Wildlife
The RSPCA building in Wacol has a 24hr wildlife emergency centre located to left behind the main building . This is recommended in most cases as care may be ongoing and require a trained carer . (We provide free first aid care for any wildlife brought in during normal opening hours but they may need to be transferred to RSPCA in any case ). Sometimes recovery or rehabilitation to the original habitat is not possible so survival prospects are poor and euthanasia may be warranted . If a wild bird or injured animal is found please keep them in a warm dark environment (ie box with towel or wrapped warm water bottle) to minimise any stress until treatment and transport to RSPCA etc. can be arranged . Baby birds are often creched while parents forage nearby . They should not be disturbed unless fallen, injured or at risk from cats ,predators and larger birds . A small bucket or container with some wadding can be hung in a nearby low tree where they parents will hear it calling
Geriatric Medicine
As with humans, age also tends to bring with it an increase in arthritis, kidney disease, dental disease , cognitive disorders and certain cancers. An annual physical health check or urine/ blood sample done on the premises (..in real time!) can help detect these problems early. There are various medications and supplements which can help slow the deterioration and maintain both quality and quantity of life. Medicines and supplements exist which can improve blood flow to the brain or kidneys . Arthritis problems may benefit from a combination of nutritional supplements and/or prescribed joint protectives like Synovan , 4- Cyte ,Antinol or prescibed anti-inflammatories. A quality diet rich in antioxidants with some regular meaty bones for teeth care will also help offset gum inflammation and heart disease and reduce the need for more frequent cleaning under anaesthetic Where anaesthetics are required (eg for dentistry) typically on older pets our pre- anaesthetic blood profiling and use of intravenous fluids fast acting anaesthetics and safe painkillers can mimimise any safety concerns.
Insurance
Pet insurance does allows us to practice to the type of quality medicine we were originally trained to provide according to needs not budget constraints. Alternately some people like to self insure with a pet bank account for a rainy day . Ensure your policy covers what you need it to cover . Many exclude dentistry or infectious diseases and some have limited cover for ticks or snakes . Petplan is the most comprehensive cover . We can provide free 4 week cover for puppies and kittens . Ask reception.
Holidaying with Pets
For travelling dogs a pet restraint harness is mandatory in cars by law . Dogs make a heavy projectile in the event accident . A collapsible crate is an ideal transportable kennels and also makes a home away from home when camping . For dog prone car sickness or anxiety on longer trips anti nausea products like Cerenia or a sedative can be prescribed by the Vet . Ginger ( crystallised or cooking paste in tubes ) is also handy for motion sickness in dogs.
For anxious travellers the DAP (Dog ) and Feliway (Cat) pheromone spray diffusers help pets be calm and and adjust to car or new holiday surrounds . Spray frequently into their travelling crates or blankets.
If travelling into tick areas (most of the East Coast of Australia ) or camping pay extra attention to tick prevention. Oral Nexgard or Bravecto is generally foolproof if given within activity period . Advantix spot -on may be useful for repelling mosquitoes or biting flying insects. For cats only Seresto collars or Frontline spray are currently licensed or recommended.
Kennels and Pet Boarding
Southside -we recommend Acacia Ridge Pet Resort Willawong .
Northside -try Pet Chalet Brookfield.
Further West / Esk area -Brisbane Valley Pet Resort .
Our nurse Maria Harman also does short term pet sitting with dog training by prior arrangement. Contact her at Behaving K9s on the website/Facebook page. We also have a list of local house sitters and experienced pet carers .
Bird Care
Birds are way more intelligent than we give them credit. As a result they can become bored or stressed -generally due to inappropriate housing, feeding or noise/lighting conditions .
Dietary enrichment – Ignore those supermarket Dr Harry/Trill type seed packets -they are a virtual recipe for sick birds causing fatty liver disease. They are nevertheless very palatable but have too much fat , too little protein, calcium, iodine, Vitamin A,… etc etc . Seed should be though of as an additive not a diet. The best way to feed bird seed, if you must , is by sprouting first then feed a crumble mix of correctly formulated pellet also adding some fruits or vegetables . They DO need mineral block /grit or cuttlefish, you don’t need yet another millet spray /sunflower seed bell!)
We stock high quality Vetapharm Budgie -Parrot crumble. Dont forget the fruit and veges . Capsicum and yellow/ orange vegetables are generally good sources of Vitamin A.
Environmental enrichment- The cage should not be the prison cell . Add some toys and flowered leafy branches with bark like Bottlebrush or Grevillia to help decorate/play with/ hide in.
Keep to a normal daylight length with a blackout cover ..so the birds can go to sleep without later night artificial lighting ..ie when good birds go to sleep..
.
Parasite Control
There have been great advances in parasite control in terms of both spectrum of treatment and ease of treatment even for difficult to worm animals with oral and spot ons available for many bugs. For dogs there is now one product to rule them all (Nexgard Spectra) but may not suit all dogs. Some dogs hate tablets and many owners prefer yearly injection for heartworm. Some medications cannot be used on cats. Ask our staff to tailor a total parasite control program to your needs.