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Winter's Here!

Welcome to our Winter Newsletter. As the mercury in the thermometer plunges spare a thought for the thousands of homeless animals looking for shelter and companionship. Many of our hospitals operate adoption programs and have a variety of animals requiring homes.

Furever Homes

Homeless animals are a significant problem in Australia. In 2014/15 the RSPCA alone received in excess of 133,000 animals of which 41% of dogs were reclaimed and 14.5% euthanased, and only 4.5% of cats reclaimed and tragically 33% euthanased. These animals find their way to shelters for a variety of reasons with some simply being lost.

Fairford Road, our hospital in Bankstown, is the pound for Canterbury, Waverley and Ashfield councils. They take in stray cats and dogs from these areas and if they're not reclaimed they are put up for adoption to be re-homed.

Adopted animals are some of the most loving and grateful, and they can make wonderful pets and companions. Due to the volumes of animals our hospitals see there is usually a choice of "sizes and styles" to suit anyone looking to extend their family.

Why not drop by and meet some of the animals looking for homes.  Adoption costs include desexing, microchipping, the first vaccination, and flea and worm treatment, and represent a significant saving on the normal cost of these services. 

Adoption can be very rewarding, and it's a great way to give a homeless pet hope and happiness, and save money on the initial essential health care costs associated with a new pet. If you're looking for a loving pet, contact our hospitals directly and ask about their adoption program, and the pets available. Most will have photos and some information about the animals available on their Facebook pages.
Does my Pet have Arthritis?

Arthritis is a slowly progressive degenerative disease of the joint that can result in pain and stiffness, and it can affect your pet’s overall quality of life. It is a common cause of pain in older dogs and cats, and owners often have difficulty detecting the signs that their pets are suffering from it.

Signs of Arthritis
  • Difficulty getting up or lying down
  • Limping
  • Difficulty climbing stairs / getting into the litter
  • Increased time spent sleeping
  • Less playful
  • Irritable when handled
  • Less willing to explore
  • Increased aggression or biting in cats
  • Slowing down
 
Diagnosis and Treatment of Arthritis
Your vet can diagnose arthritis using a variety of techniques which include X-rays, orthopedic exams, blood tests, and by reviewing your pet’s history. Traditionally arthritis has been treated using Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) specific for pets.


However NSAIDs can have side effects, especially if other diseases are present, therefore we often recommend that blood work be done before starting your pet on NSAIDs and they should be monitored every 6-12 months. 

More recently newer complementary treatments have evolved for addressing arthritis, that work along with NSAIDs such as special diets, arthritis injections, omega 3 Fatty Acids and other dietary supplements. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation have also been shown to reduce the effects of arthritis .

If you think your pet may be arthritic, or you would like more information about arthritis, please contact your nearest Vetfriends hospital for an appointment.

 
Keeping Away the Winter Chills

Winter’s here, and that means doing some things differently than in summer to keep your pets safe and well. Following are some tips on how to help your pet have a comfy winter.

Help your dog make a fashion statement this winter while staying warm. For shorter haired dog breeds there are some great coats available.

If you’re clipping your dog during the colder months, don’t shave them down to the skin. Longer coats help to retain warmth. Also make sure they’re completely dry after a bath before allowing them outside.

Puppies’ tolerance for cold is less than mature dogs' which is something to bear in mind when toilet training. They might be reluctant to go outside, therefore choose warmer times during the day if possible or consider paper or other suitable indoor alternatives. Also, old and ill dogs should be kept inside whenever possible.
 
Cats have a way of finding the warmest spots to curl up, especially in winter. One of the more dangerous places can be under a car engine. Before you start your car, take a look underneath or bang loudly on the bonnet to give cats a chance to run away. Keep your cat inside to avoid the risk of exposure to infectious diseases from other animals, or becoming lost. 
 
It’s always important to ensure your pet’s diet is appropriate regardless of the time of year. A member of our team can provide advice on a diet that's suitable for your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle.
 
Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep that's off the floor and protected from drafts. Also, never leave an animal in a car, even for a short time. It’s dangerous in summer and winter.
 
Following these simple rules will help your pets to shake off the winter blues and stay warm and cozy.
 
If you have any questions about your pet's health care don't hesitate to give us a call. We're available seven days a week.

We hope you enjoyed our winter edition. Best wishes for a warm and safe season from everyone at Vetfriends.
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