Household hazards and toxins

Household hazards and toxins

Human medications

Animals' body process some medications different from humans, therefore please do not medicate your pet with the medications that you have at home. Instead of being a medication, they can be a toxin!

One common example is Paracetamol (Tradenames: Panadol / Panamax / Panadeine) which can be toxic to animals. In dogs, paracetamol causes liver failure several days after ingestion. In cats, paracetamol toxicity causes impairment of oxygen carrying capacity of blood thus causing anaemia. Clinical signs also include rapid breathing, depression, vomiting and weakness. Cats can show swelling of the muzzle and face. Dogs usually become jaundiced (yellow).

Please contact us if your pet is unwell and our vets would be able to dispense medications for him / her. If your pet accidentally ingested some of your medications, please call us immediately as emergency treatment can be provided to lessen the amount of toxins being absorbed.  

Do you know?

Do you know that according to the NSW Companion Animals Act,

All dogs and cats must be permanently identified by the age of 12 weeks or when sold or given away (whichever comes first) and lifetime registered before the age of 6 months.

If your pet has not been chipped, please contact us to implant a microchip in your pet to avoid a fine of $165.

Dental Month 2010

August is Dental Month - Oral hygiene is a really important part of your pet's health as dental diseases can affect multiple organs not only their teeth and causing toothaches, but can also affect the heart.

Dental disease does not only cause bad breath but can also cause discomfort and pain, making animals unwilling to eat and affecting their general health and body condition.

There are a lot of dental care products (e.g. special diet, oral gel, toothpaste, dental treats) on the market to help controlling and preventing tartar build up. Our friendly staff would be able to help you tailor made a regime that would suit you and your pet's lifestyle.

Animals are just like us, would need dental visits regularly to restore nice, clean teeth with dental scale and polish - please feel free to call and discuss with our staff how to arrange one for your pet.

Arthritis

Arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition for your senior dog / cat especially during winter.

Subtle signs of reluctance to exercise, having difficulty rising after a long rest and appeared to be a bit stiff when walking can be related to osteoarthritis. Cats that are affected by arthritis might just be avoiding to jump up on high benches.

Radiographs can help us to diagnose arthritis and also help ruling out other bony disease or orthopaedic conditions.

After the diagnosis of arthritis is made, we might be able to help your arthritic pet by modifying their diet and exercise regime, weight control, providing nutraceuticals / supplements to help with joint health and also long term arthritic pain control for severe cases.

Please feel free to contact our staff to arrange a consultation with our vets if you find that your pet is having signs of arthritis.