Health

Bloat in dogs, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (or GDV), is one of the most serious emergencies we see in veterinary practice. It comes on suddenly, and without rapid treatment, is often fatal. Bloat starts when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, fluid, or food and begins to expand. In some cases, the stomach then twists, cutting off blood flow to vital organs and trapping...

Anxiety in dogs and cats is an increasingly common problem that both Veterinarians and animal behaviourists are treating these days, and can significantly impact their well-being if left unaddressed. That's why understanding the signs of anxiety in dogs and cats is essential for providing them with the care and support they need. It’s been estimated that over 40% of dogs and cats are now suffering...

Heartworm can cause great suffering and even death in your dog, and the treatment is as risky as the disease itself, so it is important your dog is protected all year round against this parasite. Mosquitos are found everywhere! As Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, despite what some owners (and some Vets) believe, it can be transmitted anywhere. However, if you are heading to tropical...

Dental disease in dogs, known as periodontitis, can seriously impact our dog’s overall health and wellbeing, There is a mountain of evidence in humans and increasing volume in veterinary research to show that poor dental hygiene releases bacteria into the blood stream and is associated with heart, liver, kidney and airway disease as well as diabetes. More than 80% of dogs over the age of three have...

With over 6000 pets bitten by snakes each year in Australia* it is important to recognise the signs of a snake bite and that you know what to do if facing this life-threatening emergency. Snakes are prevalent in the warmer months particularly around creeks or dams where there is fresh water. However, 73%* of reported snakebites in dogs happen in their owners’ backyards. Symptoms of...

Acupuncture for dogs is increasing in popularity so Dr Jennifer Robinson from Melbourne Vet Acupuncture explains how it works. What is acupuncture? Acupuncture being one aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine that focuses on restoring the energy balance in the body to promote healing. It requires the insertion of fine needles into the dog’s body at specified points, called acupuncture points. In Chinese medicine Acupuncture points...

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) occurs when the cartilage surrounding joints deteriorates and causes long term inflammation and pain. Risk factors of Osteoarthritis This condition primarily affects older dogs due to the normal wear and tear that results from ageing, but trauma or developmental abnormalities may also lead to osteoarthritis in dogs of any age. This may include abnormal development of the...

Winter can be tough on our dogs and is a time of the year when some owners can become complacent on providing the level of care their dogs need, so Winter safety for dogs should be a top priority as the temperature drops. Having evolved over millions of years to become our closest companion animal, dogs rely solely on us to provide them with the...

Bladder Stones in dogs and cats can cause pain and swelling, and are rather common in both, so it is important to know what signs to look out for and how to differentiate them from other urinary conditions. Signs and symptoms of Bladder Stones Straining to Urinate: discomfort while trying to urinate Increased Frequent Urination: A common sign. Blood in Urine: Bladder stones can cause...

With the Easter long weekend coming up, many families are coming together and bringing along their pets.  To help keep your pets safe over this holiday period, Petstock vet Dr Tara Morris and I have compiled some of our top Easter safety tips for pets. Keep the hot cross buns, chocolates and lollies away While you might be serving hot cross buns, chips, dips, other...