Potts Point Vet Hospital Blog

Common Household Poisons

Posted by Dr. Miriam Meek on 29-Mar-2018 15:10:46

The common poisons (or “toxins”) which pets encounter at home can be divided into food, medications, insecticides, chemicals, and other. The list below is just a few of the more commonly encountered poisons.

Read More

Topics: prevention, safety, pets, dogs, cat, poison, toxin

New Strain of Contagious Canine Parvovirus Discovered in Australia

Posted by Dr. Kristie Mientka on 15-May-2017 16:24:10

You may have read a few recent news articles describing a new strain of highly contagious canine parvovirus that has been recently discovered in Australia. 

Read More

Topics: prevention, safety

Important Information For All Cat Owners: Fatal Virus Outbreak in NSW

Posted by Dr. Kristie Mientka on 05-Feb-2017 09:00:00

Feline panleukopenia virus (also known as feline infectious enteritis, feline distemper or feline parvovirus) is a fatal disease that is currently affecting cats in NSW. 

Read More

Topics: safety

Dogs and Fireworks: How to Keep Your Pet Content

Posted by Dr. Kristie Mientka on 29-Dec-2016 08:51:49

The fireworks in Sydney are of epic proportions - don't let your pet's anxiety be!

Read More

Topics: safety

Holiday Hazards for your Pet

Posted by Dr. Kristie Mientka on 10-Dec-2016 11:30:28

While the holiday season is a generally enjoyable time, it can pose some specific risks for your pet. Read on to keep your pet safe and to avoid hefty vet bills (which you probably can't afford after buying all those pressies!)

Read More

Topics: safety

Kennel Cough: Busting Three Myths about this Common Disease

Posted by Dr. Kristie Mientka on 23-Sep-2016 07:00:00

As vets, we struggle to find a disease that has more misconceptions and misunderstandings than canine kennel cough. Let's clear some of those up, shall we?

Read More

Topics: safety

Yes, your pet is probably fat: Dog diets & cat diets 101

Posted by Dr. Kristie Mientka on 17-Aug-2016 07:30:00

Believe it or not, obesity is the #1 nutritional disorder seen in dogs and cats.

Obesity is defined as an excess body weight of greater than 15%, and it can look something like this:

Read More

Topics: safety, diet, weight loss, obesity

Your dog ate WHAT? Common Toxins to Dogs

Posted by Ashley McCarthy, RVN Cert C&G VNES on 29-Apr-2016 11:41:51

We all love sharing our food with dogs but which foods should they not eat? We love watching them run around the park but which plants will make them sick? Dogs are very different to us and many things that ok for humans are not ok for them. Read on to learn about some common toxins to dogs that may be around your house that can make your dog sick!

Household

Ibuprofen or Nurofen


When ingested these drugs (although alleviate our headaches) are detrimental to your dog. In high doses it can cause kidney and liver failure and neurological changes such as seizures. Even in small doses it can cause stomach ulcers, vomiting and diarrhoea. Any ingested of ibuprofen warrants vet attention.

Antifreeze


This contains ethylene glycol which when ingested is converted in the liver into metabolites that cause acute kidney failure. Prompt veterinary treatment is required for a good prognosis. Left untreated it is fatal. Initial signs of ingestion include vomiting, excessive drinking and urination and ataxia.


Read More

Topics: safety

Get to the Vet! How to Know It's An Emergency

Posted by Ashley McCarthy, RVN Cert C&G VNES on 13-Apr-2016 11:59:10

Our pets rely on us for everything  - food, exercise, a caring loving home and vet care. Sometimes we leave vet care for one or two days due to a busy lifestyle or maybe because your little one ‘just isn’t that sick.’ When should vet care not be delayed? There are many conditions and injuries that should be seen immediately, read on to find out what they are.

Read More

Topics: safety

Potts Point Dog Eats Carrots, Turns Orange

Posted by Dr. Kristie Mientka on 01-Apr-2016 07:00:00

It was a rainy July day when dog owner Hope walked into Potts Point Vet Hospital with her labradoodle, Polly Ester. Polly wasn't there for a vaccine, she hadn't even been sick. She was there because she had turned orange.

Read More

Topics: safety

Chocolate Toxicity: Keep Your Dog Safe This Easter

Posted by Dr. Kristie Mientka on 22-Mar-2016 17:35:14

You might not think of Easter as a dangerous time of year, but every Easter we see many sick dogs related to one very common Easter treat: chocolate. 

Read More

Topics: safety

Fast Facts About Heat Stroke (and Other Summer Health Hazards) in Pets

Posted by Ashley McCarthy, RVN Cert C&G VNES on 29-Jan-2016 16:05:31

Image source: http://carrington.edu/blog

Read More

Topics: safety

Paralysis Ticks: Three Things You Need to Know to Save Your Pet's Life

Posted by Dr. Miriam Meek on 09-Dec-2015 14:43:29

There are a number of ticks in Australia, but the life of your pets (and rarely, babies and small children) is threatened every summer by the paralysis tick.

Read More

Topics: prevention, safety, ticks