Over the last couple of years, we have noticed an increase in missed appointments.
The demand for consultation times over that period has also increased.
To prevent inconveniencing the practice and other clients, we do ask that if you cannot keep your appointment, please give sufficient notice to allow another client to fill that appointment.
Without sufficient notice of a cancellation, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to give you another appointment time on your preferred day.

How to manage fireworks fear in pets:

• Keep them inside and create a safe environment.
• Keep more water available than usual, as some pets tend to drink more when nervous.
• Take them outside on a lead if they require toileting.
• Make sure your pets are wearing a collar with ID tag or that their microchip information is up to date.
Drug free remedies:
• Synthetic pheromone sprays, like Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs: gives them a sense of well-being.
• Play calming music to reduce stress.
• Ears muffs to muffle sounds.
• Classical counter-conditioning – give them treats, offer your pet his favourite toys, or have your pet practice his tricks with you.
• Use calming wraps like ThunderShirt, that reduces anxiety by applying constant pressure to the chest.
Medications:

If your pet is nervous around loud, unexpected noises, a short-term sedative before the fireworks start may be ideal.

Most importantly: DO NOT USE ANY OF YOUR OWN PRESCRIPTIONS, as dosage may be potentially harmful.
Now is a good time to have a consultation with our veterinarians regarding fireworks fear. Every individual is different and if medication is needed, it might require trialling different drugs and doses.

Coming into spring… what do you need to keep an eye out for?
Your 7 years + pet may start showing a sudden deterioration in mobility. This may present as slowness in getting up after laying down for a while, not keeping up on walks as they would before, reluctance to play, or even as simple as sleeping a lot.
This negative gait change correlates with the change in season… so, let’s put a spring in your animal’s step!

How can you do that?
Let me introduce to you a product that is receiving great feedback from our older arthritic animals- an injectable monthly treatment that goes by the name of beransa (for dogs)/solencia (for cats).
Each dose contains monoclonal antibodies that target NGF or nerve growth factor thus suppressing neurogenic inflammation and reducing pain greatly. We must remember that osteoarthritis is a painful condition, and controlling the pain of an animal is the responsibility of every single pet owner. We have seen several cases now of dogs suddenly finding the urge to jump into the car after years of needing to be picked up or cats venturing outside and going on little adventures after being classified as an ‘indoor cat that mostly sleeps’.

Book an appointment to discuss further with us!

With the upcoming great New Zealand summer, we see a spike in cases of cardiac disease. This is due to increased exposure to heat. It is vital to be alert. Keep an eye out for the following signs, these are the early signs of heart failure:

1. Coughing (especially at nighttime)
2. Panting at rest (without any triggering causes such as heat or stress)
3. Respiratory rate >30 breaths per minute while sleeping
4. Exercise intolerance (sudden fatigue on walks or play)
5. Poor appetite
6. Weakness
7. Enlarged abdomen
8. Fainting

Those who own the following breeds, we would like you to be even more watchful please:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poodle, Schnauzer, Chihuahua, Fox Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Doberman, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, GSD, Great Dane, St Bernard & Irish Wolfhound.

It is best to have your elderly dog checked before summer.