The Berwick Village Vet Newsletter December 2018

Holiday car travel with pets

Taking pets on the annual family holiday has become more of the norm these days. The annual Christmas car trip to the holiday destination can become a nightmare if your pet is uncomfortable with car travel or suffers from car sickness or anxiety. We have put together a key list of things that should be thought of prior to going away.

Safety first: ensure you have a comfortable car restraint or crate for your pet, many animals and people have died from animals becoming projectiles in car accidents . Never leave your pet unattended in the car particularly on hot days. Inside car temperatures escalate very quickly in the warmer months even when parked in the shade.

Ensure that you have the correct supply of food for the duration of your trip and that water is readily accessible. Vaccinations, flea, tick and worm treatment is a necessity before departing this ensures that your pet is protected from contracting any nasties.  If the pet is on medications or is elderly (10+ years) a quick vet check before the journey is always a good idea. This will make sure the pet is fit for travel and also to stock up on medication if required. Car sickness is also fairly common, the veterinarian can prescribe medications if you have concerns about those longer rides. A good tip is to not over feed pets before leaving on the trip.

Remember pets are not allowed entry in Australian National Parks and Indigenous areas to protect the wildlife although there are many forest and camping areas that will allow dogs to visit, who are under control and on a lead.

It is also a good idea to take some basic first aid supplies for your pet and also to research where the closest veterinary clinic is located to where you are staying in case of emergency.
Here is the link for great pet friendly accommodation.

https://www.australianexplorer.com/pet_friendly/index.html

Happy travels from The Berwick Village Vet.

Fireworks Warnings

Every year the clinic receives phone calls from worried owners looking for their lost pet after new year eve fireworks and celebrations. It tends to be a noisy time of year.

Make sure that your pets are either securely locked away or are being supervised. If your pet suffers from extreme anxiety from the noise of fireworks or parties now is the time to make an appointment with the vet to arrange medications if they are required.

It need not be a nightmare for pets and owners. Contact the clinic on 9707 3855 if you require assistance in preparation for New Year’s Eve.

Christmas pet disasters

Post Christmas celebrations the clinic sees a lot of cases of upset tummies in pets. This is due to either an accidental ingestion of food or toys or owners feeding their pet too many or the wrong tasty treat.

A few things that are harmful to pets and need to be avoided are listed below:

Fatty meat and lard from baking

Gravy

Grapes, Sultanas, raisins, stone fruits, puddings

Bones in particular cooked turkey and chicken bones

Alcohol and medicines

Chocolate and any cocoa products

All nut varieties in particular hazelnuts

Tinsel and small decorations

Custards and any milk by products

Onions and garlic

Poinsettia

If you think that your pet may have ingested anything on the “naughty list” please seek emergency veterinary treatment or call The Berwick Village Vet on 9707 – 3855 for assistance.

Christmas Trading Hours
The Berwick Village Vet will have reduced opening hours over the holiday season. Please ensure that your pet has enough food and medications to last during this time.

Christmas Eve Mon 24th Dec 8:30am – 1:00pm

Christmas Day & Boxing Day CLOSED

Thus 27th & Fri 28th Dec 8:30am – 7:00pm

Sat 29th Dec 9:00am – 12:00pm

New Years Eve 31st Dec 8:30am – 1:00pm

New Years Day CLOSED

Weds 2nd Jan Business as usual

We would like to wish all clients and pets a very Merry and Safe festive season and thank you for your continued support. Please keep  an eye open around the clinic for our resident elf over the festive season.

Skills

Posted on

February 22, 2019