of loyalty and support your pet has given you, it is now time to give back to them!

Celebrating Sensational Seniors - FREE Canine Sleeping bag* when you purchase any Hill's Prescription or Senior Science Diet for your senior pet.
*until stocks last

‘Dottery' old Daisy was waking through the night and constantly pacing, keeping the whole house awake. She was having trouble holding on between toilet breaks and leaving little surprises on the carpet, something she had never done before. 

Earlier that week she had been found staring at the wall in the corner of the kitchen and barking repeatedly. This odd behaviour was very distressing to her sleep deprived owners.

Daisy was showing the common signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, also known as Doggy Dementia. The disease can be difficult to diagnose and dogs need a full examination including a blood test to rule out other age related diseases.

The earlier the dementia is detected the better, as there is a chance of reducing some of the symptoms and delaying the progress of the disease.

These signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction fit into 5 categories:

D - Disorientation and confusion in usual environment
I  - Interaction with other pets and family members reduced
S - Sleep pattern disturbed
H - House training lost
A - Activity levels change including aimless wandering and pacing

For dogs like Daisy, there is a now a specific diet available that can help as well as medications that may improve brain blood flow. Ask us for more information.

This month only FREE canine sleeping bag* when you purchase any Hills Prescription or Senior Science Diet for your senior pet. 
*while stocks last

The month of May brought out the maniac in our AquaDogs. Our Aqua May-niac competition asked all our dedicated parents to tell us why their dog is the ultimate Aqua May-niac and should WIN one of two insanely awesome Pet Swimming kits including an AquaDog swim bag, Hill's Towel, 3 pack of Advantix, swim toy, 2kg bag of Hill's pet food and a Tellington Touch Massage voucher...everything a dedicated Aqua May-niac could need for their fitness training.

Congratulations: Ryan Hamilton a 9 year old Golden Retriever and Bridget Francesca Arnott a nearly 10yr old Boxer. We were astounded by the responses we received from our AquaDog parents and both our winners are mature canines, staying active and healthy and really living life to the fullest.

A BIG THANK YOU to BAYER and HILL'S SCIENCE DIET for the fabulous prizes!

Here's one of our two winning entries...stay tuned next month for Bridget's story.

Ryan's Symptoms of an Aqua May-niac

Signs of restlessness when the swim bag appears, often accompanied by excited yelps. If Mum looks like running late I can recommend stealing the swim toy from the bag and thrusting it repeatedly into the back of her knees, just to remind her that tardiness today is simply not an option.

Once in the car, pacing increases to constant circles of joy. The car rocks in time with my movement. I scan for landmarks to indicate I am nearing my destination. My tail is wagging furiously. At this point of time it's probably not a good idea to stick my head beside Mum's ear and let her feel the heat of my heavy breathing.

Getting close now and the excitement is almost too hard to control. I vocalise my anticipation and Mum tells me what a wayward child I am. She loves me.

Ooops, we're there. I can't wait to get in the door, but Mum has other ideas. She decides to practise 'calm heeling' to the door. Is she kidding? I pull on the lead and she pretends she's a tree. I'm a whirling dervish around her as I race back to the heel position. Sometimes she does 'penalty yards' and takes me back to the car every time I pull. That really sucks ‘cause we have to start over again. By the way, did I mention that I have my Open Obedience Title?

Once inside I race to the glass door to see if anyone is already in the pool. Gosh, it's hard if I have to wait!!! My legs go all quivery in excitement and my breath smogs the glass up. Hurry, hurry, hurry!!!

Finally the nice lady, Sue, gives us the go-ahead and I have only one thought in my mind ... to take that first, glorious plunge. Mum laughs. She indulges me. The pool is like a whirlpool for the first 10 minutes or so. Mum throws the toy, I retrieve the toy, and so we go on. There's no time to rest. Sometimes if I'm really lucky the bubbles in the pool come on. They are great fun to chase and bite. Mum and Sue both laugh at me. I must be making them happy. That's okay ‘cause I'm having a ball!!

I'm now ten years old and I attribute my youthful good looks to genetics and the exercise I get in the pool. I've been coming to the pool for many years now. I used to come with my furry mother, Lani. She had two big leg operations and would swim for rehabilitation. Swimming in the warm water of the pool helped her no end. Therapy is what they called it, but we had so much fun together.

My furry mother passed away earlier this year. We all miss her heaps, but my human Mum still brings me to the pool for exercise and to make more happy memories.

Yes, I'm definitely an Aqua May-niac and I'm pleased to say that they haven't found a cure yet!!!

Ryan's mum, Gayle's comments when informed of their winning entry: 'There is absolutely no doubt about it, Ryan LOVES ... and almost lives for ... his sessions at the pool. Writing about Ryan was so easy as I simply told it like it was'

Puppy preschool is 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, parents 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. To join our next class, please call the location that suits your family and ask our friendly staff for more details or click here

Ready, Setty, Go! Join our Puppy Water Safety Swim Classes. Enrich your puppy's life and build their confidence, water safety and swimming skills.

Our Puppy Preschool program includes a water safety swim class at AquaDog Health and Fitness Centre and a half price 2nd Swim for puppy preschoolers for ONLY $7.50. Private puppy water safety swim classes are only $15.

We're so proud of our recent puppy preschool graduates...

At Helensvale: Class commenced 4 May 2010
Bruce Arne, Bella Tonkin, Tess Wardrop, Vinnie Cole, Sookie Christie, Nelson Williams, Indy Hoskin,

Class commenced 6 May 2010
Belle Cheney, Rocky Hosier, Baxter Maher, Rage Campbell, Mango Aster, Cookie Jung.

Congratulations and thank you to all the enthusiastic puppy preschoolers and their dedicated families for sharing the experience with lots of love learning 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 www.thevets.com.au then go to E-cards to find your framed class photo.