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How old is my pet in human years?

How old is my pet in human years?

by | May 3, 2023 | Uncategorized

Our Pet Age Calculator will tell you.
Turns out it’s not as simple as just multiplying a cat or dog’s age by 7! Pets can age differently depending on their species, breed, and size.
Input your pet’s calendar age below and find out their relative age and life stage, anywhere from a fresh-faced Puppy or Kitten to a “golden oldie” Geriatric.

Your guide to senior check-ups

Your guide to senior check-ups

by | May 3, 2023 | Uncategorized

Hi paw parent, just like you, pets want to live a long and happy life.
With proper health care management, older pets can live their lives to their full potential, which may be well over the equivalent of 100 human years! The key to giving them a longer, healthier time with you can be pretty simple, it’s all about detecting problems early. Half yearly check-ups and thorough physical examinations are recommended for Senior pets. As are lots of pats and cuddles, but you already knew that bit!

Looking after your senior pet

Looking after your senior pet

by | May 3, 2023 | Uncategorized

When is a pet classified as being senior or mature?
Dogs and cats are considered to be mature adults once they turn 7 years old. Large breed dogs age more quickly and are considered mature at 5-6 years of age.

The Importance of Dental Care for Your Pet

The Importance of Dental Care for Your Pet

by | Aug 4, 2022 | Uncategorized

Did you know that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over three years of age have some form of dental disease? Dental disease can not only be painful and uncomfortable for pets, but the procedure to clean and remove teeth becomes more complicated and often more costly to treat the longer it is left untreated. Just as you look after your teeth to prevent plaque and dental disease, you must also care for your pet’s teeth too!

What is dental disease?

Dental disease or periodontal disease is caused by bacterial infection that builds up in a substance called plaque. Plaque is made up of food particles and saliva. It sticks to the tooth surface above and below the gum line and if not removed will calcify into tartar. Over time the infection in tartar causes irreversible changes to occur which include the destruction of supportive tissues and bone, resulting in sore red gums, bad breath, and the loosening of teeth.

How do you know if your pet has dental disease?

  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Bleeding or redness of the gums
  • Discoloured or plaque build-up on teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Reluctance to chew or eat
  • Pawing of the mouth

How do you treat dental disease?

Treating dental disease involves thorough scaling and flushing to remove tartar, plaque and infection from above and below the gum line. The teeth are then polished to help reduce future plaque build-up. Any loose or badly infected teeth will need to be removed. These procedures are carried out under a general anaesthetic for the safety of your pet and our team. Local anaesthetic and pain relief are given as necessary.

 

During our Dental Month promotion, you can book your pet in for a FREE dental check and receive a $100 discount if they require a dental procedure!
Plus – by booking your free dental check and discounted procedure before 31 August, you will go in the draw to win one of five $500 pre-paid Visa gift-cards!*

Hurry, appointments are limited, call our team today on (02) 9953 1090

 

*Competition terms and conditions apply. Click here for more information.

Easter Hazards

Easter Hazards

by | Apr 13, 2022 | Uncategorized

Easter can be an exciting time for both adults and children. While we prepare for Easter, it is essential to keep an eye on potential dangers for your furry friend.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine (a chemical compound found in the cacao plant), which can be fatal to our pets. It is important to keep chocolate out of reach this Easter. If you are hiding chocolate eggs, keep your pets in a safe location away from the hunt and record where you have hidden the eggs.

If you do suspect your pet may have eaten some chocolate, call us straight away, as symptoms can take up to three hours to show.

Some symptoms to look out for include:

  • Vomiting,
  • Diarrhoea,
  • Increased urination,
  • Restlessness,
  • Hyperactivity,
  • Twitching,
  • And in severe cases, seizures.

Hot cross buns

Hot cross buns are another treat to keep out of reach of our furry friends. Some hot cross buns contain chocolate which can be fatal to our pets. They can also contain raisins. Raisins, grapes, sultanas and currants have been shown to cause acute kidney failure in dogs. The exact reason is still not identified; therefore, we cannot determine how much is toxic or which pets will be affected. Some pets can eat a few grapes with no ill effects, whereas others may become severely ill with the same amount.

It is always better to be on the safe side; if you suspect your pet has eaten any, please call us immediately.

Initial signs can include:

  • Vomiting,
  • Diarrhoea.

 

Noises and crowds

New visitors, noises and smells can sometimes cause anxiety for your pet. To help minimise your pet’s stress;

  • Create a calm, quiet spot for your pet away from the noise.
  • Exercise your pet before any guests arrive.

Decorations

Small and cute Easter decorations could become choking hazards for your pet or, if broken, can cause cuts to their mouths. Ensure all decorations are out of your pet’s reach or too big for them to fit in their mouths. If your pet has swallowed or eaten any decorations, please call our team.

Flowers

Some flowers are toxic to our pets. If you decorate with flowers or receive them as gifts, place them in a location your pet can’t get to. Some flowers and plants to look out for include:

Common Poisonous House Plants
 
Common Name Botanical Name Poisonous Part
Bird of Paradise Strelizia regirae Fruit, seeds
Boston Ivy Parthenocissus quinquefolia All parts
Caladium Caladium All parts
Creeping Charlie Glecoma hederacea All parts
Dumbcane Dieffenbachia All parts
Emerald Duke Philodendron hastatum All parts
Glacier Ivy Hedera glacier Leaves, berries
Heartleaf Philadendron cordatum All parts
English Ivy Hedera helix Leaves, berries
Lily/Liliaceae Family Lilium All parts
Marble Queen Scindapsus aureus All parts
Majesty Philodendron hastatum All parts
Nephthytis, Arrowhead Vine Synogonium podophyllum albolineatum All parts
Parlor Ivy Philodendron cordatum All parts
Pothos Scindapsus aureus All parts
Red Princess Philodendron hastatum All parts
Saddleleaf Philodendron selloum All parts
Split leaf Philodendron Monstera deliciosa All parts
Umbrella Plant Cyperus alternifolius All parts

 

Common Poisonous Outdoor Plants
Common Name Botanical Name Poisonous Part
Apricot Prunus ameniaca Stem, bark, seed pits
Azalea Rhododendron occidentale All parts
Baneberry Actaea Spicata Berries, roots, foliage
Buchberry Lantana All parts
Castor Bean Ricinus communis Seeds, if chewed
Choke Cherry Prunus virginica Leaves, seed pits, stems, bark
Daffodil Narcissus Bulbs
Daphne Daphne mezereum Berries, bark, leaves
Foxglove Digitalis purpura Leaves, seeds, flowers
Hemlock Conium maculatum All parts, root and root stalk
Hens-and-Chicks Lantana All parts
Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis Bulbs, leaves, flowers
Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla Leaves, buds
Jerusalem Cherry Solanim pseudocapscium All parts, unripe fruit
Jimson Weed Datura stramonium All parts
Jonquil Narcissus Bulbs
Lily-of-the-Valley Convallaria majalis All parts
Mandrake Podophyllum peltatum Roots, foliage, unripe fruit
Mistletoe Phoradendron Flavescens Berries
Morning Glory Ipomoea violaces Seeds
Nightshade Atropa belladonna All parts
Oleander Norium Oleander All parts, including dried leaves
Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima Leaves, flowers
Pokeweed, Inkberry Phytolacca americana All parts
Red Sage Lantana camara Green berries
Rhododendron Rhododendron All parts
Rhubarb Rheum raponticum Leaves
Sweet Pea Lathyrus odoratus Seeds, pods
Tulip Tulipa Bulbs
Wisteria Wisteria Seeds, pods
Yew Taxus Needles, bark, seeds

 

If your pet has nibbled on any of your plants, please take a photo of the plant for later identification and reference, and call our team immediately.

For more Easter tips, please call us on (02) 4384 5888 or book an appointment online! We hope you enjoy a lovely long weekend.

 

Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety

by | Apr 13, 2022 | Uncategorized

You’ve likely been spending lots of time at home during the pandemic, and no doubt your dog has enjoyed this quality time with you. If like many, you’ve welcomed a new furry family member into your home during this period, they’ll be very used to having you around most of the time. This poses a challenge for our pets when they start spending more time alone. Some dogs may take these new changes to their routine fine. But for other pets, it could bring about separation anxiety, which can be very distressing for dogs and owners alike.

Separation anxiety is one of the most common yet most underdiagnosed behavioural problems in dogs. The clinical signs of excessive barking, howling, destruction, self-mutilation, urination, and defecation can significantly affect both dogs and owners. Luckily, veterinarians understand separation anxiety, and there are treatment options available to manage this condition and improve the quality of life for your special furry family member.

Separation anxiety is distress experienced on separation from you as the owner(s). Anxiety is the “anticipation of future danger or misfortune” – Dr K Seksel. Dogs are social animals, and it is normal for a puppy to become attached to their litter and then subsequently to the human family that becomes their home. Some dogs do not adjust to being without their owners and develop separation distress. Some dogs may become destructive or vocalise if under-stimulated and not provided with the appropriate physical exercise and mental stimulation. However, signs of separation anxiety become apparent when they are linked to the owner’s departures or absence, when they cannot gain access to them and when they cannot adjust to their absences over time. These dogs are anxious and are not “acting out” or trying to spite their owners; they are having a difficult time and need help.

Pay attention to your dog’s behaviour before you leave the house. Some possible signs to look for are:

  • Signs of distress, especially when your dog sees cues that you are leaving like picking up keys, putting on shoes or applying make-up
  • Following you around unusually
  • Pacing
  • Try desperately to go with you
  • Reacting to noises unusually
  • House soiling
  • Panting and drooling
  • Freezing
  • Barking
  • Scratching
  • Other signs of distress

Some possible signs of separation anxiety while you’re away from your dog include coming home to:

  • Digging in the garden
  • Destructive behaviours around the house
  • Trying to escape
  • Reports from neighbours of repetitive barking, whining or howling
  • House soiling

If you notice any of these signs of separation anxiety, please speak to your veterinarian. Depending on the case, they may refer you to a veterinarian with further qualifications in behaviour or a veterinary behaviour specialist.

Come prepared for your Vet consult with a thorough understanding of your dog’s history, routine, and any changes to their routine that could be causing the anxiety.

Things your Vet may recommend to address your pet’s separation anxiety:

  • The use of calming pheromones, like Adaptil diffusers, sprays or collars
  • Encouraging independence through positive reinforcement exercises
  • Creating a structured and predictable routine for your dog
  • Make departures and arrivals low-key (calmly speaking to your dog, but not ignoring them completely)
  • Offering your dog food puzzles, long-lasting chews, and feeding devices to give your dog something to enjoy while you’re away
  • A focus on physical exercise and mental stimulation – a tired dog will be more likely to relax while when you’re gone
  • Desensitisation and counterconditioning to cues that hint you are leaving the home
  • Enriching their environment – leave the radio on to make the house feel less quiet and empty. Make sure they have access to their favourite bed and toys.
  • Medication or supplements to address the underlying anxiety

It is essential that a puppy or dog can cope with being left alone. In our busy lives, it’s unrealistic to be with them 24/7, so separation anxiety needs to be addressed with your veterinarian. It may be a journey to help your distressed friend to find comfort on their own, but there are options available to help. If you suspect your pet may be suffering from separation anxiety, please give our team a call.

 

Fleas tick and heartworm

Fleas tick and heartworm

by | Aug 21, 2021 | Uncategorized

Protect your pet from fleas
Fleas are one of the most problematic parasites in the world, with the ability to cause skin disease and allergic reactions. They can be difficult to find – a dog or cat with flea allergy dermatitis may never actually be seen with fleas. Please consult with one of our vets who can advise you on the best treatment options for your pet.

 Watch out for deadly ticks!
Paralysis ticks are a common parasite, even more so if you live near bushland and water. They are most prevalent throughout the warmer months. These parasites can cause paralysis and, if left untreated, pets may die from respiratory disease. Treatment includes the administration of an antitoxin and can be quite costly. Tick prevention products include oral chews, “back of the neck” spot-on products and tick collars.

Symptoms of tick paralysis may include: 

  • Coughing or grunting
  • Laboured breathing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy, reluctance to jump or walk
  • Vomiting or retching
  • Weakness
  • Loss or change of bark
  • Instability (wobbliness) in the legs

We recommend giving flea and tick treatment all year round. Please visit https://www.cremornevet.com.au/  to book an appointment or call our friendly team on (02) 9953 1090 today!

We hope to see you and your furry friend soon,
The Cremorne Veterinary Hospital team

Grass Seeds

Grass Seeds

by | Aug 21, 2021 | Uncategorized

During the warmer months, a hidden danger could be causing harm to your pets.

Grass seeds can sneak their way into your pet’s paws, ears, nostrils, or eyes, and can cause severe health problems.

If grass seeds are not removed and are left untreated, they can cause significant issues.

Treatment for grass seeds can be extremely complicated and often require an anesthetic.

Prevention is the key! To minimise the risk to your pet, we recommend the following;

  • Keep an eye on the length of your grass. Shorter grass is the best way to minimise the risk of grass seeds.
  • Check your pet daily for grass seeds. They could be hiding in their coat, toes, eyes, and ears!
  • Regularly groom your dog.
  • Avoid dry grass areas when taking your dog out.

If you suspect a grass seed might be bothering your pet, it is essential to see a vet as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

Keeping your pets active in winter

Keeping your pets active in winter

by | Jul 6, 2021 | Uncategorized

It can be hard to get out of your warm bed or off the cosy couch on a winter’s morning for exercise, and your pet can feel the same way too!

It’s important to continue exercising your pet in winter, as well as keeping them mentally stimulated. Being cooped up inside can encourage destructive and other negative behaviours. On a fine day, walks, runs, catching up with friends and play sessions in the park are perfect ways to keep your pet active. Depending on your pet’s personality and coat, you may be able to exercise in light rain with a dry-off after.
If this is not possible, here are some inside and weather-proof activity ideas you and your pet can enjoy:

  • If your pet has healthy joints, walking up and down a set of stairs is a great work out!
  • Tug-o’-war and fetch with toys.
  • Practise some agility with furniture in your house. You can set up a mini obstacle course using chairs and other items.
  • Carefully try out a treadmill. Some pets really enjoy walking and running on a treadmill indoors.
  • Bring a branch in from outside for your cat to sniff and scratch. The different smells and textures will be exciting and enriching.
  • Ask us or search your local area for indoor training, doggy day-care or agility classes.
  • Go for a drive and visit a friend. If your pet enjoys car trips, restrain them safely and hit the road.
  • Playing hide and seek will have your furry friend moving around the house & keep their minds active.
  • Gift your kitty a box. A shoebox or appliance box makes an awesome playhouse and will keep them entertained for hours. For extra fun, cut some small holes in the box to create poke holes or windows.
  • Playing games.
  • Learning new tricks and commands.
  • Practice some nose works. Hide healthy treats around the house for your pet to sniff out.
  • Offer new toys and rotate old toys – your pet will appreciate having ‘new and different’ toys.
  • Offer your pet a puzzle, such as a Kong with treats inside or a snuffle mat.
  • Cat TV! Did you know YouTube has entire channels dedicated to entertaining your cat, with long videos of bird feeders, aquariums and other cat-captivating things? (Just make sure they don’t try to pounce at the TV).

Be careful!
There can be plenty of hazards to watch out for when your pet is exercising and playing indoors or outdoors:

  • Watch out for heaters and fires! Your pet could end up with a nasty burn if they get too close
  • Be careful your pet doesn’t over-heat while exercising indoors. Move to a cooler room or turn down the heater or air conditioning
  • Outdoor surfaces can be cold and slippery for you and your pet. Consider your pet’s paws – if it’s too cold for your bare feet, it’s too cold for theirs too! Stick to walking on softer and warmer surfaces (like grass instead of concrete) or consider purchasing some fashionable and functional booties.

Make sure to dry your pet’s paws off after a walk outdoors if it is damp. Wet paws can dry slowly in the cooler months, allowing bacteria to grow, causing skin problems and stinky feet!

Dental disease and prevention

Dental disease and prevention

by | Jul 6, 2021 | Uncategorized

Dental disease is one of the most common but preventable diseases in pets. It is not only painful and uncomfortable, but the procedure to clean and remove teeth becomes more complicated and often more costly the longer it is left untreated.

What is dental disease?

Dental disease is caused by a bacterial infection that builds up in a substance called plaque. Plaque is made up of food particles and saliva. It sticks to the tooth surface above and below the gum line and if not removed, will calcify into tartar (or calculus). Over time the bacterial infection in tartar causes irreversible changes to occur. These include the destruction of supportive tissues and bone, resulting in red gums bad breath and loosening of teeth.

How do I prevent dental disease?

Good oral hygiene is the most effective way of preventing dental disease. This can involve dental chews, teeth brushing or a special dental diet. During your dental or regular health check-up, our team will be able to offer recommendations on how to keep your pet’s pearly whites shining.

How do I know my pet has dental disease?

  • Common signs of dental disease include:
  • Bad breath
  • Painful mouth
  • Reduced appetite
  • Bleeding or receding gums
  • Discoloured teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Difficulty chewing

It is important to keep an eye on your pet’s teeth, and gums, as dental disease can progress rapidly if left untreated.

What happens if my pet has dental disease?

If your pet develops dental disease, our team will be able to discuss the most appropriate treatment options with you. This may involve teeth cleaning or removal.

 

If your pet is showing any signs of dental disease or has never had a dental check-up before, book an appointment with one of our vets by clicking the button below.

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