My dog is scratching all the time, what could be causing this?

 There are a number of reasons why dogs scratch, and although often it can simply be a flea problem, there are other factors to take into consideration.

Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva so one bite can send them into an itching frenzy.  For these dogs, a regular and effective flea control is imperative to controlling this parasite.  Usually, dogs with a flea allergy will bite and scratch mainly around the rump and tail base area.  They may have hair loss and scabby skin around this area also. 

Other dogs can be allergic to pollens and suffer from hayfever, just like us.  Dogs that have hayfever will often suffer from generalised itchiness and may have red eyes and sometimes sneeze.  The skin can become so irritated from the scratching that a skin infection can develop.  These dogs often lick their feet and may have saliva staining on their paws.  The abdomen and groin can become red and the dog may rub their belly along the ground as a way to relieve the itch. 

Mites are also a common reason dogs will scratch.  Hair loss may be noticed, particularly around the head and face.  There are 2 different types of mites and treatment depends on the type found.  Diagnosis is made by examining scrapings of the skin under a microscope. 

To ascertain why your dog is scratching, a veterinary examination is required.  Treatment will depend on the cause of the scratching.  Allergies, although incurable, can be generally well controlled with good veterinary care and diligent owner care.  

They talk about Parvovirus in the media a lot.  Is it really a problem?

Parvovirus is a highly contagious, often fatal, easily preventable disease of dogs.  This virus can live in the environment for 12 months or more if the conditions are right.  Dogs do not need to be in contact with other dogs to contract the virus which means that any unvaccinated dog is at risk.  The symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, inappetance and often severe bloody diarrhoea.  Treatment involves intravenous fluid therapy, antibiotics, antiemetics and barrier nursing to prevent spread of the disease.  Parvovirus is species specific (in other words, it can only affect canines).  For more information, please phone and speak to one of our nurses.  Vaccination is the only effective way to prevent Parvovirus. 

My dog had vaccinations as a puppy and my cat when she was a kitten - do they need anymore?

Dogs and cats need to be vaccinated every year.  During this vaccination appointment they will receive a thorough check over and you will be advised of any health issues that may be affecting your pet.  Although some dog vaccinations do last 3 years, others only have a one year coverage.  After their puppy/kitten  vaccination course they will be due again 12 months later.  The Northern area regularly has incidences of Parvovirus, Cat Flu and FIV.   Please phone and speak to our friendly staff members should you have any further enquiries about these easily preventable but potentially fatal diseases.

Why should I vaccinate my pet if he/she never leaves the yard?

Pets that don't leave their yard are still at risk of contracting certain diseases that don't require direct contact with another animal.  In fact, the animal that never leaves their home may be at greater risk because they haven't had a chance to develop immunity to common diseases.  Diseases such as Parvovirus and Cat Flu are examples of this as people can carry them on their shoes, clothes, etc.  In addition to providing your pet with immunity to common preventable diseases, the annual vaccination also gives your veterinary team the opportunity to thoroughly examine your pet and identify any problems that you may not have noticed.  

Why does my vet ask me for a urine sample from my pet?

A urine sample can give the vet a lot of information regarding your pet's health that otherwise would be unknown.  For a limited time we are offering FREE urine testing for animals over the age of 7 years as part of our wellness check.  Research shows that pets over the age of 7 years have a higher risk of developing a number of diseases such as diabetes or renal disease.  A urine sample can often detect diseases such as these before any symptoms are noticeable.  Please phone our surgery to receive more information regarding this great offer. 

Why do I pay more for my pet's medical treatment than I do for my own?

When compared with other professional services, veterinary fees are not expensive.  Unlike your general practitioner, your veterinary surgeon also provides radiology, surgery, blood testing and pharmacy drugs amongst other things.  The veterinary surgery is equipped with expensive equipment requiring trained staff to operate.  In addition, Medicare and private health insurance pay the vast majority of your own medical expenses.  Pet health insurance is readily available to help you pay the cost of your pet's medical treatment. 

Why can't the vet just tell me what's wrong with my pet over the phone?

The symptoms (outward signs) you are seeing can often be an indication of a large variety of diseases or disorders.    A complete examination is required to determine the cause of the symptoms and to devise a treatment plan.  It is unethical and illegal to prescribe prescription medication for an animal that has not been physically examined by the veterinary surgeon. An animal that requires long term medication for chronic disease needs to be rechecked on a 6 monthly basis. 

My dog is scratching but I can't see any fleas.  What should I do?

Fleas do not live on dogs.  They only jump on to feed then jump off again.  If you do see a flea on your dog, it means there are many fleas in the environment.  Whenever a dog is scratching the first recommendation is to treat for fleas.  Spot on products are the most effective because they continue to work (usually for a month).  Flea powders and shampoos are not as effective as they stop working very soon after applied.  Flea collars are generally ineffective as they do not treat the whole pet.  Some dogs are allergic to fleas so one bite can send them into a scratching frenzy.  Dogs can also be allergic to other things in the environment, such as pollens and grasses.  As fleas are the easiest allergen to control, it is recommended to eliminate them first.  If your dog is still scratching, then other reasons can be investigated. 

Why does it cost so much to desex my pet?

This major surgical procedure is heavily discounted to help you be a responsible pet owner.  The surgery requires the time of at least 2 highly trained staff, anaesthetics (both injectable and gaseous), intravenous fluids, sterilised instruments, hospitalisation, pain relief medication and suture material.  A similar procedure in humans (hysterectomy) costs many times more but people are covered by Medicare.  Compared to raising litters of puppies and kittens, desexing is a very cost effective procedure.  In addition,  your pet will be unlikely or unable to develop many of the diseases we see in older pets that are not desexed (mammary tumours, pyometra, prostate disease, testicular tumours) as well as helping to prevent some behavioural problems (aggression, roaming, marking territory, humping, etc.). 

What do I do if I can't pay my vet bill all at once?

We offer payment plans that my suit the pet owner who wants to pay off their veterinary fees.  This needs to be organised before your appointment but it is quick and easy to lodge and application (we do it for you).  This may take the worry out of finding money at short notice.  Phone the surgery and advise the receptionist that you need to apply for credit.  She will organise a time for you to come in and discuss the different payment plans available.  We can apply for you while you wait (this usually takes no more than 10 minutes).

What is heartworm disease and why should I worry about it?

Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal disease that is spread by mosquitoes.  Although dogs are at greater risk, cats can also contract this disease.  Mosquitoes spread the disease by transmitting microfilariae into the bloodstream which migrate to the heart where adult worms can develop.  These adult worms can damage the heart which may produce fatal consequences for your dog or cat. Prevention against heartworm is simply a matter of daily or monthly tablets, chewables or spot ons for dogs and cats, or yearly injection (for dogs only).  If your dog or cat is not currently on heartworm prevention, please speak to one of our friendly staff who can give you advice.

Why does the vet want to see my older pet twice a year?

 

Pets cannot tell us when something is wrong.  Animals age around 5 to 7 years faster than people.  Senior animals over the age of 7 years are at greater risk of developing disease.  For this reason, it is wise to have your pet examined at least twice yearly (that's like you visiting your doctor every 3 years or so).  During these visits your veterinarian will perform a "nose to tail" examination of your animal and identify any areas of concern.  Many diseases can be more easily managed and involve less cost to you when diagnosed early.  You can also be assured that your pet is not suffering with any problems that you are unaware of and that he/she cannot tell you about.

 

 

Why should I have screening tests such as urine or blood testing done on my pet when there is no sign of disease?

We can now detect disease processes long before they are a problem or even cause a symptom to your companion with blood and urine testing. This means that we often can, through dietary or medical means, fix or slow the disease process that is occurring and therefore help your pet to live a longer and healthier life.