Patterson River Veterinary Centre

Summer Newsletter 2012Dr. Greg Rodgers B.V.Sc (Hons), M.R.C.V.S. 15 McLeod Rd, CARRUM 3197Dr. Kerrie Rodgers B.V.Sc, M.R.C.V.S. Ph: (03) 9772 0777 (All Hours) Fax: (03) 9776 1173

Summer Newsletter 2012Summer is a wonderful time of the year to be living around Patterson River but with it comes some special consideration for our beloved pets.

Pet owners need to be mindful of the following potential hazards over the coming months:-grass seeds, fleas, heat stroke (particularly the short nosed breeds), sunburn, poisonings (puffer fish/toad fish, blue ringed octopus, snakes, bees, wasps, chocolate consumption, Christmas over indulgence-just to mention a few), fish hooks and of course fireworks and thunderstorms that many of our pets have a phobia of.

We have some terrific specials that we are able to offer you at the moment including packs of 12 Frontline for the price of 10 and with these (and 6 packs) we are

giving away a free cooler bag. We also have some fantastic grooming kits to give away with every bag of Eukanuba dog food 7.48 kg or greater. We introduce you to another new staff member in this newsletter and have a fun article provided by one of our clients about ‘Dances with Dogs’.

We are also pleased to announce that Eukanuba Frequent Buyer’s rewards are back. For every 10 bags of food you will receive the 11th bag free.

We are predicting another bumper flea season this summer so please continue to keep up the flea control. Enjoy summer with your pets and have a wonderful and safe festive season.

We would like to wish all of our valued clients and their wonderful pets a very happy and peaceful festive season. May you have a healthy and successful year in 2013.

With Best Wishes, Greg, Kerrie, Debra, David, Barbara, John, Joanna, Fiona, Miriam, Meaghan, Nicole and Jackie………and of course Frankie……..meeeeooow!

If undelivered, please return to:

PATTERSON RIVER VETERINARY CENTRE15 McLeod Road. CARRUM 3197Phone: (03) 9772 0777 (All Hours)Fax: (03) 9776 1173

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AUSTRALIA

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Î Preventative health care for small animals

Î Vaccinations

Î Heartworm prevention

Î Worming

Î Premium pet foods

Î Surgery

Î Radiology

Î Cryosurgery

Î Pathology

Î Hydrobath Î Dentistry Î Weight loss advice Î Puppy classes

We are open 9am – 7pm Monday – Friday and 8.30 am – 12 midday Saturday.

Consultations are by appointment. Ph 9772 0777

www.pattersonrivervet.com.au

Like us on Facebook

Puppy Classes are on again!

These are a great way to socialise your pup & learn some basic training skills.

Phone us for details.

We are proud to

announce the launch of

our new website.

www.pattersonrivervet.com.au

We encourage you to visit &

subscribe to our newsletter.

Patterson River Veterinary Centre provides:-

FLEAS!!!Continue to be a problem

for many pet owners.

For the best product for you and your pet speak

to one of our staff.

Jackie joined us in April this year and has had eleven years of nursing experience and a Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing.

Having a keen interest in birds and wildlife means she is an asset here at Patterson River. Jackie owns ten birds

(assorted waifs and strays), one dog, two alpacas and one husband.

Her hobbies include running and cycling.

Achieving more animal related study is something Jackie aims to do in the future.

Introducing Jackie…

This is Harley, our

latest AWDRI dog…

“…Owners should

plan how to keep

their pet safe in

advance of any

advertised fireworks

display or forecast

thunderstorm

activity…”

*While stocks last, subject to availability.

With the purchase of any 7.48kg or larger* Eukanuba Dog Foods

100% NUTRITION. 0% COMPROMISE.

FREE GROOMING KIT

P&G EUK Grooming Wobbler Square.indd 1

14/09/12 2:58 PM

Working Dog Rescue

Frontline Special

We are proud to be assisting a fantastic rescue group-AWDRI. Australian Working Dog Rescue Inc

It is a non-profit organisation and its primary function is to save working dog breeds from being euthanased in council pounds and shelters and find new homes for them. Here at Patterson River we are offering

heavily discounted (and often free) veterinary work to help out this worthy cause.

If you are thinking of getting a new dog and may be interested in a working type breed or are able to help by fostering a dog then it is worth checking out their website -

www.workingdogrescue.com.au

For a limited time we are able to offer a great deal on our Frontline – buy a 12 pack for the price of 10.

This provides considerable savings and enables you to treat your pet all year round. Already we are seeing

many fleas and once again are predicting a bumper flea season.

Free Cooler Box with every 6 or 12 Frontline pack.

These are terrific for summer! Only while stocks last.

When we think of training our canine friends, we think of obedience, though there are many varied dog sports now available.

Carol, one of our clients, is involved with Dances with Dogs. The sport is becoming more and more popular each year and has been show-cased on television programs such as the X-Factor and Australia’s Got Talent.

There are two different streams involved, one is ‘Heel work to Music’ and the other is ‘Freestyle. They range from Starters Level all the way to Advance to Champion Level.

This is not a sport where dogs dance on their hind legs but is a sport where tricks are performed to music in a routine. Some of the moves used are sit pretty, spins, leg

weaves, moving backwards and much, much more!

It is a great sport that improves dogs’ fitness, strength, core muscle, and provides mental stimulation, resulting in a great rapport between handler and dog (bonding) and it’s fun!.

Information relating to Dances with Dogs can be located at

www.danceswithdogsaustralia.com

You might also like to have a look at

www.dogsvictoria.org.au

where you can find other dog related sports such as tracking, herding and other varieties.

If you would like to know more please contact – Carol on 0438 007 637 or via website www.acesacademy4dogs.com

Thunderstorms and fireworks may provide an entertaining sound and light show for humans but for pets they can be terrifying.

Sadly, the reaction of many dogs and cats is to try and out run the noise – and they run and run and run. In their frantic efforts they may get hit by a car or end up in a strange environment suburbs away and not be able to find their way home.

Many dogs will damage themselves and surroundings as they try to get away to escape the noise.

After every thunderstorm or fireworks display ‘Lost and Found’ columns will list many lost dogs and cats and animal welfare shelters know their admittance files will climb steeply.

Owners should plan how to keep their pet safe in advance of any advertised fireworks display or forecast thunderstorm activity.

Pet identification is very important. A collar and tag with contact details and ensuring your pet is microchipped enables your pet to be quickly reunited with you if it escapes.

Keep your dog and cat inside in familiar surroundings. The pet needs to feel safe and is less stressed if you remain with it. Do not console your pet as this can make it believe you are also worried. Remain calm and cheerful and act normal. Never chastise your pet for being scared

Close the curtains or blinds to hide the flashes from fireworks or lightning. Play music or put the radio or TV on to help drown out the noise. Play games with your pet to distract it.

If you have a dog with a thunder storm phobia it can be difficult to manage at times when you are absent and, as we all know, weather forecasts are not 100% accurate and unexpected storms happen. Risk to your pet is minimized by ensuring adequate identification

and ensuring your yard is escape proof.

Anti-anxiety drugs can be used when a problem is anticipated. Behaviour modification techniques to help overcome the fear can be implemented. These are a long term strategy and not an overnight fix.

HOW TO FIND YOUR MISSING PET

If your pet does go missing firstly make sure that you check all of the nooks and crannies at home. The next step is to door knock the neighbours to ensure they have not seen your missing pet. It is then important to register the details of your missing pets with as many Veterinary Clinics, council pounds and animal shelters as possible.

Go to the animal shelters and check the lost animals housed there personally. Make these visits regularly as it can be a number of days until your pet turns up there. Do not lose hope too quickly. Pets are sometimes reunited with their owners weeks or months after they have gone missing.

MICROCHIPPING YOUR PET

This is an easy permanent way to ensure your pet is identified. All you need to do is make an appointment at our clinic and the microchip can be easily inserted under your pet’s skin in a normal consultation. The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and records a specific number that identifies your pet. Personal details are kept at a central registry and can be accessed 24 hours a day to ensure that you are reunited with your pet as soon as possible.

It costs only $46.20 and this includes the insertion of the microchip and lifetime registration. A small price to pay for peace of mind!!

Dances with Dogs… A fun way to bond with your dog!

www.pattersonrivervet.com.au

F ireworks, Thunder & Pets…

Eukanuba Frequent Buyer’s Rewards ARE BACK!

Buy 10 bags & get the 11th bag FREE!