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| a great place for pets - www.thevets.com.au | |||
August 2005 edition
1. Three easy steps to clean, fresh breath 2. Can you imagine only visiting the doctor every 7 years? 3. Plan for Christmas boarding now! 4. Pulling pooches 5. Has your pet got that star quality? |
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1. Three easy steps to clean, fresh breath If you've ever smelt a dog or cat's breath, there's a very good chance it was not a pleasant experience. Most people think that bad breath is normal for dogs and cats but it's not - it means the pet has dental disease. Knowing that most pets have dental disease and its telltale bad breath [80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the age of 3], we've decided to take a stand and fight back. We've declared August to be Pet Dental Health Month. We won't rest until every willing pet has had their teeth checked and been set on a course to a healthy mouth and a happier, longer lived future! The 3 steps to clean, fresh breath are: 1. Bring your pet in for a dental exam this month we'll check the teeth thoroughly, review the diet and recommend the best plan of action which may include cleaning the teeth at the clinic 2. Begin a home care plan specially formulated foods are recommended as a way to supplement the cleaning of teeth done at the clinic. In addition, brushing pets' teeth is effective if done at least a couple of times a week 3. Ensure you have the teeth checked regularly we recommend at least once a year, as you would your own teeth. Early detection of problems means an early resolution and the best outcome You can win a whole year's supply of Hill's Science Diet - superior nutrition for the lifelong health of your pet. Dogs and cats of any size are eligible to win. Click on the button below to be entered automatically. Hill's Science Diet Oral Care and Hill's Prescription Diet t/d use natural fibres in a patented technology to scrub a pet's teeth like a toothbrush. For more information click here. To celebrate Dental Month, an obliging Hippo has given us a rare glimpse of her impressive chompers - to view the movie click here [1MB]. Back to top |
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2. Can you imagine only visiting the doctor every 7 years? In the 12 months since the last vet check, a dog or cat will have aged the equivalent of 6-7 human years. Can you imagine yourself only visiting the doctor every 7 years? Things can go wrong in that time so it is vital that a thorough veterinary examination take place. We call it the Annual Health Check and it's the "nose to the toes" exam. Here's what we look at: Head eyes, ears and teeth health. Eyes can develop growths and tear production problems while ears can become infected. Chest The stethoscope is used to determine key information about the health of the heart and lungs [cardiovascular system] Abdomen We examine the abdomen to learn important information about digestion and the health of organs such as the bladder and liver Tail examination under the tail for evidence of excretory and reproductive health Further tests: Blood and urine tests may be recommended. They can help us identify and, as a result, treat a range of problems including hormonal illness and major organ disease. Early detection of illness means a healthier and longer lived pet. Back to top |
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3. Plan for Christmas boarding now! If you're planning to head away at Christmas and you need someone to look after your pets, we suggest you start organising it now. The good boarding facilities book out early and last year quite a few people missed out on their preferred choices. Some tips when planning for boarding: · Feel free to visit the kennel or cattery you're considering · In preparation for a long boarding period, consider boarding your pet first for a shorter period. This allows you to work out any problems before the longer stay · Ensure your pet is up to date with the relevant vaccinations, heartworm, intestinal worm and flea control Other options for having your pet looked after include: Pet Minder or Walker Where a person will visit your home on a regular basis. They check on, feed, walk and medicate if required, your pets. Sometimes they will also do other jobs for you, such as empty the letter box and water the plants. House sitting If you are prepared to have someone stay in your home, the advantages are that your pets remain in their own environment which can mean they are more settled. Canine Nannies An emerging trend is for pets to live in the home of specially trained carers. The first to do this is the Melbourne based Canine Nannies. Dogs are pampered - they even sleep on the bed if that's what they do at home! To see more click here or here. For any of the above types of holiday pet care, ask us for a recommendation or guidance on which is best for your pet. Back to top |
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4. Pulling pooches Going for a walk with your dog is one of the joys of life but when your dog pulls incessantly on the lead it rapidly loses its appeal. No longer able to quietly enjoy your surrounds, you spend most of your energy trying to hold back the panting express train while smiling uncomfortably to other walkers. It happens to more people than you think. The good news is there is a solution it's called a head halter. Head halters are a revolutionary style of collar used and recommended by vets and trainers all over the world. The halter looks a bit like a horse's head collar the lead is clipped under the chin, not on the neck, giving you better control over the dog's head. Wherever the head is pointing, the body will follow giving you excellent control over direction and resulting in much reduced pulling. Talk to us about whether a head halter is suitable for your dog. We'll show you how to make the introduction of the halter a fun process for your dog and then show you how to adjust the halter to ensure a snug fit and the best results. To view a short training video on how to do it, click here [1.64MB]. Back to top |
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5. Has your pet got that star quality? Have you ever wondered how some pets end up on TV? And then wondered how your dog, cat or bird could make it in the world of show biz? The answer lies in a combination of 3 things: talent, training and good fortune: Talent: to be considered for the media, pets need to start with a distinctive personality or look something that stands out and will be recognised as different. Remember the Dulux paint dog? He was a magnificent specimen of an Old English Sheepdog. It was his great hair that got him the job. Other pets have been successful because of their big slobbery cheeks, they had the messy look, a feisty personality or the lazy vibe. Training: Depending on the type of media work being done, the level of training can play a pivotal role. In the 90's, the Hyundai car company was defined by its excellent ads that starred a Blue Heeler called Kane. He was probably the highest paid pet actor in the country at the time. Kane's stand out talent was his ability to learn new behaviours. He was a highly energetic dog and very smart. Kane was so disciplined he could do all this without being distracted by the bright lights, being in a studio or a cheering studio audience no mean feat! Good fortune: Opportunities for pets in the media are limited and sometimes short lived it takes a lucky break for even the most beautiful, intelligent and quirky pet to make it. Consider the recent paper towel commercial featuring a soggy Cairn Terrier - will we ever see him again? If you think your pet has what it takes, talk to your trainer about attaining a basic level of obedience and then about how to find an agent for your pet. 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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