So you’ve decided it’s time to bring a pet into your home – but what’s it going to be?! The animal you choose will be a part of your family for many years to come so it’s important that you choose a pet that’s the right fit for your household. Below we list a few questions you should ask yourself before making this big decision.

How Much Space Do You Have?

This is the first question you should ask yourself as space is the biggest determining factor in which pets you can have. If you’re living in a small apartment with little outside space, then getting a dog is unwise and you’re better off choosing a cat or other small indoor pet. If you have some space then a dog is an option, but bigger dogs need more space to run around so make sure you choose a breed that fits the size of your home.

Do You Like to Travel?

If you work long hours or travel frequently then you’ll need to choose a cat or breed of dog that can tolerate being left alone for long periods. Most cats are happy at home if you go on holiday and get a friend to feed them, whilst dogs often struggle without their owners around and would need to spend time in a kennel.

What’s Your Lifestyle?

If you’re a very active person and love spending time outdoors running or hiking then a terrier or sporting dog such as a cocker spaniel, golden retriever or Irish setter will be a great exercise companion. On the other hand, if you prefer to spend your free time relaxing then a small breed or a toy dog will be happy to curl up with you on the sofa at the weekend without needing too much activity, and be satisfied with just a toddle around the garden for exercise.

Why Do You Want a Pet?

Do you want companionship for yourself or a play buddy for your children? If you’re thinking about home security and protection then herding dogs such as Australian shepherds, border collies and Australian cattle dogs will be your top choice. For a low-maintenance sofa buddy an older cat is a great idea, whereas a terrier will watch out for the whole family when you’re out and about.

Adult vs. Baby

You have two options when getting a new pet – buying a young kitten or puppy or adopting a mature animal. Younger pets are of course cuter and very hard to resist, but require a lot of work to become fully house trained and used to living with humans. An older animal will already be socialised and housetrained, but may be less energetic than a youngster. Think about how much energy you and your family have to give to your new pet before you make your decision.

To enquire about adopting a cat, or arrange vaccinations for your new pet, call the Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital team today on 08 6555 5149 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

Human health isn’t the only area where medical breakthroughs are being made. Veterinary medicine is constantly advancing so that we can make the lives of our furry companions longer, healthier and happier. Here are a few topics we find interesting here at Port Kennedy Vets.

Australian Cat Plague

This deadly disease has been largely unseen for 40 years but multiple kittens in Victoria have been diagnosed with it so far in 2018. Feline parvovirus is a nasty disease which attacks the small intestine of cats, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, anorexia and sometimes sudden death. Australia was one of the first countries to develop a vaccine for the virus, and its use quickly became routine, almost eradicating the virus altogether. Unfortunately, the disease is now back, but it can easily be prevented with the vaccine – so contact your vet and make sure your cat is protected today.

Canine Cancer Vaccine

In some cases, canine medicine leaps ahead of human medicine. A vaccine called ONCEPT has been developed which considerably extends the life expectancy of dogs suffering from certain types of melanoma. The vaccine works by provoking an immune system response which ultimately attacks cancer cells remaining after a dog has had a tumour removed.

Animal Acupuncture

Acupuncture is now commonly used by some vets to relieve pain and treat certain ailments in animals. Researchers still don’t fully understand this alternative therapy, but evidence suggests that it is effective in many cases. Animal acupuncture is most commonly used in cats, dogs, cows and horses for chronic degenerative joint diseases, neurological disorders, chronic pain management and respiratory issues.

Dietary Supplements for Pets

Supplements are really big in the nutrition world right now – but not just for humans! Multi-vitamins, supplements and food boosters have become big business in Australia where they are being sold in specialist pet shops, wholefood shops and veterinary clinics. It’s often difficult to make sure your pet is getting all the nutrients they need from their diet, especially if they have allergies or food intolerances so supplements are a great way to keep your animal in full health.

Animal Genetic Testing

Developed in the UK, genetic testing for animals is now spreading across the world. This type of test can be used to determine paternity as well as being used to look for indicators of genetic disease. Tests can also be carried out to determine the breed of your dog if you’re unsure exactly where your beloved mongrel came from!

Aromatherapy

It’s well known that animals have a significantly heightened sense of smell in comparison to us humans, so aromatherapy can be an extremely effective treatment for pets. Essential oils can be used to calm a nervous animal, fight off bacteria and viruses, repel insects and boost your pet’s immune system, all with the added bonus of protecting you against any nasty odours caused by your furry friend itself!

To discuss any of these topics with a professional, call the Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital team today on 08 6555 5149 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

Dental disease is one of the most common diseases in dogs, especially in older animals. If caught early then the damage is easily reversible, but left untreated it can lead to tooth or bone loss which can require surgery. Make sure you keep your dog’s mouth healthy by learning as much as you can about dental disease with our useful information below.

What is Dog Dental Disease?

If your dog is diagnosed with a dental disease, it is likely to be periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This starts with an inflammation in the gums and progresses to a stage where the affected tooth is no longer fully attached to the gums, affecting the deep supporting structure of your dog’s bite.

Causes of Canine Dental Problems

There are many factors that can lead to periodontal disease in your pet. The most common cause in dogs is a build up of either streptococcus or actinomyces bacteria, but it can also be caused by poor nutrition or general bad hygiene. If bacteria, food particles or other debris are allowed to build up along your dog’s gumline then this can form a plaque which can ultimately lead to gingivitis. Certain breeds of toy dog have crowded teeth which gives them a much higher chance of developing dental issues.

Diagnosing Your Pet’s Dental Disease

There are a few simple ways you can check your dog for dental disease at home –

• Bad breath is one of the early signs of gum disease or gingivitis so if your dog’s breath is stinky (or worse than usual!) then this could be an indicator.
• Check your pet’s gums to make sure they are not red or swollen
• Look over their teeth – if they are discoloured in any way, coming loose or missing then these are disease indicators
• Think about your pet’s appetite – if your dog has periodontal disease it may be eating less than usual due to pain, or avoiding its usual chew toys or bones.

If you suspect dental disease, then it’s time for a trip to the vet. Here we will be able to take an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis and discover the extent to which the disease has spread.

Treatment for Canine Periodontal Disease

The treatment your vet prescribes will depend on the severity of the disease. If a gum inflammation is caught early then treatment will focus on controlling and reducing plaque by daily tooth brushing and professional tooth cleaning, often with fluoride application. If the disease is more advanced then your dog could need a deep dental clean, antibiotics or even tooth or bone replacement.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Don’t let all this talk of dental disease scare you – it’s very easy to keep your dog in top oral health just by regularly brushing their teeth and gums, using specialist dental chews, maintaining a healthy diet and taking your pet for regular check ups with your vet.

Arrange a dental check up for your furry friend today – call the Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital team on 08 6555 5149 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

If your dog is overweight this can pose a serious risk to its health. The good news is that helping your dog to lose weight safely is simple – just follow our tips below.

No More Unhealthy Treats

It’s often tempting to spoil your dog, especially during training periods when you want to reward good behaviour, or stressful times such as car journeys or trips away from home. Giving your dog treats is fine, but it’s important to make sure they are suitable treats and not anything which can be harmful to a canine digestive system. Good treats could be small quantities of fruit or raw vegetables, dental chews or specialist dog sticks made from 100% meat.

A Strict Dog’s Dinner

The phrase ‘sharing is caring’ doesn’t apply to our furry friends! Your dog needs to understand that your dinner is just for humans, and they have their own dinner which is completely separate. Make sure the whole family understands that giving leftovers to your dog is bad for its health and can cause weight gain as well as behavioural issues.

More Playtime, More Exercise

This one is beneficial for both you and your dog! Exercising more will help your dog to lose weight faster and is great for you too. Try to go on longer walks or fit in an extra walk to your usual daily routine. If you don’t have time to walk your dog twice every day, then join forces with a dog-owning friend and you can share the responsibility. Encourage all the family to play outside with your dog as much as possible and it will start to really shift those pounds.

Think Portion Control

Make sure your dog is just eating what it needs rather than what it wants. You can work out your dog’s daily calorie needs by searching online or speaking with your vet, and then plan your dog’s meals around this. When your dog needs to lose a little weight you can start by cutting portions by around 20-30% to make an instant difference – just make sure your pet is getting all of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

Do a Weekly Weigh-In

Your vet can help you work out a goal weight for your dog which will give you something to work towards. You can weigh your dog easily by standing on the scales with it, and then again without it and calculating the difference. Make sure that your dog’s weight loss is gradual over time as this is the healthiest way to lose weight.

Monitor Your Dog’s Progress

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your dog’s weight even if you don’t think it’s overweight at the moment. Weight is a good indicator of overall health so when your weightloss programme is over, keep measuring your dog’s weight every month to make sure everything is as it should be. At Port Kennedy Vets we offer a free weight loss clinic for our clients where you can work with your vet to make sure your dog stays in top physical condition throughout its life.

To arrange a visit to one of our free weight loss clinics, call the Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital team today on 08 6555 5149 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

Once you’ve made the decision to get a cat for your home, the next thing you need to consider is whether to adopt a mature cat or to buy a young kitten. There are pros and cons to both options, but here we outline why at Port Kennedy Vets we believe that adopting an adult cat could be the best choice for you.

A Calmer Pet

There’s no denying that a tiny kitten is cute and fun to play with, but their boundless energy can be exhausting. Kittens can be constantly excited and will need round the clock attention when they’re young. They need a lot of training in order to get used to a structured bed time and feeding times, and will munch away on furniture, food – anything they can find! When you choose to adopt a mature cat, they have already learned how to live with humans. An adult pet will be house trained and used to living peacefully in a family home. Your cat will offer company when you want it but be equally happy left alone.

A Better Choice for Children

Older cats have more patience to deal with younger children. Until your child is old enough to fully understand how to properly treat animals, their rough treatment can provoke scary reactions from kittens who may respond to boisterous behaviour with scratching or biting. A mature cat is more likely to put up with a child learning how to interact with it, and won’t be too offended by rough handling.

A Better Choice for Your Pets

If you already have adult cats or dogs, a mature cat will be able to integrate into your household much better than a kitten. Bringing a new kitten into an established pet relationship can cause problems with the older animals as their routines and independence are threatened. Kittens will want to constantly play with older animals and this can be stressful for your existing pets.

Know What You’re Getting in Advance

When you adopt an older cat, it’s already developed its personality so you know exactly what you’re getting. Some people will be looking for a quiet companion whereas others will want a lively cat to play with the kids. If you bring home a kitten, you have no way of knowing how it’s going to turn out as an adult – it could be sleepy and placid or fond of attacking you at any opportunity. When you adopt a mature cat, the staff at the shelter will be able to help you choose an animal that best suits your situation.

To arrange a check up for your new cat, call the Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital team today on 08 6555 5149 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.