How to Treat Kennel Cough in Dogs

How to Treat Kennel Cough in Dogs: Symptoms, Remedies & Prevention

Kennel Cough in Dogs: If your dog has kennel cough, it can be quite distressing to witness. Kennel cough makes your dog generally miserable and lethargic. The cough itself is also loud and can sound quite concerning. Kennel cough can become quite serious if left untreated for a length of time and it also prevents your dog from being near other dogs until they have recovered.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel Cough is a respiratory disease that occurs in puppies and dogs. It’s highly contagious and dogs tend to catch it at boarding kennels or off-lead dog parks. It’s easily treated, although puppies that are under 6 months old and dogs who haven’t been immunised can be at a higher risk of becoming severely unwell.

How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Kennel Cough?

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

• Frequent sneezing
• Runny nose
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite

How Can You Treat Kennel Cough?

Kennel Cough can usually be treated like a common cold, where a fortnight of rest will be enough to recover completely. If symptoms persist then a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or a cough medication to ease the symptoms.

What Happens if Kennel Cough Isn’t Treated?

Generally, kennel cough will resolve itself on its own. However, if after 14 days your dog is still quite unwell, kennel cough may need to be resolved with antibiotics before it turns into something more serious.

What Else Do You Need to Do if Your Dog Has Kennel Cough?

To avoid re-infection or infection of other pets or dogs, you should separate your dog from other pets and keep their food and water bowls apart. Humans can’t catch kennel cough but other animals may become infected.

How Long Is Your Dog with Kennel Cough Confined for?

You should isolate your pet from other dogs for 14 days following the first symptoms of kennel cough. This is to be on the safe side as generally, dogs are only contagious for the first 7-10 days.

The team at Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital understands, values, and respects the very special nature of the human-animal bond. We dedicate ourselves to ensuring that your pet is achieving the best quality of life.

If you’re concerned about your dog suffering from kennel cough, contact us today.

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How to Save Money on Your Vet Bills

How to Save Money on Vet Bills: Smart Tips for Pet Owners

How to Save Money on Vet Bills: Vet bills can be extremely costly and they come as a shock to many. Your animals don’t communicate with you that they aren’t feeling well. Sometimes we don’t even notice their illness before there are obvious signs such as yelping in pain or not eating and drinking. By the time you visit your vet, serious surgery or other treatments might be needed.

It’s important to know how to save money on your vet bills while your pets are young and also into the future, not only for your sake financially but also for the sake of your pet’s health and longevity.

Here’s how you can look after your pay packet and also your beloved pet

Watch Your Pet’s Weight

It’s not abnormal for pets to be overweight. Many pet owners tend to overfeed their pets with food scraps and leftovers. Most people lead busy lives with smaller yards, too. This means your pet might not be getting the exercise they need through regular walks or playing with a ball in your backyard. Like humans, pet obesity can lead to serious health problems which can be expensive or difficult to treat. Watch your pet’s weight and make sure you’re feeding and exercising them appropriately for their breed.

Ask about a Wellness Package

These days, some veterinarians offer wellness packages to minimise any costly bills in the long run and make sure your beautiful pet is well looked after.

At Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital, we have wellness packages to cater perfectly to your pet’s health and wellbeing needs. This is one of the best ways to ensure preventative health measures are up to date and any minor issues are picked up by your vet before they become a major one.

Find Out All Your Options

If you do encounter a problem and it looks as if it will be a costly one to treat, make sure you ask your vet to lay out all the options. More often than not, there are many ways to treat an illness and each one will vary in cost. Find out which one will suit your budget and your pet’s needs before launching into an expensive and potentially risky surgery for your pet.

Consider Pet Insurance

Wellness packages are fantastic for maintaining your pet’s health but as your pet ages, it’s natural that they may run into health problems that would require treatment or surgery. Pet insurance will leave you at ease, knowing that if something happens to your pet, whether by accident or due to old age, the costs will be looked after.

At Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital we recognize that regular preventive care is essential for your pet’s continued health. With this in mind, we have developed a range of Wellness Packages for your pet that focus on providing high-level preventative vet care for your cat, dog, puppy or kitten. Contact us today to organise a wellness package that suits you and your pet.

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Benefits of Sterilisation and Desexing for your cats or dogs

https://portkennedyvet.com.au/pet-health/sterilisation-and-desexing-benefits-for-dogs-or-cats/t

The Benefits of Sterilisation and Desexing for your cats or dogs

Have you become the happy owner of a new puppy or kitten? Benefits of Sterilisation and Desexing for your cats or dogs.

Congratulations! Welcoming a little canine or feline friend into your home is always an exciting time.

There are many things you’ll need to consider to properly take care of your new pet. These considerations ensure that you’re giving them the happiest and healthiest life possible. One of the most important things you’ll need to take care of is getting your cat or dog desexed. As well as reducing the risk of unwanted litters, neutering has several benefits for your pet’s health and wellbeing.

We’ve put together some practical information about desexing to help you create a better experience for your cat or dog.

What is Desexing or Neutering for Pets?

The benefits of Sterilisation and Desexing for your cats or dogs, also sometimes called neutering or spaying, is a common surgical procedure that prevents pets from being able to reproduce. If you don’t want your new kitten or puppy to become pregnant and breed, you’ll need to organise to have them desexed at a professional veterinarian clinic.

The most common age to desex your pet is between 4 and 6 months, however, the procedure can be completed at any stage of an animal’s life.

The Benefits of Sterilisation for Your Pet

With the world already full of stray and abandoned animals, pet owners must take responsibility and make sure that they’re not contributing to that number of unwanted animals. If you don’t want your cat or dog to have a litter, you must organise for them to be desexed. This applies to both males and females.

As well as removing the risk of unwanted pregnancy, there are also some other surprising benefits of sterilisation for cats and dogs.

These advantages include:

Stopping the heat cycle in female cats and dogs
Living a longer and healthier life
Preventing testicular cancer and prostate disease in male pets
Preventing pyometra (infection of the uterus) and mammary tumours (breast cancer) in female animals
Decreasing aggression towards humans and other animals
Being less prone to wander, especially in male pets

Preparing for Your Pet’s Desexing Procedure

Your vet will give you detailed instructions before your pet’s procedure, but here are some things to expect before your cat or dog’s spaying appointment.

Your pet will need to fast before their procedure. No food is to be given to your cat or dog after 10pm on the night before surgery. The next day, before surgery, no water is to be given after 8am.

At the clinic, the vet may take a blood test before surgery to check vital organ function. They will also perform a thorough physical examination before administering a general anaesthetic and pain relief medication.

Some cats and dogs might require intravenous fluid support during their surgery.

Caring for Your Cat or Dog after Desexing

Most pets will recover very quickly from the sterilisation procedure, although they may have a little tenderness at first.

Limit your pet’s food and water to small portions on the first night that they return home. Make sure you administer the post-surgical medications properly and check the incision at least twice daily for any signs of infection or disruption, such as bleeding, swelling, redness or discharge.

Prevent your pet from licking or chewing their stitches and always return to your vet to remove the stitches and have a post-surgery check-up.

Desexing Your Pet in Port Kennedy

Pet owners in Port Kennedy, Rockingham, Baldivis and the surrounds can organise to have their cat or dog desexed at Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital.

Sterilisation procedures can also be included as part of the clinic’s range of affordable wellness packages. These packages provide regular preventative care for the health of your cat or dog, puppy or kitten.

Book a desexing appointment today or talk to our team about healthcare packages for your pet.

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Micro Chips for cats and dogs in WA

Did you know that in Western Australia all cats and dogs must be microchipped?

Micro Chips for cats and dogs in WA. Let’s look closer at microchipping for Western Australian pets so you can understand more about your responsibilities and what the process entails. If you own a cat or dog in Western Australia. It’s compulsory as per Australian law to have your pet microchipped in most states and territories in Australia. The only states that do not require microchips are South Australia and the Northern Territory. Visit the RSPCA website here and find out more about regulations in your state as age limits and registration of your pet vary for each state.

Micro Chips for cats and dogs in WA: What is Microchipping?

Microchipping can be completed quickly and easily by your vet at the clinic. With no more fuss or pain than a vaccination, a small microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, will be implanted just under the skin at the back of your pet’s neck.

Once the chip has been implanted, it can be scanned, with details such as your pet’s name, your contact address and your phone number existing on a national database. This way, if your cat or dog ever wanders and gets lost, loses their collar, or is even stolen, their microchip can be read by vets, animal shelters and local councils who can then easily get in touch with you. You must remember to update your details with the database if you move house or change the phone number.

At What Age Must Cats and Dogs Be Microchipped?

Under Cat Act 2011, Sections 14 & 23 all cats over the age of 6 months and Dog Act 1976 dogs over 3 months must be microchipped.

While microchipping is not compulsory when the dog comes into your ownership, recent changes to the Dog Act require microchipping for all dogs in Perth and WA by November 1, 2015. It’s best to arrange their microchipping while your kitten or puppy is still young, for their security and your peace of mind.

Do You Need to Microchip Your Pet if They Are Unwell?

If your pet is unwell, your vet may not think microchipping is a good idea for them at the time. If microchipping could adversely affect the health and welfare of your pet, your vet may issue you with an exemption certificate that you can take to your local government.

Microchipping Your Cat or Dog in Port Kennedy

At Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital, microchipping is included in our range of popular and affordable wellness packages for your pet. With specifically tailored packages for cats, dogs, puppies or kittens, these packages provide regular preventative care for the health of your pet. As well as being kept safe and secure by their microchip, your pet will be able to receive regular check-ups to ensure ongoing good health, preventing the risks of illness and disease.

If your cat or dog is not microchipped, it’s time to see a vet. Do you need to have your kitten or puppy microchipped? To protect your furry friend or to learn more about the process, simply book an appointment with Port Kennedy Vet Hospital veterinarian today.

Do you need to have your kitten or puppy microchipped? To protect your furry friend or to learn more about the process, simply book an appointment with Port Kennedy Vet Hospital veterinarian today and learn about our full range of microchipping services.

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🐾 Leave your little friend with us when on holiday

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Is Micro chipping compulsory for cats and dogs in WA? Micro Chipping for cats and dogs in WA

Pet Nutrition Basics

If you’re a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure your dog or cat is getting the level of good food and nutrition they need to maintain good health and muscular bodies.

In the same way, that humans rely on food for energy, minerals and vitamins, your pet’s diet is the fundamental basis of good health and vitality. You’ll need to know the importance of certain food groups and nutrients in their diet for optimal pet well-being.

Read on for more information about feeding your pet to make sure your pet is eating a well-balanced and nutritional diet.

Providing Proper Nutrients for Your Pet

All animals require a balanced diet containing 6 essential nutrients.

Proteins, fats and carbohydrates provide our bodies with energy, while vitamins, minerals and water are necessary for other metabolic needs.

Read on to see why each nutrient is essential for your pet’s health.

Proteins – an essential source of amino acids, required by both cats and dogs, with cats needing twice as much protein as dogs!
Fats – the most important source of energy for animals
Carbohydrates – a vital energy source for dogs primarily, providing fibre and calories; too many carbs will be stored as fat in dogs and cats and can lead to obesity
Vitamins – healthy coat, nails, and assists in food digestion for healthy bones
Minerals – providing levels of sodium, magnesium and iron, for example
Water – the most critical ingredient, water accounts for between 60 to 70% of an adult pet’s body weight

A Balanced Diet for Your Pet

As you can see, it’s imperative to cover all nutrients to ensure your pet’s well-being.

You can do this by providing a well-balanced diet that includes the major food groups needed by dogs and cats. You can achieve this with high-quality premium pet food brands appropriate for the age and lifestyle of your pet.

Natural foods, in the way of raw meats, bones and vegetables, can be used to supplement pet diets. It’s best to choose high-grade raw meats for human consumption for the best nutritional value.

Professional Guidance for Your Pet’s Diet

If your pet is sluggish, low in energy or carrying a lot of excess weight, it’s probably best to talk to a qualified veterinarian about improving their diet. Your vet will recommend foods designed for your lifestyle and to help treat chronic conditions.

It’s always good to get regular vet check-ups for your pet, as preventative healthcare contributes to a happier, healthier life for your best mate.

At Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital, your pet can receive regular professional care under an affordable monthly payment system that suits your budget and guarantees ongoing good health for your cat or dog.

Offering a range of wellness packages, your pet will receive regular check-ups to ensure ongoing good health and prevent illness and disease. With compassionate and skilled vets always on hand to guide you on areas such as diet and nutrition, you know your pet will be in good hands.

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Benefits of Preventative Healthcare for your pets

Top Benefits of Preventative Healthcare for Pets: Keep Your Furry Friend Healthy & Happy

Benefits of Preventative Healthcare for your pets

Owning a pet is a big responsibility, as you’re committing yourself to the care of another animal for the duration of its life. All pets deserve this life to be as long, happy and healthy as possible – and it’s up to you to ensure that!

Preventative healthcare is a clinical approach that promotes regular health checks, vaccinations, dental care and nutrition as a way to keep cats and dogs healthy, reducing the need for emergency treatments or surgeries.

Today we’ll provide you with more information on this topic and take you through the benefits that preventative healthcare can offer – for both you, and your pet.

Regular Vet Check-Ups for Long-Term Health

Many vets recognise that preventative healthcare is the best way to prevent and manage diseases in animals. With regular visits ideally every 6 months to your veterinarian in Rockingham you’ll be able to detect any signs or symptoms of ill health in your pet, greatly reducing the risk to their health.

This provides you with much-needed peace of mind, and can also save you a considerable amount of money in vet bills further down the track.

Pet Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

Pet Vaccinations are also an important part of your pet’s health. Both cats and dogs need to be vaccinated from very young ages, to protect against infectious diseases and reduce the risk of young fatalities.

Port Kennedy Vet clinics in Rockingham offer preventative wellness packages for puppies or dogs, and kittens and cats bundle vaccinations into your cover, so your pet will receive the following services:

annual blood tests
parasite treatment
core vaccinations tailored to your pet’s lifestyle

Be Prepared for Pet Emergencies

One of the scariest aspects of being a pet owner is the idea of something happening to your beloved pet – road accidents, poisoning and serious illness can unfortunately all happen. Aside from the obvious impact that this would have on your pet, treatments in emergencies are often expensive and highly stressful. Your best bet is to be properly prepared for any emergency.

At Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital, your pet can receive regular professional care under an affordable monthly payment system that suits your budget and promotes ongoing good health for your cat or dog.

These wellness packages for your pets offer a range of affordable services that provide regular preventative care for the health of your cat and/or dog. Regular check-ups ensure ongoing good health, and by preventing illness and disease in the first place you’ll also be saving money on potentially expensive vet bills.

So consider preventative healthcare for your pet today – they’ll thank you for it.

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Benefits of Preventative Healthcare for your pet Health Care Tips for Small Dogs