Fetch a Vet

Fetch A Vet is proud to be involved and supporting Australia’s first World Dog Games. A spectacular 2 day event (Oct 31-Nov 1) at Acer Arena Sydney will showcase athletic dogs competing in agility contests, flyball, frisbee, and diving dogs. There will also be a range of guest speakers and demonstrations talking about all things dog including dog behaviour, dog training, doggie nutrition and first aid for dogs (led by Dr. Evelyn of Fetch A Vet and her canine companion, Buster.) There will also be loads of shopping, prizes and entertainment for all dog and animal lovers.

See Dr. Evelyn and Buster in action at the Pet Barn Demo Arena. Or drop by and have a chat with Dr. Evelyn at her stall. Hope to see you there. For more info, visit the World Dog Games website or purchase your ticket to this fun-filled event through Ticketeck.

Ageing cats just like older people can get arthritis in their joints. Arthritis in older cats is generally seen in cats 10+ years of age, but may be seen earlier in some cats with a history of joint trauma, defect, or injury. By recognising the early signs of arthritis in your cat, you can begin treatment early to help minimise further pain and damage to their  joints.

Cats commonly get arthritis in their elbows, knees, and back. Early signs of arthritis in cats may include: reluctance to jump up into their favourite spots, no longer or difficulty grooming, difficulty getting in and out of their litter trays, depression, & irritability.

Treatment of arthritis in cats involves a multi-modal approach involving weight reduction, activity restriction, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and natural joint supplements.

Now there is finally a natural joint supplement formulated just for cats available over the counter called Joint Guard® for Cats. Joint Guard® for Cats contains natural products such as glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin sulfate to help improve your cat’s joint mobility and function. This odourless and tasteless supplement is simply mixed in with your cat’s food.

Talk to your local veterinarian if you think your cat may be suffering from arthritis or you may contact Fetch A Vet for more information.

Download Joint Guard for Cats Product Brochure (PDF File)  Brochure Source: Nature Vet

Related Posts: Arthritis Treatment in Pets

If you own a pet such as a dog, cat or small animal, it’s a good idea to become familiar with some common plant poisons. Pets whether curious or bored, can sometimes eat inappropriate plants from your house, garden, or while outdoors.  While most plants are harmless, a few can make your pet very sick causing lengthy hospitalisation stays and even death in some cases. Common signs of toxic plant ingestion may include: excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, breathing difficulties, nervous signs (e.g. convulsions, disorientation, difficulty walking), skin changes, and sudden death.

If you are concerned that your pet has ingested something that may be toxic, please seek immediate veterinary care. If you are able, please identify and/or bring the offending plant species to your vet along with your pet. Below is a list of some common household poisonous plants (This list is not exhaustive.) :

Anemones or windflowers

Asparagus

Avocados

Begonia

Belladonna

Caladiums

Capsicum

Castor oil plant

Cherry tree

Chili peppers

Chinese lantern

Cocoa, chocolate

Coffee Bean

Cycad, sago palm

Daffodils

Dessert rose

Foxglove

Grapes

Hemlock

Holly

Honey suckle

Hydrangeas

Jade plant

Jasmine, Cestrum

Lantana

Morning glory

Lillies

Macadamia nut

Marijuana, hemp

Mushrooms

Nightshade

Oaks

Oleander

Onions 

Periwinkle

Philodendron

Pines

Privet

Snowdrops

Snowflakes

Strawberry bush

Sweet peas

Toadstools

Tobacco

Tulip

Walnuts

Wandering Jew

Wisteria

Yesterday,  today and tomorrow

Yew

Yucca

10.30 AM-8PM Victoria Park (Camperdown) 
Feel free to check out the Fetch A Vet stall (Doggywood section) at Mardi Gras Fair Day at Victoria Park. A chance to meet the vet, ask questions, and enter in a drawing for pet freebies and vet services! Also, come early to buy Australia’s first exclusive pet first aid kit designed by Fetch A Vet for you and your pet.

Fetch A Vet is officially open this week! Fetch A Vet is here to serve you and your pet’s needs. Book your appointment online today.

Is your pet’s constant scratching driving you mad? For many pets, the spring and summer months are the worst. Dogs & cats just like people can develop allergies. The number one cause of allergies in pets is fleas. (Other less common causes are environmental, food, and contact allergies.) In sensitive pets, just one flea bite could start a scratching/biting frenzy. Symptoms of flea bite allergies include: hair loss, scabs and itchiness confined to the lower back, base of the tail, thighs and abdomen. The best way to prevent flea allergies is regular use of flea control on all pets. Don’t forget to treat the house and yard too. If you are concerned that your pet is excessively itchy or suffering discomfort, contact your local vet or book a house call with Dr. Evelyn so the problem can be diagnosed and proper treatment provided.

Does your dog bark constantly? Getting complaints from the neighbours? There is no quick fix to solving a barking problem. First, barking is a natural and innate behaviour, but when it becomes excessive, it can create tension and disharmony in the human-animal household. Dogs may bark excessively for many reasons such as feelings of excitement, boredom, attention seeking, separation anxiety, territorial defence, stress and pain. Physical punishment or adversive training are inappropriate and do not address the root of the problem.

To solve a barking problem, one needs to first see their veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical causes of excessive barking such as pain or pre-existing medical conditions. After a clean bill of health, an animal behaviourist or veterinarian will diagnose the cause of the excessive barking. Treatment involves treating the whole dog-physically, mentally, and socially. A few tips to help you get started:

1. Never reinforce or reward the barking. (Even petting your dog or picking him up to stop the barking is a reinforcer.) Ignore him and walk away.
2. Reward quietness and calmness. (When your dog is quiet and calm, bestow heaps of praise, attention, or a nice treat.)
3. Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise such as daily walks or playing with other friendly dogs to get rid of excess energy.
4. Stimulate your dog’s mind with treat toys (e.g. Busy Buddy, Everlasting Treat Ball, Buster Cube or the Kong), where he has to work to get at the edible treat. This way, he will spend more time gnawing away to get his prize rather than engaging in barking.

A training program utilising positive reinforcement and behavioural therapy can be tailored to meet you and your dog’s needs. If you are concerned that your dog is barking excessively, contact your local vet or book a house call with Dr. Evelyn so the problem can be diagnosed and proper treatment provided.

Dental disease causing tooth elongation and eventual abscesses and painful mouths is common among pet rabbits. But the good news is you can prevent dental disease by ensuring your rabbit has a proper abrasive diet. An ideal diet should be composed of grass hay (available at all times) and fresh leafy green veggies such as Bok Choy, broccoli, cabbage, and dark lettuce varieties. This diet is well balanced for maintaining gastrointestinal health and dental care. Water should be available at all times.

As tempting as it may seem, please keep treats and pellet mixes to a minium or don’t feed them at all. Rabbit treats and pellets are very high in fat and don’t wear down the teeth like grass hay and green veggies do.

Symptoms of dental disease in rabbits may include: excessive salivation (”slobbers”), not eating, weight loss, food dropping out of its mouth, selective eating, lip lacerations, excessive tearing, nasal discharge, and bulging eyes. If you notice any of these signs, please seek immediate veterinary care. Treatment involves anaesthesia to file down your rabbit’s teeth and antibiotics.

If you are concerned at all about your rabbit’s health, please contact your local rabbit veterinarian or book a house call with Dr. Evelyn.

Signs of arthritis in older dogs may include reluctance to go on long walks, difficulty getting out of bed, general stiffness, difficulty climbing stairs or in severe cases lameness. Older cats get arthritis too. Subtle signs of arthritis in older cats may include reluctance to jump into their favourite spots (e.g. your bed, lap or furniture), sleeping more (especially in one place), stiffness, unkempt coat (because it hurts to groom those hard to reach spots) or in severe cases lameness. A vet can diagnose arthritis in your pet by feeling your pet’s joints and taking x-rays of the affected joints. Treatment of arthritis in pets may include any of the following:

Weight Reduction

(If your pet is overweight or obese). Less weight means less weight on the joints. Keep your pet at a healthy weight. Avoid feeding table scraps and fatty foods.

Minimise Activity

If your pet is lame or showing signs of pain, restrict activity levels to avoid making signs worse. Discourage rough play, running, or jumping. Ensure that cat bowls, bedding, and litter trays are accessible and don’t require jumping. Once your pet is feeling better, gradually re-introduce an exercise program for your pet. Exercise is important for joint mobility and mental health. Dogs benefit from regular controlled leash walking. Encourage your cat to get active by initiating a supervised game of chase the string, toy, or find the treat.

NSAIDs

(Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) Never use over the counter human medications to treat your pet. Human medications can make your pet very sick and can even cause death. Only use approved veterinary drugs under the guidance of your veterinarian. A popular NSAID available in both dog and cat formulations is Meloxicam (Metacam®). Although fast-acting, use of NSAIDs long term can have side effects such as stomach ulcers as well as liver and kidney problems.

Joint Supplements

(Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM) Joint supplements made just for pets can be added to the food. These joint supplements contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which help promote joint function and repair. A popular brand is Joint Guard®, which makes both dog and cat preparations.

Injections

(Pentosan Polysulfate) These injections are not drugs per se. They contain building blocks for cartilage repair, reduce joint inflammation, and promote joint repair and function long term. Injections such as Cartrophen Vet®, Pentosan Vet® or Zydax® are given weekly usually over a month. They may be repeated yearly or as needed under the discretion of your veterinarian.

Prescription Diets

Special veterinary formulated diets containing omega 3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin have also been developed (for dogs only) with arthritis such as Hill’s® Prescription Diet® j/D^TM and ROYAL CANIN Mobility Support and ROYAL CANIN Osteo & Digest (also for dogs only).

Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies carried out by a veterinarian or trained pet therapist include physical therapy, aquatherapy, heat/cold therapy, massage, and acupuncture. There is also a new Australian approved homeopathic medicine available for all types of pets (dogs, cats, small mammals, exotics, and birds) called HomeoPet® Joint Relief. If you are concerned that your pet may be suffering arthritis, please see your local vet or book a house call with Dr. Evelyn.

Is your dog afraid of thunderstorms? Signs of thunderstorm anxiety in dogs may include running away from home, pacing, panting, barking, shaking, overall anxiety, destructive behaviour and fearfulness. These signs can sometimes manifest even hours before the actual storm approaches. There is no quick fix for thunderstorm anxiety, but with patience you can alleviate your dog’s anxiety using a combination of environmental enrichment, behavioural therapy, and pharmacological intervention.

1. Create a Safe Zone
A safe zone can be anywhere enclosed inside the house such as a laundry room, bathroom or kennel. It needs to be escape proof. Keep your pet’s blankets, toys, and anything special in here. Only good things happen in the safe zone. Never use the safe zone as a form of punishment. If you know a storm is approaching, move your dog to the safe zone ahead of time. In the safe zone, keep the radio or television on nearby to help drown out the thunder.

2. Never Reinforce the Anxiety
Often well-meaning owners may try to pet, hug, cuddle or sit with their dog and re-assure him/her in a soothing voice that it’s going to be ok. Giving your dog such special attention, however, can actually reinforce their anxious or fearful behaviour. Instead, remain neutral and calm when interacting with your dog during storms. Never punish your dog for exhibiting anxiety or fearful behaviour. Reinforce calm and quiet behaviour. Bestow praise, pats, and treats when your dog is calm and feeling more at ease.

3. Alternative Therapies
Some dogs may respond well to an Anxiety Wrap, a wrap designed for dogs & cats that works using a technique called “maintained pressure” to calm your pet’s sensory receptors. The Anxiety Wrap when combined with positive and gentle training methods can help ease pets with thunderstorm anxiety & many other behavioural conditions.

Other therapies include de-sensitisation or exposing your dog to the fearful stimulus in a controlled environment with a CD that plays scary sounds. Theses CDs are developed by veterinary behavioural specialists and come with instructions.

4. Pharmacological Intervention
Some dogs’ anxiety is so severe that in addition to the above treatments, they may require pharmacological intervention such as anti-depressants or tranquilizers. There are also some homeopathic alternatives available as well. Before starting any medications, your dog must have a thorough examination by your vet to ensure the best course of action for your pet.

5. Prevention
Even if your dog is not afraid of thunderstorms, some dogs may develop sound phobias or thunderstorm anxiety later in life. It is therefore a good idea to reinforce calm behaviour in your dog during thunderstorms. You can do this by occasionally rewarding him/her with treats for being calm during storms or playing a fun game inside with your dog. This way, thunderstorms are “no big deal” for your dog. If you have any questions about treating thunderstorm anxiety, please speak to your local veterinarian or you may contact Dr. Evelyn personally.

Ferrets are strict carnivores (meaning they eat meat & animal products) and need a well balanced quality diet high in animal protein and fat and low in fibre. In Australia, there are a few commercial diets (e.g. Eagle Pack Holistic Select® Ferret Formula, Hagen® Ferret Diet, and EVO® Dry Ferret Food) formulated just for ferrets, but these can sometimes be hard to come by.

Alternatives include feeding premium kitten diets such as Science Diet® Kitten Original (Dry) or Iams® Kitten^TM (Dry) are some excellent choices. You can also include prey animals or raw food in your ferret’s diet, but this may be impractical and messy for some owners. (Please note that if you are feeding raw food or prey animals to your ferret, please supervise your pet whilst eating these and do not leave it out too long as they can spoil and make your ferret sick.)

Please do not feed dog food or low quality kitten foods because these are harder to digest and are inadequate for meeting your ferret’s energy & metabolic needs. Treats such as fruits and veggies can be offered, but please keep them to a minium as they can cause the runs and finicky eaters in some ferrets. Ferrets have a very fast metabolism and therefore require fresh water and dry food available at all times.

Dental disease is a common problem in ferrets and the best way to prevent this is with regular tooth brushing using pet toothpaste (there are some great poultry & beef flavours out there that your ferret won’t object to) and a small toothbrush. Diets that are dry can also help reduce tarter accumulation. Others recommend the feeding of raw meaty bones, but please take care when feeding these as they have the potential to cause tooth fractures and obstructions if not properly chewed.

If you have any questions about feeding your ferret, please speak to your local ferret vet or you may contact Dr. Evelyn.

In ageing cats especially around 13+ years of age, (but can be seen at any age) older cats can develop hyperthyroidism or what is basically an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in older cats may include: behaviour changes/mood swings/aggression, ravenous appetite, weight loss despite ravenous appetite or decreased appetite and drinking & urinating excessively. In some cats, you may feel a nodule or growth on your cat’s neck.

Diagnosis

A vet can tell whether you cat has hyperthyroidism by obtaining an accurate history from you, performing a thorough physical examination and conducting a blood test to check your cat’s total T4 levels. Total T4 refers to thyroxine, the inactive form of thyroid hormone, that is produced by your cat’s thyroid gland. Your vet will also probably check your cat’s kidney function (via a blood test & urine test) and liver function (blood test).

It is very important to check your cat’s kidney function before initiating any treatment as treatment protocols may vary depending on your cat’s health status. Some cats with hyperthyroidism may also have high blood pressure. Your vet can check your cat’s blood pressure using a special sphygmometer. Your vet will probably need to take several readings and/or wait until your cat is calm since some cats can become stressed in the clinic setting and give a false high reading.

Treatment

Treatment options for your cat may vary depending on owner compliance, your cat’s kidney function, and treatment availability in your area. Treatment options include: radioiodine, surgery, or life-long medication.

Radioiodine/radioactive iodine is initially expensive, but may be more practical for some owners as one treatment is usually curative, there are less side effects, and no lifelong medications are required. The disadvantage is that it is only available at specialist hospitals or clinics and requires lengthy hospitalisation stays (7-10 days) as your pet cannot go home until its radioactivity levels are safe.

Surgery (removal of the thyroid glands) is widely practised in the UK & overseas. Treatment is usually curative. The disadvantages are that it requires surgery and your cat may be a greater anaesthetic risk and there is a potential risk of recurrence despite surgical treatment.

Medication with Carbimazole (Neo-Mercazole®) is widely practised in Australia and the UK for its low initial costs and less side effects compared to other anti-thyroid drugs. Methimazole is another anti-thyroid medication (available only in the USA). The disadvantages however are that your cat will require daily lifelong medication and some cats may experience unpleasant side effects such as vomiting & diarrhoea. Medication with Carbimazole or Methimazole is the treatment of choice for cats with underlying kidney problems.

Follow Up Monitoring

Regardless of which treatment method you and your vet have selected, it is important to continue to monitor your cat’s health with regular vet checkups and blood tests to monitor your cat’s progress and response to treatment.

Prognosis

Cats treated for hyperthyroidism usually have a good to excellent prognosis if there are no underlying diseases such as kidney or heart disease.

If you are concerned that your cat may have hyperthyroidism, please see your local vet or book a house call with Dr. Evelyn.

Cat toileting problems can be an embarrassing and frustrating problem to treat in cats. Even well-trained cats may sometimes toilet in inappropriate places (e.g. outside of their litter tray, furniture, walls, windowsills, clothing, etc.) Cats may urinate or defecate on inappropriate objects or places due to an underlying medical condition or a behavioural problem. A cat should never be reprimanded with physical or aversive punishment. This will only increase your cat’s anxiety and make the toileting problem worse. Solving a toileting problem involves a multi-step approach.

1. Rule out Medical Causes

It is very important that you first seek veterinary attention when a toileting accident first occurs. Underlying medical causes of toileting accidents in cats may include a urinary tract infection, diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, and senile dementia. After your veterinarian has ruled out medical causes, one can embark on other sources of inappropriate toileting behaviour outlined below.

2. Ensure Adequate Toilet Conditions

Cats by nature are very clean animals and prefer clean toilet conditions. Please make sure the litter tray is cleaned daily of poo and urine. Never use harsh chemicals or strong smelling agents to clean your cat’s toilet area. These can sometimes make your cat sick and/or turn them off from using the loo.

If you have a multi-cat household, it is best to have more than one litter tray so each cat can feel at ease and safe when using the toilet. (Cats in multi-cat households can compete and dominate certain toilet areas.) A good rule of thumb is one litter tray per cat plus one spare.

Cats prefer quiet, private, safe, and accessible toilet conditions. Please ensure that the litter tray is not located in a noisy or high traffic part of the house. Cats may become too scared or stressed if they have to toilet where there is a lot of noise, people, or other animals. Ensure the toilet is easily accessible especially for older cats. Older cats may have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or using high-sided or covered litter trays.

3. Maintain Consistent Toilet Conditions

Have you recently changed the type of litter that you normally use? Some cats may develop a phobia or an aversion to new litter substrate for whatever reasons. It may feel, look, and smell foreign to them. Stick to what is familiar to your cat. If you absolutely have to switch to a different litter type, then make all litter changes gradually. Over a period of a week, gradually mix in the new with the old litter to avoid development of a litter aversion.

4. Be Mindful of Possible Negative Litter Box Associations

Cats that experience a scary or painful event when toileting may be reluctant to use the same litter tray or toilet location again. Painful urination associated with a urinary tract infection, getting attacked by another animal, or a scary disturbance can all potentially turn a cat away from using the appropriate toilet location.

5. Recognising Marking Behaviour

If all the above conditions described above have been met, there is possibility that your cat may be marking its territory. Cats that “mark their territory” usually continue to use the litter tray, but may mark areas of the house that they perceive as a threat, insecurity, or an emotional disturbance. For example, a front door or window may be marked because they feel threatened by an intruder cat or something occurring outside. Objects marked inside the house (e.g. furniture, other rooms, new objects, etc.) within the house may reflect anxiety, insecurity, internal conflict within the home environment, or an emotional disturbance.

If you are concerned that your cat is toileting inappropriately, please visit your local veterinarian or arrange a house call with Dr. Evelyn.

For many disabled people, their assistance or service dog is their “other half.” Having an assistance dog not only offers their owner independence, companionship, and security, but can make social and environmental interactions seem less daunting for some. There are many types of assistance dogs available to help others. Depending on your country’s disability laws, these assistance dogs are legally permitted to attend public places (e.g. schools, universities, grocery stores, buses, etc.) with their disabled owner.

Guide dogs or seeing eye dogs for the blind help their owners navigate roads, obstacles, and improve mobility for vision impaired people in their daily lives. Hearing dogs alert their hearing-impaired owners to everyday sounds such as the telephone ringing, door knock, smoke alarm, and even people calling their name.

Mobility assistance dogs may help those who are wheelchair bound or physically impaired by helping their owners pick up fallen objects, opening doors, operating light switches, moving paralysed limbs, and getting help. Seizure alert dogs are trained to help people with epilepsy by alerting their owner to an impending epileptic seizure, and keeping their owner safe before, after, and during an epileptic seizure. Diabetic alert assistance dogs are trained to alert their owners with insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes to an impending hypoglycaemic crisis (low blood glucose), getting help, and keeping their owner safe.

Autism assistance dogs not only provide companionship but may help their owner by making social and environmental connections with the world easier.

Similar to assistance dogs are well-trained therapy and companion dogs, but their primary roles are to bring joy, comfort, and companionship to those who are sick, debilitated, isolated, or have special needs. Therapy dogs often visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and special needs facilities. Companion dogs are well-trained dogs that are usually retired from service or whom didn’t make it through the assistance dog training program, but are still able to bring joy and comfort to those in need. For more information about assistance dog organisations in Australia, see the links pages of this website. For more information about assistance dog organisations around the world, visit Assistance Dogs International, Inc.

Special Note: The author of this article is a hearing-impaired veterinarian and proud owner of her own hearing assistance dog, Buster. Buster hails from Texas and was certified by Texas Hearing and Service Dogs.

Euthanasia or putting your beloved pet to sleep is one of the hardest and most painful decisions you will ever have to face for your animal. It is a serious decision that not only affects the welfare of your animal, but also the welfare and emotional wellbeing of you and your family.

How will I know when it’s time to say good-bye?

When your pet’s quality life deteriorates such that it no longer finds joy in the activities it once loved, seems distant and detached from family life, experiences more painful days than good days or is no longer eating, drinking, or unable to control its bowels, you may need to consider euthanasia. For some owners, they develop a special “sense” when their pet is communicating with them. Their pet may whisper to them or have that special look in their eyes… “I’m tired of fighting, please let me go.” “My life is complete, I’m ready.”

If you are feeling confused or have mixed feelings about putting your beloved pet to sleep, talk to your family, a close friend, and your veterinarian. Your veterinarian not only understands the special human-animal bond you share with your pet, but can offer you advice on your pet’s condition, whether he/she is in pain, long-term prognosis for your pet’s condition, and whether there are any medical or surgical options available to treat your pet’s condition. Similarly, if your pet is terminally ill, in great pain, or seriously injured, or if treatment and emotional costs is beyond one’s means, euthanasia is a valid option. Your veterinarian can provide you guidance, but the ultimate decision has to be made by you.

Where and how is euthanasia performed?

Euthanasia can only be performed by veterinarian. It is a non-reversible process and requires signed consent by the owner. Euthanasia may be performed in a veterinary clinic setting or as a house call service provided by your veterinarian. Some pets and owners feel more comfortable having the procedure done at one’s home surrounded by family or in the pet’s favourite resting spot. Euthanasia is performed by administering an overdose of an intravenous anaesthetic agent. It is a quick, painless, and peaceful process that stops the heart within seconds. In some situations, a pet may need a sedative beforehand if your pet is anxious or aggressive. Please talk to your veterinarian beforehand if you have any concerns.

What happens during euthanasia?

Although the euthanasia solution is fast-acting and painless, please be aware that some pets may gasp, vocalise, have tremors, urinate, or defecate after the heart has stopped. This is a normal and natural process that sometimes happens following death. Your pet has already crossed over.

Should I, family, children or close friends be present?

Whether you, family, children or close friends wish to be present during euthanasia is personal decision and differs for everyone. Some people find closure being present with their pet during the process and others find it too painful. Some choose to be with their pet afterwards. Talk openly with your family, friends, and your vet what your wishes are.

Making Final Preparations

After your pet has passed on, you can choose to have a home burial for your pet or you can have your pet cremated. You can bury, keep or scatter your pet’s ashes in his or her favourite spot (e.g. favourite garden, beach, park, etc.) You can also honour the memory of your pet with special pet memorials. Speak to your veterinarian to help you make final preparations.

Dealing with Grief

Everyone deals with grief in different ways. You may experience feelings of disbelief, anger, guilt, sadness, anxiety, and depression. Not everyone may understand the bond and special relationship that you had with your pet. It is ok to grieve the loss of your beloved pet. The time it takes to heal is different for everyone. Allow yourself and family members to talk openly about their feelings over the loss and death of their beloved pet.

If you feel that your grief and sorrow is too much, please seek professional help. There are many trained professionals who can help you deal with the grieving process. There are also online communities, support groups, and hotlines to help people deal with pet loss and grief. Speak to your vet about local support in your community. Your veterinarian understands the bond you had with your pet and the loss you have suffered. Below are some links provided for educational and informative purposes on dealing with the loss of a beloved pet:

Australian Links
Bereavement Counselling for Pet Owners (Dr. David Foote) (Sydney)
Beyond Blue (Info and Referral Services)
Faithful Friends (Online Pet Memorials)
Grief Line (Anonymous Online and Telephone Counselling)
Lifeline (24 hour Telephone Counselling)

Worldwide Links
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (Online support community)
Best Friends Network (Online support community)
Pet Loss Grief Support (Online support community)

You might want to think twice before giving your begging dog or cat table scraps or people food from last night’s dinner party or BBQ. People food may contain ingredients that are toxic to pets. A lot of these toxic foods can cause severe illness in pets ranging from diarrhoea, lengthy hospitalisation stays, gastritis, kidney failure, liver damage, pancreatitis, and even death in some cases. Toxic people foods to avoid giving your pet include any of the following:

• Rich, fatty, & flavoursome foods (e.g. Rotisserie Chicken, BBQ sausages, Kebabs, Roasts, etc.)

• Dairy products rich in milk (e.g. Ice cream)

• Raw or undercooked meat or eggs

• Spoiled foodstuffs

• Raisins or Grapes

• Avocados

• Chocolate

• Macadamia nuts

• Raw yeast dough

• Coffee

• Caffeine

• Alcohol

• Xylitol (found in some chewing gums and candies)

• Onions, Garlic, or Chives (in large amounts)

If you think your pet may have ingested any of the above foods, please seek immediate veterinary care.

Every pet owner should consider getting their animal microchipped. A microchip is a unique form of lifetime permanent identification. The microchip is linked to a unique, unalterable permanent number.  Microchipping is usually carried out by a vet. Using a special needle, the vet inserts a microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) underneath your pet’s skin. It seems like something from a sci fi movie, but the benefits of microchipping are enormous.

Millions of pets go missing each year, and if your pet goes missing, shelters and vets can scan your pet and easily contact you.  There have been countless success stories of pets reunited with their families from even far away cities and states. It is important that you keep your contact details up to date. If you have moved or changed pet ownership, please inform your vet and microchip pet registration authority (usually your local council).

In NSW, Australia, microchipping of dogs and cats is compulsory.  Please contact your local vet if you would like more info about microchipping.