Are you a responsible pet owner?

Well, of course you are....but all of us don't do everything we are supposed to be doing, and sometimes, life just gets in the way.

You are human.... so no need to feel guilty, but just take a good look at what things you are doing

What Breed Am I?

for your pet, and  then, the things you could be doing.

• From a preventative side, check out our 7+  points check list. , and once you have ticked off all of your boxes,   why not consider  DNA testing for genetic or inheritable diseases.   to find out your pet's genetic predisposition to many disease.

• Are  you prepared for an emergency?  Get your First Aid Kit ready, and your emergency contact list updated.  You should do this each 3 months.

• Have you had your pet's microchip scanned and checked lately?  Even if you know you have updated the details,  have you double checked to make sure it was done at the council end?  If your pet wears a collar, does it have a tag with a correct phone number? (basic, I know).

Your pet thanks you for taking the effort to check.

Hot Summer Skin Tips 

Itchy? Or just trying to hear what you are saying?

•  If your pet is itchy, but you don't see any fleas, think of mosquitoes or other biting insects. Use flea control fortnightly, and consider mosquito repellant, like Troy Buzz Off (suitable for cats and dogs). Also remember that itchy pets are very good at grooming away any signs of fleas, so still use the Comfortis/Panoramis monthly (dogs only), or Advantage/Frontline fortnightly (cats and dogs). Rabbits, rats and mice, you can use Advantage or Revolution only, nothing else.

• You don't have to cover your pet up to stop the itching

  If any sores look red or infected, but are not itchy, then using a medicated shampoo, such as PAW Mediderm may help. 

• Do you know what a hot spot looks like?  They are acute, intense yellow pus looking sores that can crop up anywhere, but usually on the head, neck, or lower back.  Clipping them up, and cleaning them with betadine and water may help.  If small, then you can just dab on  witchhazel or Betadine.  If the sore is  larger, or yellow coloured (pus)  use Dermcare Pyohex shampoo. Oh, and most times a vet visit is needed too, "for some drugs, dude" (spoken in a hippy drugged out voice"). 

• Do not overwash your pet this summer - and always use a good quality conditioner - we like Troy Oaticoat, and PAW Nutriderm - both of these are leave in conditioners. 

Did you know, with the itching pets, comes an increase in the cases of back and neck pain,

Astonishing Secrets - just don't let anyone else know!

as the pet twists and weaves to relieve the itching, and then "does its back in".  

 In February & March, we will start our "Astonishing Secrets" series on our blog, which will offer handy, "things you can do for your pet if it is unwell, before you get a chance to see the vet" tips. 

The "birds", otherwise known as 'Charlie & the Town Crier" will be your clue that it is an "Astonishing Secret". Feel free to share.

Your Pet's Age
Guess your pet's "human age" and then check the chart.

How close did you get?

Pandora is now the big "Four - Oh" (she turns 7 this  year)   even though she still acts 15!. 

Should we have a party for her?

Your Monthly Competition - now up and running
Amazing Odds to Win

 We heard, we listened, and people love to win stuff.  We can't offer houses, or cars, or trips to exotic places. We are a family vet practice, and we want our family a chance to win....  our animalclinic family.

So we started our own animalclinic family competition, which you can enter through facebook or  through our online shop (animalclinic).

Every month..... regular as clockwork... animalclinic is here for your every month! 

And its stuff that is a bit more practical... stuff that your pet needs!

March is Polite Pets Month

Scary!  Help?

Free Behaviour Talks in March 

But we need YOUR help!   Email us your suggestions on what YOU would like to know about your pet's behaviour?

Keep updated on the dates and times through Facebook, PocketVet and the behaviour page on our website.

About Russell Vale Animal Clinic

I know many of you are following my blog, so thank you.  As you can see from the highlighted section above, we are taking holidays in April. In one of my blog posts from last year, it explains in more detail why we close up shop, and go away. Want to read it?  Go here!

In February & March, in the bellambivets blog, we will be doing an " Astonishing Secrets" series, offering advice on how to help your pet until you can get to see a vet. We look forward to your feedback, and ideas, on what you want to know.

As promised in my last newsletter, we will be having a photo shoot at the vets in the next month or so... if you are happy for your pet to be involved, or just be part of it yourselves, please send me an email, as we would really love to use photos of our own pets and people on all of our internet stuff, rather than rely on stock photos. 

We are unique in the 'Gong as far as vet practices go, and we thank you for keeping us special.  Thank You!

Your pet's paws are always in my heart ... our animalclinic family.

Dr Liz

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