The Vets (ph: 5596 2322)  The Vets (ph: 5596 2322)  
a great place for pets - www.thevets.com.au

Welcome to our new email newsletter. Enjoy!
November 2004 Edition
proudly supported by Hill's Science Diet - superior nutrition for the lifelong health of your pet  proudly supported by Hill's Science Diet - superior nutrition for the lifelong health of your pet
IN THIS ISSUE

1. How cheeky are you?
2. Why grooming means much more than just looking good
3. Fleas 're-emerge' for summer season
4. Sit Boo Boo, Sit. Good dog.
5. Hottest hutch on the block



1. How cheeky are you?

Pups and kittens tear around playing games and generally causing havoc. They grow at a phenomenal rate – they can double their body weight in only a few weeks! This rapid development means that feeding the correct diet is essential so this month we're giving away a year's supply of Hill's Science Diet to the pup or kitten judged the "Cheekiest". For all this activity, pups and kittens need the right amounts of:

Calcium: Supplied at controlled levels
L-Carnitine: helps develop healthy muscles and bones, as well as helping convert fat into muscle
High quality protein: including all 10 essential amino acids for strong bones and muscles
Energy: digestible carbohydrates provide the fuel required to run these lively bodies
Essential Fatty Acids: support the healthy function of the nervous and immune systems and promote healthy skin and shiny coat
Antioxidants: help pets stay younger for longer by reducing the impact of free radical molecules

Entry to this awesome competition is simple but you'll have to get snapping - email us an image of your new pet and the one judged the "Cheekiest" will win. To enter click here [please send the image from the email address you use to receive this newsletter so we know who you are]

For more information on Hill’s Science Diet - "superior nutrition for the lifelong health of your pet" click here: www.hillspet.com

To view our tems and conditions click here.


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2. Why grooming means much more than just looking good

Regular washing or brushing is a great way to bond with your pet. There's nothing better than that look of appreciation after a wash. The other bonus is that your attention can detect illness in its infancy – which if treated, will give us the best chance of a successful treatment.

Look out for:

Lumps and bumps: you’ll notice these very clearly if you’re regularly handling your pet. Lumps can be due to allergies, infections or sometimes cancer. The earlier lumps are attended to the better. If we suspect a lump may be malignant, we’ll recommend a biopsy. The result will be conclusive and early intervention significantly improves the chance of success.
Red or flaky skin: Allergies usually produce itchy spots for dogs and cats. These are then rubbed or chewed producing damaged areas of skin. These are most commonly found under the arm pits, in the groin or around the tail base.
Hair loss or discolouration: Patches of hair falling out can be due to infection, injury or self trauma. Light coloured dogs that lick their itchy feet will leave a pink stain on the hair.
Eyes: Changes from the normal such as increased discharge or redness under the lids or on the globe.

To get the best result when washing your pet, use a medicated shampoo such as Epi-Soothe Shampoo and Conditioner. They leave your pet smelling fantastic, help reduce itchiness and clean the coat safely and thoroughly.


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3. Fleas 're-emerge' for summer season

With summer bringing warmer weather, there is a risk of an explosion of flea numbers in your home. They're not always obvious to the naked eye, but flea eggs lying in your carpet, between floorboards or in sandy garden soil can hatch suddenly if warm weather occurs. This process is called “flea re-emergence”.

If you’ve ever experienced fleas jumping up at your ankles or running over the nose of your dog, you’ll know how revolting it feels. Treating a house in this condition is difficult and time consuming. The best thing to do is prevent the occurrence with regular monthly flea control of all your pets.

Ask us about the best way to control fleas on your pet and in your environment - to prevent "re-emergence" occurring.


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4. Sit Boo Boo, Sit. Good dog.

The most basic but important command for your dog to learn is "Sit". Watch a short movie of "How to Sit" by clicking here. 

The steps are simple:
· To teach a new pup to sit, begin by holding a treat in front of your puppy’s nose to gain her attention.
· When you have your puppy’s focus slowly raise the treat upward and then over her head. This should make your puppy follow the treat with her sight, consequently tilting their head backward. (Be sure to hold the treat close to your puppy’s nose or otherwise you may find she will jump to reach the treat.)
· As the head follows the treat backwards your puppy’s bottom should eventually hit the ground, establishing the ‘sit’ position.
· When her bottom touches the ground it is vital you give the treat immediately. This ensures your puppy learns it is this exact behaviour that is earning the treat.
· Be sure to say 'sit' only once and at the exact moment your puppy’s bottom touches the ground.

Repeat the training often and in various environments saying 'sit' and immediately rewarding with food when your puppy’s bottom touches the ground.

We recommend Puppy Preschool as the first step in training your pup. Contact us for more information.


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5. Hottest hutch on the block

In their native surrounds, the mountains and grasslands of South America, Guinea Pigs make their nests amongst the tall grasses and abandoned burrows of other animals. It’s up to you to build a home for your own Guinea Pigs that is safe, comfortable and similar to their natural habitat. Here are a few tips:

· The bottom of the cage should be smooth. Avoid wire bottoms, ramps and shelves where Guinea Pigs can catch their feet. Lay the bottom of the cage with newspaper and then cover with wood shavings [such as kiln dried pine] or grass hay. Grass hay should always be available to eat as well.
· Allow 1 square metre for each Guinea Pig with another 0.5 square metre for each additional animal.
· They are social animals, so allow them to live together. Avoid multiple males as they will fight each other. Groups of 2 or more Guinea Pigs are ideal.
· The cage can be kept outdoors – out of direct sunlight and away from predators – and must be solid enough to prevent unwanted entry by dogs and foxes.
· Include a water bottle, small dish for pellets and a place to hide and sleep. This can be a small covered box with several entry holes.


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  The Vets


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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