Emergency Aid for Your Pet

Emergency Aid for Your Pet

Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital Surgery

As a pet owner, one of the most terrifying things is always worrying that something bad may happen to your beloved animal. Tragically, our beloved pets are not immune to dangers like poisoning, major disease, or car accidents.

If you want to do what’s best for your pet, be ready for everything. Any pet owner or sitter worth their salt knows the importance of having a plan B ready to implement in case of an unexpected crisis.

Watch for Any Signs of Distress in Your Pet

Pets can’t always communicate with their owners about how they’re feeling. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep that in mind while dealing with them. So, to determine whether your pet needs treatment or immediate medical care, you must depend on their physical symptoms and non-verbal signs. Get your pet checked out by a vet right away if they exhibit any of these symptoms: panting, restlessness, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, or odd waking.

You are the most knowledgeable person about your pet.  Therefore, maintain vigilance for any changes in your pet’s demeanour or attitude. Suddenly, your cat, who is usually full of energy, seems listless. Is your puppy or dog drooling or panting excessively?

Tips for Taking Care of Your Pet in an Emergency

It is essential to seek immediate veterinarian help in case of an animal emergency. Please inform the vet of your impending visit and the nature of your pet’s illness by calling the clinic in advance.

Keep in mind that animals may bite, scratch, or lash out if they are really hurt. If you want your pet to be as comfortable as possible in their carrier while you drive, you may cover it with a blanket.

Preventing Emergencies with Preventative Vet Care

Veterinarians practice preventative medicine by stressing the need for routine checkups, vaccines, dental care, and a proper diet. As a result, fewer unexpected medical procedures, such as surgery, may be necessary to keep cats and dogs healthy.

Whether you have a puppy, kitten, or adult dog, the wellness packages offered by Port Kennedy are an excellent way to keep them healthy and happy.

Pet Insurance and Emergency Care in Port Kennedy

Veterinary emergency care may sometimes be rather costly. Having pet insurance may alleviate a lot of financial burden and provide you with peace of mind while dealing with unexpected medical expenses. Help your injured or traumatised pet get back on its feet with the help of the skilled veterinarians at Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital. .

Inoculation Is Essential for Your Pet

It might surprise you to know that being able How to Perform CPR on Cats and Dogs is an important skill to have if you own a pet.

There are a lot of misunderstandings among Australian pet owners about vaccinations, which may seriously harm our dogs’ health. You should know all the potential consequences for your pet’s health and safety if you’ve decided against vaccinating your dog or cat.

Are you still unclear about when to schedule vaccines for your cat or dog, or if you have any questions regarding the process overall? We hope the information we have provided will be useful.

Keep reading for some helpful advice on the most popular core vaccinations and why it’s so important to vaccinate your dogs.

Important Information Regarding Vaccinations

Vaccines protect your pet from disease by simulating an actual illness. The result is an increase in antibody production by the animal’s white blood cells. The immune system’s antibodies attach to pathogens and neutralise them, destroying diseased cells.

Your pet’s body will retain this procedure. Therefore, the next time the same virus strikes, it will mount the same powerful defences to fend it off.

Vaccinating your pet is crucial, but why?

As part of your pet’s preventive health care, vaccinations are crucial. Vaccinating cats and dogs while they are young will provide them with the greatest defence available. One of the best ways to ensure a long and healthy life for your puppy or kitten is to have them vaccinated as soon as possible.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), rabies, hepatitis, parvovirus, feline leukaemia, and other similar diseases may cause severe illness or death in young animals. It is better to protect your cat or dog from these illnesses by taking preventive healthcare measures than to try to cure them after the fact.

Crucial cat vaccines

 

Feline Enteritis (or Feline Panleucopenia)

Depression, lack of appetite, unexplained vomiting, and diarrhoea (sometimes with blood and severe stomach discomfort) are signs of highly infectious feline enteritis. The mortality rate from the condition is rather high, particularly in kittens.

Cat Flu, also known as Feline Respiratory Disease

Cat flu accounts for 90% of cases; the cause is either the feline calicivirus or the feline herpes virus. All cats are susceptible to cat flu, but Siamese and Burmese cats, as well as small kittens, are more vulnerable. Sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, appetite loss, and tongue ulcers are symptoms of this very infectious illness.

Leukaemia in Felines (FeLV)

Cats might experience a loss of appetite, lethargy, indifference, pale or yellowish mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhoea, reproductive issues, and tumours when the Feline Leukaemia virus affects the immune system.

A genus of chlamydia, sometimes called chlamydophila

Up to 30% of cats might have severe and chronic conjunctivitis from Feline Chlamydia. When kittens acquire the flu at the same time, they are more likely to develop Chlamydia.

Vital dog vaccinations

Canine Parvovirus

Serious and possibly deadly, the canine parvovirus assaults the intestines, resulting in severe stomach discomfort, uncontrolled vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea. The disease’s devastating dehydration and infectious effects are the main causes of death for dogs.

Distemper in Dogs

Fever, hacking cough, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and lack of appetite are symptoms of distemper, a dangerous and very infectious viral illness. Paralysis, tremors in the muscles, and fits are symptoms that often manifest later on in the course of the illness.

Hepatitis in Dogs

A virus that causes a deadly and highly infectious illness in dogs Symptoms may manifest as a high temperature, sadness, lack of hunger, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe stomach pain.

Coughing in Dogs

Puppy classes, kennels, and dog parks are major vectors for the transmission of a highly contagious illness. As a result of the illness, dogs may have a dry hacking cough that lasts for weeks and puts them in danger of pneumonia.

Leptospirosis in dogs

Rat urine is a major vector for the deadly disease leptospirosis, which may infect dogs via contaminated water and food or by biting a rat. High mortality rates in canines are possible, and people may get a flu-like disease that lasts for a while after contracting the virus.

Be sure to incorporate vaccinations for your dog or cat into their wellness programme.

Keep your pet’s immunisation records current at all times. If you want to make sure your pet gets all the key immunisations they need to be healthy, talk to your vet about putting together a wellness package.

Affordable wellness packages are available at Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital for dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies. These packages include frequent preventive treatments to ensure your pet stays healthy.

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Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs 

Dogs and Musculoskeletal Disorder
Many people with large dogs are familiar with hip dysplasia because, being a genetic condition, it affects certain breeds more, but any dog of any size can develop it. Hip dysplasia in dogs is when the ball and socket joint of the dog’s hind legs – the equivalent of our hips – doesn’t develop properly during the growth period. The condition usually affects both sides where the ball doesn’t fit properly into the socket, and it can vary in its severity.

More about hip dysplasia 

The hip joint, located in the pelvis, consists of a ball-and-socket structure. Everyday activities such as walking, jogging, and even sitting need the use of this amazing joint, which allows for a wide range of motion. The acetabulum of the hip bone is a functional, spherical socket that the femur (thigh bone) fits into. Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket joints in the hips do not line up properly or develop normally. As a result, rather than gliding effortlessly, these components end up rubbing and grinding against one another. Misalignment and improper movement may cause pain and distress for our animal companions. The wear and tear on the joint increases with time. After a while, it stops functioning normally.

Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs 

Hip dysplasia can be genetic and affects large, heavy breeds like the St Bernard, and larger working dogs such as German shepherds. It’s rare in small dogs, but it does happen. Other factors such as diet (over feeding), excessive exercise, and weight gain can also be a factor. It’s generally an imbalance between the muscles and the bones while the dog is growing that causes the joint to pull apart which, in turn, causes instability of the hip joint and other problems.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

Symptoms can be present when the dog is very young, or when the dog is much older. It all depends on the severity of the condition. Since it’s a very painful condition, the first sign is a reluctance to run and jump around, something you’d notice in a young dog but not so much in an older dog. Your dog might have trouble getting up or lying down, seem uncoordinated, sway when they walk or stagger with sudden lameness in the hind legs, which is especially occurrent in younger dogs.

Treatment

If you notice anything unusual with your dog’s hind quarters, consult your vet for a thorough examination to diagnose hip dysplasia. Treatment depends on the age of the dog and the severity of the condition, but it can include weight management, medication for the pain and inflammation and to try to repair the cartilage. As a last resort, there are a variety of surgical procedures that can be performed, with the most extreme being total hip replacement.

Prevention

A reputable breeder of large dogs prone to hip dysplasia will do their best to try and breed it out, but since it’s so prevalent in some breeds, the next best thing is to have their breeding dogs x-rayed and vet certified to ensure they breed dogs with the lowest likelihood of developing it. If you have a pup, you can make sure you feed the correct diet and provide appropriate levels of exercise to prevent excessive growth and, later, obesity.

Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Veterinary Hospital Port Kennedy

Your pet’s health and comfort are our top priority, so if your dog shows signs of hip dysplasia, bring them in to the vet clinic at Port Kennedy Vets for assessment and early treatment. Call 08 9524 6644 or contact us online for any enquiries or health concerns regarding your pet. Our wellness programs make pet care easier, and with affordable monthly payments, they’re an investment in the health and well being of your beloved pet. Things to do in Mandurah whilst you leave you pet with us to heal.

Cat Abscess Symptoms Port Kennedy Cat Hospital

Cat Abscess Symptoms Port Kennedy Cat Hospital

Cat Abscess Symptoms Port Kennedy Cat Hospital: The very nature of cats makes them prone to abscesses, and most are invariably caused by other cats. Another cat’s teeth usually break the skin, causing an abscess to form and infecting the wound. Cats have a lot of bacteria in their mouth, and the site of the bite almost always forms a localised swelling that’s very painful and can make your cat feel quite ill.

The Abscess

Since cats are secretive creatures, they won’t often let you know if they have an injury. The first thing you’ll notice is the large, tender lump, often on the face or neck of the cat. Occasionally, you’ll see the bite mark before it turns into an abscess, and your vet can treat it to ensure it doesn’t get worse. However, once the wound becomes infected, the pressure starts to build and a pus-filled lump will form.

Be careful and try not to touch it. You’ll not only create more pain for your cat, but you might burst it, and the resulting smell is extremely foul.

Failure to treat a cat abscess

If left untreated, cat abscesses can lead to fatal diseases like FIV and FeLV, making them very dangerous. It would help if you treated abscesses promptly and adequately to prevent further damage to your cat’s health. A bacterial infection can lead to the formation of abscesses, which resemble pustules. Bacteria can breed in these areas and cause serious illness.

If the cat’s body does not receive treatment for these infections, they may spread throughout. And this can soon weaken the immune system, increasing the likelihood of the cat getting serious diseases. The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) weakens the cat’s defences, increasing its susceptibility to illness. However, FeLV causes damage to bone marrow, and scientists have linked it to several malignancies and other devastating diseases.

Treating the Abscess

Sometimes, the abscess will burst, and the cat will do its best to clean the wound. However, it’s inaccessible since they’re often on the head, face or neck. If it has burst, you’ll see a large, open wound that oozes pus and possibly blood.

Whether the abscess is intact or not, your cat needs to go to your local vet clinic as soon as possible. Your vet will drain the abscess and clean it up, and write a prescription for a course of antibiotics to ensure it heals and doesn’t recur.

Severe instances may need to have drains inserted for a time, and your cat may have to wear an Elizabethan collar – plastic cones that stop them from licking the wound and pulling out drains and stitches. You’ll need to keep your cat inside while they heal, and you might want to take steps to prevent it happening again.

Abscess Prevention

Most cat fights are over territory and occur between intact males fighting over females in heat. Simply having your cat neutered or spayed and keeping them inside at night can often prevent injuries from fights, and your cat will be happier and healthier. You’ll also feel better knowing your cat is safe instead of roaming around in the night being bitten, breeding, and possibly even contracting a nasty disease.

Rockingham Vet

Your pet’s health and comfort are our top priority, so if your cat has an abscess that needs attention, Port Kennedy Vets is open every day of the week for your convenience. Call 08 9524 6644 or contact us online for any enquiries or health concerns regarding your pet. Our wellness programs make pet care easier, and with affordable monthly payments, they’re an investment in the health and wellbeing of your beloved pet.

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Pet Obesity Diagnosis and Treatment Options 

Over the past few years, the topic “Pet Obesity Diagnosis and Treatment Options” has caught pet owners’ attention. And that’s because recent studies conducted in Australia have revealed a concerning trend regarding the weight of cats and dogs. These studies indicate that a significant proportion, up to one-third, of the pet population in the country is currently classified as overweight.

Studies have shown that dogs have a higher likelihood of experiencing weight problems compared to cats. Additionally, certain factors such as age, neutering, and living in single-pet households can further increase the risk of weight issues in pets.

How do I know if my pet is obese?

If your pet weighs more than 15 percent more than is ideal for its breed, it is termed overweight. Anything that is higher than 15% is considered to be in the category of obesity. Use your hands to touch the animal’s ribs and spine to determine if they are carrying excess weight. You should be able to feel a healthy animal’s bones just a little bit, even if they have a small amount of fat.

If your pet is too heavy for you to feel their ribs, that means they are carrying extra weight and are overweight.

Pet Obesity Diagnosis and Treatment Options

When a pet is obese, it’s important to create a special diet plan that helps them lose weight. Just like people, it’s important to remember that overweight pets need a special exercise plan made just for them. In addition, your vet will make a maintenance plan to help your pet stay at a healthy weight.

We can help your pet

Our team of competent vets is experts at figuring out if pets are overweight. We will carefully evaluate your pet’s condition, considering different factors like their breed, age, and overall health. Once we figure out if your pet is overweight, we’ll give you a detailed plan that’s made just for your pet.

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Compulsory Microchipping of Cats and Dogs in Baldivis and Golden Bay

Why Pet Insurance is Important  All pet owners know that footing a veterinary bill can be quite expensive and ongoing medical care for your pet can quickly put financial pressure.

It is important to pay attention to the compulsory microchipping of cats and dogs in Baldivis and Golden Bay for several reasons. There are a bunch of reasons why this is so important. First of all, microchipping makes sure that your pets are safe and well taken care of. When you have a microchip on your pet, it makes it more likely that you’ll find them again if they run away.

Microchipping is a handy tool

This trendy technology helps animal shelters, vet clinics, and local authorities find and talk to the owner of a pet with a microchip. Also, making it mandatory for pets to have microchips helps decrease the number of stray animals in the neighbourhood. When all cats and dogs have microchips, it’s easier to make sure pet owners take responsibility for their pets.

Microchipping of cats and dogs in Baldivis and Golden Bay: What is it?

A microchip is a tiny electronic gadget. It helps with identifying pets in a way that lasts a long time and is super dependable. The chip is about as big as a grain of rice and is put under the animal’s skin between its shoulder blades, near the bottom of its neck. Each chip has its own unique number that can be identified using a special scanner for microchips.

Authorities carefully record and keep the unique microchip number in a detailed database list. This list has a lot of information about the animal, like what kind it is, how old it is, and its medical history. It also has information about the owner, like how to get in touch with them and where they live. Veterinarians, animal shelters, and local councils can scan your pet for a microchip.

When should you have your cat or dog microchipped in Baldivis and Golden Bay?

The Cat Act of 2011 says that if your cat is over 6 months old, it has to have a microchip. This is in Sections 14 and 23 of the Act. The government passed the Dog Act in 1976, which required dog owners to implant a microchip in their dogs once they reached 3 months of age.

However, if your pet is not feeling well, your veterinarian might decide to delay the process of microchipping.

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Kennel Coughs Call your local Vet

Causes of Gagging and Coughing in Dogs

Call Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital

Our Veterinary Hospital team understands and respects the extraordinary nature of the human-animal bond. We dedicate ourselves to ensuring your pet achieves the best quality of life. Should you suspect your dog has Kennel Cough, call us.

Contact us today if you’re concerned about your dog suffering from kennel cough. Please read below to check out our guide to managing and getting your dog cured.

Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital

1/9 Fielden Way, Port Kennedy, WA 6172

Phone: +61 89 524 6644

Fax: +61 89 524 6626

Email: admin@portkennedyvet.com.au

Allow up to 24 hours for responses to email.

If your dog has a loud cough and looks distressed, call

Phone: +61 89 524 6644

.

It can be distressing to witness your dog being sick. Your dog is generally miserable and lethargic. The cough itself is also loud and can sound quite concerning. This type of cough can become quite serious if left untreated for a long time, and it also prevents your dog from being near other dogs until they have recovered.

Kennel Cough, what is it?

Kennel Cough is a respiratory disease that occurs in puppies and dogs. Dogs tend to catch it at boarding kennels or off-lead dog parks. Treatment is easy. Dogs should be immunised to minimise risk.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough. 

Some common symptoms are associated with kennel cough, one being a ‘honking’ sound as your dog coughs. Other symptoms may include:

• Frequent sneezing

• Runny nose

• Tiredness

• Loss of appetite

The treatment of Kennel Cough?

Treatment is similar to a common cold in humans. A fortnight of rest should be enough for recovery to take place. Should the symptoms persist, it may be necessary to prescribe antibiotics or cough medication to ease the symptoms.

Treatment is essential if symptoms persist. 

Often, a cough may resolve itself on its own. However, if after 14 days, your dog is still not well, antibiotics may have to be used.

How to stop the spread of Kennel Cough.

Separate your dog from other pets and keep their food and water bowls apart. 

Are humans at risk?

Humans can’t catch kennel cough, but other animals may become infected.

Day out local suggestions

 

How Can I Tell If Something Is Wrong with My Cat’s Teeth?

The Importance of Health Checks

As a responsible and caring cat owner, being vigilant about your feline friend’s dental health is essential. So, you must worry about “How Can I Tell If Something Is Wrong with My Cat’s Teeth?” 

Like humans, cats can experience dental issues requiring attention and treatment. Here are the signs to watch out for:

1. Tooth discolouration

Tooth discolouration in cats can occur due to various underlying causes. The causes can include pulpitis, pulpal haemorrhage, or pulpal necrosis that arises as a consequence of tooth trauma. These conditions can lead to changes in the coloration of the affected tooth.

2. How Can I Tell If Something Is Wrong with My Cat’s Teeth: Bad breath

One of the most frequently encountered issues when it comes to feline oral health is halitosis, also known as bad breath. This unpleasant odour can be attributed to a variety of factors, but the most prevalent cause in cats is periodontal disease.

3. Facial swelling

If you notice any signs of a potential cat tooth abscess, it is crucial to seek veterinary assistance promptly. Your trusted veterinarian may start suspecting the presence of a tooth abscess in your feline companion if they observe certain indicators.

4. Swollen and/or bleeding gums

Gingivitis is a common dental condition in cats. It refers to the inflammation that occurs along the gumline, where the gums come into contact with the teeth.

5. Changes in eating habits

Tooth problems in cats can have a significant impact on their overall health and well-being, particularly when it comes to their eating habits.

6. Excessive drooling in cats

Excessive drooling in cats is a common concern among pet owners. It can be quite alarming to see your furry friend drooling excessively, especially if it is out of the ordinary. This can be a sign of a tooth issue. 

What to do for tooth problems in cats? 

The topic, “How Can I Tell If Something Is Wrong with My Cat’s Teeth?” is now cleared. So, what should you do next? The recommended treatment for your cat will depend on the severity of their condition and how it is affecting them. When it comes to assessing the condition of your pet, it is always recommended to seek the expertise and guidance of a qualified veterinarian.
Consulting with a professional in the field of veterinary medicine comes with many benefits. You can ensure that your beloved companion receives the highest level of care and attention.

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How Can You Tell if a Dog’s Teeth are Unhealthy?

How Can You Tell if a Dog's Teeth are Unhealthy?

Your canine companion is a four-legged version of man’s best friend. Therefore, it is imperative that we always look out for their well-being. So, how can you tell if a Dog’s Teeth are Unhealthy? Here are some warning indicators to keep an eye out for:

 

1. Yellow or brown teeth

One common dental issue that can affect dogs is the discoloration of their teeth. This can manifest as either yellow or brown staining. 

 

2. Excessive drooling

One common issue that dogs may experience is excessive drooling. It can be attributed to various factors. One such factor is tooth problems, which can lead to an increase in saliva production and subsequent drooling

 

3. How Can You Tell if a Dog’s Teeth Are Unhealthy? Bad breath

When it comes to our beloved furry friends, fresh breath is not typically their strong suit. Nevertheless, have you ever experienced a situation where your pet’s breath just doesn’t smell right? It’s not always because of something they ate. In fact, sometimes it can be a sign that bacteria and plaque have accumulated in their mouths.

 

4. Changes in eating habits

Have you recently noticed that your beloved pet’s appetite has suddenly changed? It could potentially indicate underlying issues with its dental health.

 

5. Swollen or bleeding gums

Gum disease and other infections may cause inflammation and bleeding in your pet’s gums.

 

6. Pawning at their mouth

This might indicate normal teething. However, it could also be an indication of something more severe, like tooth discomfort.

 

7. Growths on the gums

You should make an appointment with your veterinarian if you see any lumps or growths on your pet that can’t be easily explained. 

 

What should you do next? 

Unlike humans, dogs have a different composition of teeth, and their oral health requirements vary. Therefore, the regular toothpaste that we use for ourselves may not be suitable for our canine companions. In fact, it can even be harmful to their health.

 

The health and happiness of our animal companions are of paramount concern. As responsible pet owners, we must ensure that we are proactive in addressing any potential health concerns that may arise. That’s why it is highly recommended that you schedule a visit to the veterinarian if you suspect your pet is experiencing any dental issues.

 

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Vaccination Requirements for Your Dogs

Your veterinarian will assess the risks and benefits based on specific lifestyle requirements
for you and your dogs and advise you appropriately. Vaccination plans vary depending on
your local area and the product and form of vaccination your vet has offered. Consequently,
if you contact different practices, you often get different prices.

Contact us


Why do dogs need multiple vaccinations?


Newborn animals have not yet had the chance to develop their immunity, so they need
protection against infection. They’re receiving immunity from their mother. Maternal
immunity is only temporary. It’s steadily declining over the first few weeks of life and
almost gone by twelve weeks. The rate of decline varies depending on many factors. The dog must undergo three vaccines from 6 to 16 weeks of age.


When can I take my puppy out after he’s had a vaccine?


Your puppy is not guaranteed to develop complete immunity from diseases vaccinated for up to 10-14 days after our recommended third vaccine. Nevertheless, the socialisation of your puppy at this age is essential. Puppies are better socialised to other pets, people and places between 8 and 14 weeks of age. At this time, they are at the highest risk of infection from diseases, especially parvovirus. Canine parvovirus is a contagious virus affecting dogs. CPV is highly contagious and is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their faeces. Mortality can reach 91% in untreated cases.


It would help to avoid public areas such as parks and beaches until your dog finishes the
vaccination program. Your puppy should only socialise around animals verified to be fully
vaccinated or free from parvovirus in a setting you are comfortable with.


Do the vaccinations have 100% protection? 


Vaccines have been highly successful in safeguarding most dogs from diseases, such as
distemper, that were once common but now rare. But there are situations in which immunity conferred by a vaccine can be overcome, and a vaccinated dog can still develop a disease. In such instances, the infection is usually milder than it would have been if a pet had not been immunised.

A safe place for your dog.