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blog http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/rss Senior pets http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/senior-pets/ Book NOW for your pet’s FREE Senior Health Assessment with a Vet and Nurse We wouldn’t do this job if we didn’t love animals … And we know the bond you have with your pet only strengthens as they grow older. To re-assure you that your pet will help to minimise or avoid the pain of age-related arthritis, we’re providing a FREE Senior Pet Health Arthritis Check during the months of May, June &amp; July. This free check will include:
<ol class="wrapfix"><li>Physical Exam – A check of your pet’s physical condition including weight, body condition, eyes, ears, heart and lung function.</li>
<li>Arthritis Check –With cooler weather upon us, our older pets are often more stiff and sore. Many new strategies and products are now available to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.</li>
<li>Dental Check – Poor dental health can contribute to bad breath, loss of appetite, heart and kidney disease, as well as being very painful for your pet.</li>
</ol>Spaces are limited, so phone us NOW on 02 6672 1919 for an appointment. Please mention this special to take part in the offer.
Bookings will be on days nominated by us. Warmest regards The Team at Murwillumbah Vet Clinic
 
 
<hr/> 
Winter is almost here! It is time to think about the health of our senior pets. We know that our pets rely on us to keep them in good health. Because instinct tells animals not to look weak or sick, they may often hide illnesses. Sometimes, they can be suffering badly and nobody knows. Imagine if you had a rotten tooth and you couldn't tell anybody? Imagine your heart was wearing out and you got tired easily, but the family just said you were getting old or lazy.
<img class="leftAlone" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage150245-Angel-May.jpg" width="150" height="245" alt="" title=""/>
 
There are many diseases that can impact on the health of our senior pets, such as:
- dental disease
- heart disease
- arthritis
- cancer
- hormonal imbalances
- prostate disease (in males)
- organ failure
Most people don’t realise it but dogs and cats are classified as senior when they reach 7 or 8 years of age. Our senior pets require special attention to help keep them on all four paws and allow them to live a quality life.
A 6 monthly health check is essential for your ageing friend. Much can change over a whole year (equivalent to 6-8 years in humans) and we aim to pick up on any changes and act quickly.
These changes may be obvious such as accidents around the house, hearing problems or stiff legs. Beyond the changes you can see, there can be much more going on internally, such as a slowing metabolism and changing of nutritional requirements.
Here are a few things you might notice at home:
* Changes in appetite or thirst
* Increasing or decreasing weight
* Loss of house training - inappropriate urinating or passing faeces
* Difficulty climbing stairs or getting into the car
* A cough
* New lumps
* Bad breath
* Changes in sleeping patterns
* Occasional vomiting or diarrhoea
*Attempting to bite if they are pushed to do something painful for them - they have no other way of telling us it hurts!
It is easy to put any one of the above signs down to 'getting old', however any of these symptoms may indicate an underlying age related disease - many of which can be treated.
Blood and urine tests, blood pressure checks, eye checks, arthritis checks and weight checks are all important for a senior pet. We look for changes in trends over the senior years and adjust treatment programs and nutrition as necessary.
If you want to help your senior pet age gracefully make sure you ask us for more information. After the many years of joy they have brought you, you owe it to them!
If your pet is suffering from a problem, we are there to help. There are many ways in which we do this, depending on the problem. If we need to use a General Anaesthetic for any reason, we strongly advise a Geriatric Blood test to assess organ function and therefore anaesthetic risk. If we suspect a systemic illness in which organ function is involved, we will also recommend a Geriatric Blood test.
 Tue, 01 May 2018 08:29:30 +1000 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/senior-pets/ What breed should I get? http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/What-breed-should-I-get-/ We often see people who have chosen a breed of dog that may not be ideally suited to the lifestyle they live. 
We thought it a good idea to let everyone know that we are happy to give advice before you purchase a new pet. 
Often behavioural problems exist because pets are bored and because they are not in the environment that best suits the breed. 
For example, a quiet person or family living in a unit or small house in town should think very carefully before choosing a working breed (such as Kelpie, Border Collie or Cattle Dog). This is because, over many years, these guys have been bred to WORK all day long. They need to exercise their minds and bodies enough to satisfy their needs. If these needs are not met, then dogs get bored. 
Bored dogs have to then invent something to keep their minds active - this can then involve chewing, digging, escaping, barking etc. 
There are many things to consider when purchasing a new pet. Some of these include:
- the size of your yard
- your activity level
- the amount of exercise and mental stimulation you can provide
- the age of members of the family
- how much grooming does the breed require?
- do you have secure fencing?
- what size dog do you want to have?
 
We are here to help. PLEASE come in and talk to our friendly staff before you purchase a new best friend. We can tell the the dog that best suits your lifestyle. 
All too often we see the issues that develop down the track and these can likely be prevented by choosing the breed that is right for you.
<img class="center" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage20076-puppiestogether194web-2.jpeg" width="200" height="76" alt="" title=""/>
 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 08:49:30 +1000 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/What-breed-should-I-get-/ Storm phobia http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Storm-phobia/ <h3 style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.1em;">Steps to calm your storm-phobic dog</h3>
<div style="font-family: Arial, serif;"> If your dog is fearful of thunder, they are exhibiting one of the most common phobias that effect dogs. Dogs also react to lightning, explosive noises, popping balloons and many other noises that are part of everyday life to us. </div>
If your dog is sensitive to thunder, this 8-point plan can be very useful.
<img class="center" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage150200-P1020809.JPG" width="150" height="200" alt="" title=""/>
1. Predict the problem Thunder is reasonably predictable, they mostly occur in the afternoon and evening, and weather forecasts are now every area specific. The major problem with thunderstorms is that your dog will be able to predict the thunderstorm before you can through their heightened senses, so you need to predict them better. Take action BEFORE the storm. 
2. Be home with your dog Your dog will be much more fearful if they are left alone during the thunderstorm. If you have predicted a thunder storm, if at all possible be with your dog (or have somebody else be there). Remove your dog from the garden. Dogs left outside during a thunder storm will be more seriously affected than those inside. Dogs can damage themselves trying to escape the storm, doing damage to your house and garden in the process. The best place for your dog is inside in a sound-proof den. 
3. Place your dog in a sound-proof den A sound-proof den is relatively simple to make. Go from room to room to find the most sound-proof location (some suggestions are brick laundries and walk in wardrobes). This will become your dogs den, make it comfortable and happy in this room when it is not thundering. Then when it is going to storm then it is one of their safe havens. 
4. Use masking noise Another way of reducing the reaction to the noise of thunder it so add other noises. Play the radio, put on a tranquil stream, or a white noise track in your dogs den. This will help mask those scary sounds.
5. Practice calming strategies When your dog is panicking it needs to develop a calm demeanour. It is your job to do what you need to do to create calmness. Hugging and comforting the dog, putting a thunder shirt on, and staying calm yourself are great ways of help your dog find its “calm”. Calming massage on the major muscles of the head can also be helpful. 
6. Use pheromones Dog Appeasement Pheromone (Adaptil or DAP) can be very effective for calming noise-fearful dogs. One study showed 70% of dogs improved when using this pheromone therapy. A impregnated collar or plug-in diffuser can be used to surround your dog with the smell of its mum, and memories of calm and comfort are stimulated.
7. Use medication If your dog is seriously affected by storm phobia then prescription medication may be needed. These must be given at the right time and the right dose to help your dog, so treatment trials are important. 
8. Desensitise your dog Desensitising is a process which we can help guide you and your dog through. It involves exposing your dog to the noise of thunder storms at such a low level that the show no fear. Then gradually increasing the volume, they must stay calm and content while you do this. It takes a long time to desensitise dogs, and requires a high level of patience, if you do it wrong it doesn’t work. Look up "Sound Proof Puppy training" to gain access to apps that help with all kinds of potentially scary noises.
Solving fear problems is complex and difficult. We are happy to consult about behaviour issues, and can also refer to you a Veterinary Behaviour Specialist if your dog’s problems are severe. Mon, 19 Feb 2018 10:23:26 +1100 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Storm-phobia/ Focus on Parasites http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/focus-on-parasites/ We would love to see you in the clinic so we can help you to help your pet stay healthy, happy and parasite free.
Fleas and ticks are around all year long, but numbers increase as we head towards Summer. At Murwillumbah Vet clinic, we know which products work to help control these pests and can sort out a tailored plan to suit your pet.
<img class="left" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage69102-puppyitching194web-2.jpeg" width="69" height="102" alt="" title=""/>
Fleas don't just make your pet really itchy, they also play a role in passing on one type of tapeworm to your pet too. There is no reason that a dog or cat should suffer with fleas when there are so many good products on the market. 
We can help you decide which product is right for you - everyone is different - some pets swim regularly, some live near neighbours who don't control their flea problem. Native animals can pass through your yard and pass on fleas to your pet too. <a title="Fleas" href="http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/animal-health-2/fleas/"> Click here </a>to read more about fleas.
<img class="left" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage61116-twoticksweb.jpg" width="61" height="116" alt="" title=""/>Paralysis ticks are present in the Tweed Valley and we see far too many animals suffering from tick paralysis. The effects of this can be devastating and can sometimes lead to death. Again, there are tried and tested products that can assist in stopping your pet from "going down" with tick paralysis. <a title="Paralysis ticks" href="http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/animal-health-2/ticks/" target="_self"> </a>
<a title="Paralysis ticks" href="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/[sitetree_link id=2969]">Click here</a> for more information on ticks. You can see how many cases we treat at Murwillumbah Vet clinic with our monthly chart. You will be surprised just how many cases we treat ALL year round.
<img class="left" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage10568-Tapeworm.jpg" width="105" height="68" alt="" title=""/>Gastrointestinal worms can be a problem in dogs and cats, but can impact on human health too. There are many different types of these internal parasites. 
To read more about how they can have an impact on pets and us; how to prevent or treat these parasites and what signs to watch out for, <a title="Gastrointestinal worms" href="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/[sitetree_link id=7066]">click here</a>.
<img class="left" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage9057-mosquito194web-2.jpeg" width="90" height="57" alt="" title=""/>Heartworm is another internal parasite that can impact your pets health.
 
How do dogs get heartworm?
<ul class="wrapfix"><li>Mosquitoes transmit the disease to dogs by injecting tiny heartworm larvae into their skin</li>
<li>The larvae develop in the tissues and migrate to the heart where they grow into adult worms</li>
<li>The adults live in the heart and the large blood vessels surrounding the heart</li>
<li>They reproduce and release more larval offspring into the dog's blood stream</li>
<li>These larvae can then be taken by a mosquito and transmitted to another dog or cat</li>
</ul>What are signs my dog may have heartworm?
Due to the stress that adult worms have on a dog's heart, there are often clinical signs of heart disease or heart failure such as:
<ul class="wrapfix"><li>lethargy</li>
<li>tiring easily with exercise</li>
<li>coughing</li>
<li>loss of appetite</li>
<li>enlarged abdomen </li>
</ul>How can I treat heartworm?
Heartworm adults can be treated, but it carries risks for your dog and there are no guarantees of a successful outcome. Your dog may need a series of arsenic-based injections or even surgery to remove the adult worms from their heart when there are too many to risk the injection. As with most of these sorts of things, prevention is better than cure.
At Murwillumbah Vet Clinic, we can perform a heartworm test and it only takes about 10 minutes. Once we confirm that your pet is heartworm free, we will help you decide which ongoing prevention will suit the best. Yearly injections to prevent heartworm are the simplest, but there are spot-on products or tablets available too.
 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 08:13:58 +1100 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/focus-on-parasites/ Love your pet http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Love-your-pet/ Love is in the air with Valentines Day during February. We know that pets make great friends, but it is worth remembering that they can also be troubled by parasites and diseases, some of which they can pass on to you! Mostly, these are preventable problems and we can give you all the advice you need to keep your best mate in good health and to make it safe for you and your family to give them lots and lots of cuddles.
<img class="center" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage200133-cats-882051640.jpg" width="200" height="133" alt="" title=""/>
Consider these points before you give your pet a kiss:
• <a title="Gastrointestinal worms." href="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/[sitetree_link id=7066]">Worms</a> – some of which can be passed on to humans
• <a title="Fleas." href="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/[sitetree_link id=8380]">Fleas</a> – which may bite us
• <a title="Paralysis ticks." href="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/[sitetree_link id=2969]">Ticks</a> – can also bite us causing a nasty swelling
• <a title="Dental Care." href="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/[sitetree_link id=8122]">Dental care</a> – who wants to kiss someone with bad breath?
• Behaviour training – so they can stay nice and calm
• Bath – so they are fresh and clean for a cuddle
• Arthritis- they may not be able to easily go for a walk or play with a ball.
We can help to keep you and your pet stay healthy. Ask us how.
<img class="leftAlone" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage200355-Helen-tiff-puppies_2.jpg" width="200" height="355" alt="" title=""/> Mon, 05 Feb 2018 20:45:23 +1100 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Love-your-pet/ The New Year brings change to the Murwillumbah Vet Clinic http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/The-New-Year-brings-change-to-the-Murwillumbah-Vet-Clinic/ We wish all of our clients and their wonderful pets a very happy and safe New Year. A New Year often brings change and there are certainly changes afoot at the Murwillumbah Vet Clinic.
We bid a sad farewell to Dr Stephanie Wright who is retiring due to ill health.Stephanie and her family will remain Uki locals and we expect to have her drop in to the clinic regularly.. <a href="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/[sitetree_link id=15426]">Click here</a> to read more about her reasons for leaving the partnership and the clinic.
With Steph leaving, Dr Joan Gibbons will now be the sole owner of the practice. This is an exciting new undertaking for Dr Joan and her family, however we know that change can be complicated and we ask all of our clients to be patient with us as we transition into sole ownership. 
We will welcome a new Vet to the practice during February and look forward to introducing her to everyone. 
 
<img class="center" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage200210-Royal-Canin-puppy-image-2.jpg" width="200" height="210" alt="" title=""/> Tue, 02 Jan 2018 13:08:09 +1100 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/The-New-Year-brings-change-to-the-Murwillumbah-Vet-Clinic/ Merry Christmas from Uki http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Merry-Christmas-from-Uki/ Hello from Uki and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
2017 has been another big year here. As of 31 st December I will have sold my share of the clinic. Obviously lots of mixed feelings there but the time was right. This was basically due to my autoimmune disease and the fact that I can’t do my job without pain plus the stress of running a clinic causes disease flare ups. At this stage I am not able to do anything else other than look after Gabi and run the household a bit more to free Tony up for more outside farm work. Later I will see how things are and I may rethink my career! Gabi is going well at school, particularly in music and is continuing to swim at regional level. Tony is fit as a fiddle,still climbing the mountain and doing Pilates regularly. He has almost finished his shed! Only plumbing to go. The three of us had a great holiday for my 50th,catching up with friends and Tony’s family. Time is always too short to see everyone but we really enjoyed what we fitted in.
The clinic threw me a surprise party before we went which was lovely. Our pets are well, Horrie has passed his 19 th birthday and has kidney failure and is totally blind but still has great quality of life thanks to medication and special diets. We hope you are all well and happy and send our love. Steph, Tony and Gabi.
Photos courtesy of <a style="FONT-SIZE: 12px; FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #1155cc" href="http://www.glennhunt.com/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://www.glennhunt.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1513718966665000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH_2ZlzyQhfga2sP9PFV7OQyPGUPw">www.glennhunt.com</a> 
<img class="center" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage200133-GlennHuntPhoto79A0006.jpg" width="200" height="133" alt="" title=""/>
<img class="center" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage200133-GlennHuntPhoto79A0051.jpg" width="200" height="133" alt="" title=""/>
<img class="center" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage200300-GlennHuntPhoto79A9969.jpg" width="200" height="300" alt="" title=""/>
 Fri, 01 Dec 2017 11:14:09 +1100 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Merry-Christmas-from-Uki/ Bravecto protects against fleas and ticks for 3 months. http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/bravecto-protects-against-fleas-and-ticks-for-3-months/ Read all about this fabulous product to protect your pet against fleas and paralysis ticks for 3 months!!
WHAT
Bravecto® represents a quantum leap forward in tick and flea protection. It is the first and only oral chew to deliver extended protection for three months against fleas and four months against paralysis ticks – all in a single chew.
 WHEN Full year flea protection is achieved in just four tasty doses of Bravecto – protection at every season. It can be given to a dog at any time of day, however, it is recommended that Bravecto be administered at or around the time of feeding due to its greater absorption into the circulation. Bravecto starts working within hours, providing effective control of fleas within 8 hours of administration and effective control of pre-existing paralysis tick infestations within 24 hours.
 HOW Bravecto is administered orally in a highly palatable chew format. There is no mess to administer and no liquids to spill or transfer. It also won’t wash off or rub off, so dog owners can keep doing things they love with their dog without interruption. Coat length, grooming or brushing have no impact on how Bravecto works.
 WHY To date, protection from fleas and deadly paralysis ticks has most commonly been gained from products that require fortnightly or monthly application. As a result, many pet owners may forget to treat, leaving dogs unprotected, and pet owners worried. One dose of Bravecto does what some other products do with three.
 WHO It is available for a range of dog breeds and sizes and can be used on puppies from 8 weeks of age weighing at least 2kg. It is also safe to administer to breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs.
 WHERE Bravecto is available at Murwillumbah Vet Clinic. Dog owners can register for the free Bravecto reminder email service at www.bravecto.com.au to ensure they don’t miss a dose. The free Bravecto reminder app is available for iOS and Android.
 For the latest news and information about Bravecto visit: Website | www.bravecto.com.au Facebook |www.facebook.com/Bravecto Media enquiries: Lisa Burling @ LBPR | M: 0429 976 718 | E: lisa@lbpr.com.au Tue, 05 Sep 2017 08:30:09 +1000 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/bravecto-protects-against-fleas-and-ticks-for-3-months/ Spring Cleaning time! http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Spring-Cleaning-time-/ At Murwillumbah Vet Clinic, we think now is the time for a Spring clean. The weather is warming up now and it is a great time to think about all the parasites that love this time of year.
We can expect to see a lot more Snakes around (we have already had quite a few Snake bite cases in just recently).
In the Tweed Valley, our warm, humid weather is perfect for Fleas and Paralysis Ticks. 
Fleas can cause big problems and due to their complex breeding cycle, you have to continue to be vigilant all year round or you can find flea eggs still hatching out for many many months after you think you have defeated them! It is vital that all pets in the household are treated regularly to prevent and / or kill fleas as recommended by each product manufacturer.
Paralysis ticks are around throughout the year, and we do treat cases every month, but with the warmer weather, we know we will see many more cases. Speak to the staff about the best way to avoid tick paralysis for your pet. There are many products on the market and we will help sort out which one suits you best. <img class="center" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage129129-Half-fed-Adult-Female-Paralysis-Tick.jpg" width="129" height="129" alt="" title=""/>
 
Spring cleaning also involves making sure you clean out internal parasites. Gastrointestinal worms can make your cat or dog sick and can be really devastating for young animals who have got nothing to fall back on if these parasites take hold. Some types of worms can cause blindness and cysts in the brains or other organs of people too!! This is a major health risk for younger children in the household who come into close contact with pets licking their hands and faces. All people in the family should wash their hands after touching your pets to help avoid the spread of these internal parasites. The best advice is to regularly worm ALL pets in the household. There are many effective products on the market and we can help find the one that is best for you.
So, lets all enjoy Spring time without pests causing any problems. You have to love this time of year. Clear days and cool nights! Ahhh, life in the Tweed Valley. Fri, 01 Sep 2017 19:18:49 +1000 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Spring-Cleaning-time-/ Parasite protection offer http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Parasite-protection-offer/ <img class="left" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/230/_resampled/resizedimage424600-Murwillumbah-High-Res-poster.png" alt="Heartworm Prevention Poster" width="424" height="600" title=""/> Sun, 13 Aug 2017 14:30:12 +1000 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Parasite-protection-offer/ Testimonials http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Testimonials-/ These testimonials were sent to us by some of our happy clients!
"Before starting arthritis treatment, our ten year old German Shepherd, Simba was very slow getting up in the morning, reluctant to go on our daily beach walk and even more reluctant to play with his younger (dog) sister Elsa.
Since having the treatment, Simba is up every day and enjoying our daily walk along the beach from Pottsville to Hastings Point and back, even jumping in the ocean for a swim. Simba is even happy to have a play with Elsa when we return from our walk for the first time in a long time.
It has been wonderful to see Simba going back to enjoying his everyday simple pleasures, and more enjoyable for us that we can have these times together, knowing that he isn't in the same pain."
Sally Young,
Simba's Mum
*Please note - Not actual photo of Simba the German Shepherd!

<hr/>
Jerry our 9 year old German Pinscher had a lump on his lower back that grew quickly in size. We brought him into see Steph. Steph discovered he also had several decaying teeth and would need to have them removed along with the lump on his back. It was also noted he had a heart murmur. Jerry had seven teeth removed and the lump was removed from his back. After a course of antibiotics his heart murmur has disappeared. Jerry’s dental hygiene is now being managed better. His energy levels have improved significantly and he is much happier and healthier in himself.
Thanks
Jean King
*Please note - Not actual photo of Jerry either. Sat, 03 Jun 2017 19:13:12 +1000 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Testimonials-/ Dental awareness at Murwillumbah Vet Clinic http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Dental-awareness-at-Murwillumbah-Vet-Clinic-2/ Great specials on offer. 10% off all dental procedures through the month of August. It is no fun having gum disease or raw exposed nerves … or breath so bad it wilts the plants! Which is why it’s critically important for your much pets have a FREE Dental Check-up, NOW. 
Does the time when your pet had the sweet breath of a new born seem a distant memory? Is the smell frankly awful? Bad breath in our pets is actually no laughing matter. It can be a sign of inflamed gums. Then there’s the distress and pain. For our beloved pets, the suffering and pain can be just as real as when we humans have a raw nerve or inflamed gums. But they CAN’T TELL US of their distress. And it’s not just the silent suffering that you need to worry about. Disturbingly, UNTREATED dental problems can develop into serious, and even life threatening diseases in our pets that require expensive long term medication. In fact, unhealthy teeth and gums can result in infections that spread to the blood stream and vital organs. Resulting in serious problems with the liver and kidneys, diabetes, and even heart attacks and strokes. IT’S JUST NOT WORTH THE RISK. Ensuring your dog or cat’s teeth and gums are healthy is SO IMPORTANT, I’m writing to you to advise that the Clinic is offering a DENTAL HEALTH CHECK for FREE during August. Of course, if everything is fine, we’ll tell you and give you some tips to look out for. On the other hand, if treatment is required to bring your pet’s teeth and gums back to health, we can discuss those options with you at the time too, plus offer you a 10% discount for all treatments carried out in August. The MOST important thing right now is NOT TO DELAY. Make the appointment with us now on 02 66721919. We can fix bad breath. But the real imperative is to avoid more serious long term problems too.
Warmest regards
The Team at Murwillumbah Vet Clinic
<img class="center" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage100100-dental-images.jpeg" width="100" height="100" alt="" title=""/>
To find out how to brush your pets teeth, watch our video by<a title="How to brush your pets teeth." href="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/[sitetree_link id=8532]"> clicking here</a> to go to the video section. Wed, 31 May 2017 07:35:58 +1000 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Dental-awareness-at-Murwillumbah-Vet-Clinic-2/ Winter Woolies - time to get a dog coat http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/winter-woolies-time-to-get-a-dog-coat/ <h3>Warm dog coats</h3>
Murwillumbah Vet Clinic has a great range of dog coats. During Winter, it is important that we look after our pets to keep them nice and warm. We feel the cold and have all just dragged out the big doona and our warm coats to keep the cold Winter weather away. Our pets are no different and dogs with short or long hair can feel the cold.
Senior pets in particular will benefit from a lovely coat as this cold weather can stiffen up their old joints and make it even harder to get up in the mornings. Once your pet gets used to getting their pj's on at night, you will find that they come looking for it as the cold evening settles in.
We have a range of coats in all sizes and stock 2 styles of coats - one for indoor and one for outdoor use. Call in and see us now to check out the full range. You can even bring your pet along for a tailored fitting with one of our friendly nurses. We hope to see you soon.
<img class="center" src="http://petpack.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/dog-coat.jpg" width="272" height="186" alt="" title=""/> Fri, 28 Apr 2017 08:14:46 +1000 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/winter-woolies-time-to-get-a-dog-coat/ Important information for livestock owners http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/important-information-for-livestock-owners/ ****IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR LIVESTOCK OWNERS**** 
Mandatory PICS
As of the 1st of September 2012, anyone who keeps livestock in NSW is required to obtain a Property Identification Code (PIC) for the land on which the livestock are kept. This was required already for those trading cattle, sheep, goats or pigs but it is now also required for anyone who owns horses, donkeys, deer, bison, buffalo, alpaca, llama, 100 or more poultry or 10 or more emus/ostriches. It is required regardless of whether or not the stock are being traded or sold. A PIC can be obtained from the LHPA, with more information at <a style="font-weight: normal;" title="More information here" href="http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/nlis/pic" target="_blank">the NSW department of agriculture</a>
 
Swill feeding
The feeding of swill to pigs remains the main risk of FMD (foot-and-mouth disease) establishing in Australia. New policy and procedure has reemphasised that it is illegal in NSW to feed meat or meat products or anything that has been in contact with meat to pigs. 
 
We have many small holdings, new people to agriculture and hobby farmers that increases the risk of swill feeding. 
Please be alert for any evidence that a pig owner is feeding swill and immediately report to the LHPA if suspect. The LHPA has a role to carry out random farm inspections for swill feeding. The new policy also clarifies that body fluids or part of pigs from the same pig farm can only be fed to pigs on that farm under a strict veterinary prescription. For more information on swill feeding, <a title="Important information regarding swill feeding" href="http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/pigs/husbandry/swill-feeding" target="_blank">click here</a><a title="Important information regarding swill feeding" href="http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/pigs/husbandry/swill-feeding" target="_blank"> </a>
You must not feed meat, meat products or anything that has been in contact with meat to pigs. This includes:
- pies, sausage rolls, bacon and cheese rolls, pizza, deli meats, table scraps etc; and 
- household, commercial or industrial waste including restaurant food and discarded cooking oils; and 
- anything that has been in contact with prohibited pig feed via collection, storage or transport in contaminated containers (such as meat trays and take-away food containers).
 
You CAN feed pigs;
- milk, milk products and milk by-products either of Australian origin or legally imported into Australia for stockfeed use
- eggs
- dry meal made from meat, blood or bone (processed by commercial hot rendering and purchased from a reputable produce store or feed merchant)
- non-meat bakery food substances
- fruit, vegetables and cereals
FMD has been identified as the single greatest threat of any disease to Australian livestock industries. An outbreak of FMD in Australia would have devastating socio-economic impacts. Wed, 08 Mar 2017 12:43:22 +1100 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/important-information-for-livestock-owners/ The importance of microchipping http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/the-importance-of-microchipping/ Has your dog or cat ever gone missing? It can be very distressing for pet owners, who have lost their pet. Microchipping is a great way to ensure that once your pet is found, they can be identified and returned home to you.
The NSW State Government requires microchipping and lifetime registration for all dogs and cats as part of the Companion Animals Act. Pets should be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or when sold or given away (whichever comes first) and should be registered with the council by 6 months of age.
A microchip is only the size of a grain of rice and is implanted into the skin between the shoulder blades. We use a syringe to insert the microchip and most dogs and cats only feel a slight jab at the time and then forget about it.
The local council has a microchip scanner and if a lost pet is brought to the pound, then scanning for a microchip is the simplest way to find out where the pet lives and return them home to the family. Tags and collars can go missing and so microchipping is a great way to permanently identify your pet.
Don't forget if you move, or you sell your pet, that it is vital to contact the Tweed Shire Council so the records can be updated. There is nothing more distressing than finding a lost pet, finding it is microchipped and then finding out the records are outdated and the family have moved!!
During storm season, many pets run in a panic and then can't find the way home. Microchipped animals can be quickly and easily returned back where they belong.
<img class="center" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage200133-pup-672170640.jpg" width="200" height="133" alt="" title=""/> Wed, 08 Mar 2017 07:59:00 +1100 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/the-importance-of-microchipping/ Feline Enteritis outbreak http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Feline-Enteritis-outbreak-/ Warning to all cat owners. There has been an outbreak of Feline Enteritis in Sydney very recently. We know that outbreaks like these do spread from one region to another and usually outbreaks in Sydney are later seen in our region.
Feline Enteritis is a nasty virus that produces a fever, they don't want to eat, Vomiting and Diarrhoea then follow and it can also cause death - sometimes even before gastrointestinal signs are present.
This virus can affect unborn kittens. It is highly contagious and there is no specific treatment. Nursing is intensive and lengthy.
Please make sure your cat is vaccinated to avoid the risk of this horrible virus.
Contact us at Murwillumbah Vet Clinic and we can give you the most up to date information. Fri, 24 Feb 2017 12:16:49 +1100 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Feline-Enteritis-outbreak-/ Rabbit Vaccination - important warning. http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Rabbit-Vaccination-important-warning-/ This is an important warning to rabbit owners. A new strain of the Calicivirus is being released into the wild rabbit population of NSW. This strain has an almost 100% mortality rate. 
It is VITAL that you make sure your pet rabbit is protected.
Also, there is now a new protocol regarding rabbit vaccinations. 
Young rabbits need 3 injections initially followed by 6 monthly injections.
Adult rabbits now need 2 injections initially followed by 6 monthly boosters.
Contact us now at Murwillumbah Vet Clinic so we can give you the most up to date information. Tue, 21 Feb 2017 13:21:52 +1100 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Rabbit-Vaccination-important-warning-/ Update your contact information http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/update-your-contact-information/ At Murwillumbah Vet Clinic, we are always striving to improve our service to you. When you speak to our staff or come in for a visit, we will ask if your contact details are up to date.
This is vital because we often hospitalise your pet for surgery or treatment and we need to be able to contact you for a variety of reasons. We regularly send important information via email to pet owners too. 
We know people are busy. We know people move address too!! So, we are on a mission to always keep all of your contact information current. 
<img class="center" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage156172-puppyjack20russell20standing194web.jpeg" width="156" height="172" alt="" title=""/>
To make it a little easier, we have included a link for you to print out a form to complete before your next visit. This will tell us your current address, phone and email information. There is even a section for you to select your "cuppa" preference. We have a great little coffee machine at the clinic and are more than happy to offer you a hot cuppa while you are waiting or in times of stress.
<a href="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Murwillumbah-Vet-Clinic/Uploads/2016/mvc-client-info-sheet.pdf" target="_blank">Please click here to access the form to complete.</a>
Thank you all for your assistance!! Mon, 30 Jan 2017 13:47:16 +1100 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/update-your-contact-information/ Why Vaccination is important http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Why-Vaccination-is-important/ Vaccination is important to protect your pet. Should your pet become infected, treatment can require frequent visits to your vet and possibly hospitalisation. However, not all diseases can be cured and disability or death may result. The only practical means of protection is vaccination.
We recommend all dogs receive vaccination with C5 and C2i (covering Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Canine Cough, Coronavirus and Leptosporosis). Their first vaccine is at 6-8 weeks old, then 10-12 weeks, then 14-16 weeks. Dogs then require annual boosters.
We have witnessed several outbreaks of Parvo virus in our region over the years and it is a devastating virus.
If you are unsure how to best protect your pet, then contact us at Murwillumbah Vet Clinic for advice.
 Wed, 04 Jan 2017 08:34:07 +1100 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/Why-Vaccination-is-important/ Your dogs ancestry uncovered http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/your-dogs-ancestry-uncovered/ Have you wondered who your dog really is? We can now find out what breed your dogs ancestors were. We can get DNA testing done and follow the family tree back to great grandparents!! This information is useful to provide you with knowledge regarding inherited diseases from certain breeds. It can also just be interesting to find out why your dog looks like they do or why they behave in a certain way.
Contact us at Murwillumbah Vet Clinic to find out more. It is always interesting to find out where your dog came from.
 
<img class="center" src="http://staging.murwillumbahvet.com.au/assets/Uploads/Clients/90/_resampled/resizedimage138245-Pup.jpg" width="138" height="245" alt="" title=""/>
 Tue, 03 Jan 2017 08:47:09 +1100 http://murwillumbahvet.com.au/blog/your-dogs-ancestry-uncovered/