Posts by Hilary McCullough

Puppies and kittens need worming every 2 weeks from 2 weeks old until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months, then every 3 months for life. Adult cats and dogs on a normal lifestyle generally need worming every 3 months – more often if they hunt, are fed raw meat, or live with young children.…

Microchips are essential for reuniting lost pets with their owners. It’s as simple as placing a chip the size of a grain of rice under their skin – this can be done at any time, but is often carried out at the same time as vaccination or desexing, and it’s quick and easy for your pet.  But here’s the bit a lot of…

Getting a dog is a big responsibility and having them well trained and socialised from an early age is essential.  We run regular Puppy Classes where you can learn about how best to care for your pup and we teach you the basics of training and socialising so your pup grows into a happy and…

Summer time is kitten season!  If you’ve just brought home a cute little bundle of fluff, here’s what you need to know.

One very common, and very avoidable, cause for a vet visit is when a pet has eaten an object that’s become lodged in their digestive tract (we call them digestive tract foreign bodies). The signs of an obstruction can vary depending on where abouts in the tract the object has become stuck, but can include;-Lethargy…

Last month we discussed how toxic antifreeze can be for our pets, this month we’re covering another common household product that can be fatal if eaten by our pets. Slug bait is used by many gardeners to control slugs and snails in vege gardens.  Unfortunately, the same ingredients that make slug bait attractive to slugs…

Cats are typically very territorial, and can find new places, faces, and scents quite stressful. Being bundled into a carrier and then driven to the clinic can make them understandably anxious. Here are a few ideas for ways to make your pet cat’s visit less stressful. Get them used to a carrier; and use a…

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) has a sweet taste that attracts pets, especially cats – but even a small amount can cause fatal kidney damage. Watch for wobbliness, vomiting, and increased thirst or urination, and get to a vet immediately if you suspect exposure; treatment is most successful when started early.  Winter is the time of year when everything freezes- but…

Toileting problems are one of the most common behavioural issues reported in cats. One possible cause is an inadequate litter tray (in the cat’s eyes!). Here are a few tips to provide the best litter tray conditions. 1) Always provide a tray, even for outdoor cats.  There are times when a cat may not be happy…