January/February News

We trust all our valued clients and readers have had a good Christmas and New Year.

 In our quest to promote responsible pet ownership we are once again offering discounted microchipping.  For only $35.00 your pet will be microchipped and have lifetime registration with Central Animal Records.  This offer will run throughout the whole of February.  Phone the surgery on 8258 7978 to book.

 Gift certificates are now available at the surgery for any amount.  A certificate is the perfect gift to give those “hard to buy for” people who have pets.  A certificate can be either for an actual value or for a particular service, for example a vaccination or desexing surgery.  Please phone the surgery on 8258 7978 should you wish to know more about gift certificates. 

 Many families adopt puppies at this time of year.  Remember, our puppy schools run all year and are conducted by a highly experienced, qualified and accredited behavioural trainer.  There are classes for older puppies also (up to 7 months). 

 We are seeing an extraordinary number of pets with flea allergies this year and, although the owners are not seeing fleas on their animal, the clinical signs and presence of “flea dirt” indicate fleas are in their environment.  Fleas do not live on dogs and cats, they merely jump on for a feed and then jump off again.  Fleas live in the environment (in carpet and dirt, etc) and only spend about 5% of their time on the animal.  Symptoms of flea allergy include scratching, hair loss and scabby skin around the rump and tail base.  Generally, flea powders, sprays and washes are not very effective because of the short time they are active.  It is recommended to use spot on products every month, eg Frontline, to control fleas on the pet and in the environment.  Please phone the surgery and speak to one of our qualified nurses should you wish to know more about effective flea control.  If you are unsure if your pet has fleas, our nurses are available to perform parasite checks on your animal and give expert advice regarding flea control.

 As yet this year, we have not seen any heat stressed animals.  This is an indication that our clients are caring, responsible owners.  Remember not to walk your dog in the heat of the day and ensure they have adequate shade and water on these hot days.  When you are home, bring the dog and cat inside with the air conditioner on.  Ice cubes in the water or frozen treats can keep dogs much cooler and happier. 

Our January newsletter is now available.  Please make sure you phone or email the surgery (info@shvs.com.au) if you want to receive an electronic version of the newsletter and we don't have your current email address.  You can also pick up a hard copy at the surgery or phone us and we will mail one out to you. 

We are also on the hunt for stories for our newsletter about our client's pets so if you think your pet has a particularly interesting tale, please contact us. 

Please join us on Facebook if you haven't already done so.  Here you will get the most up to date information on the surgery news and you will get to see great photos of cute pets!  You can also read our regular behaviour and animal health tips.   Feel free to ask any questions via the discussion page of Facebook or email us at info@shvs.com.au.   Alternatively, you can use the Online Enquiry on this website.  We would love to have more photos sent in by our followers which we may place on our Facebook page or website. 

Pet insurance is becoming more available and more important as veterinary medicine continues to advance.  These days, many pet owners demand the same degree of care for their pets as they expect for the rest of their family.  Salisbury Highway Veterinary Surgery also believes in offering the best in veterinary care.  Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the furry members of your family but pet insurance is readily available and, as more companies get on board, more affordable than ever before.  Phone us to discuss your pet insurance needs should you require advice.  Alternatively, Choice Magazines have done an article about pet insurance (www.choice.com.au).