Pets of Charles Sturt

12/12/2024

Puppies (or any pet) aren't 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 for Christmas 🎁

While our dogs are a gift, they are also a big commitment and need your attention, love and financial support to live a long, happy and safe life with you and in our community.

We've put together this quick video for tips if you are considering gifting (or are receiving) a puppy this festive season 🐶🎄

👀 Check out our Dog Blog for more tips and tricks on responsible pet ownership and helping your pet live a happy life: https://brnw.ch/DogBlog

09/12/2024

Does your dog go into a fireworks frenzy?
Is this your dog or cat's first New Year's Eve?

While fireworks can be fun for many people, it can be a very traumatic experience for lots of our pets (especially if they haven't experienced them to the extent they occur on NYE before!)

Please take a moment to plan how to help your pet cope with the fireworks this NYE.

It's not too late to chat with your vet about medications that might help reduce some of your pet's stress or panic.

Visit our dog blog for our top tips and tricks!

https://brnw.ch/21wPhnU

30/11/2024

We're so pleased to hear that our Scentsory Garden, Woodville West passed little Winnie's sniff test!

Isn't she adorable?! 😍

Our Scentsory Garden is the place for SCENT-sational sniffers and is not a place for play. It's a small space that is purpose-built to encourage relaxing exploration and sniffing and is especially beneficial for vaccinated puppies, older dogs, shy dogs or those dogs who don't want to be swamped by others at a traditional dog park.

You can find out more about the Scentsory Garden here: https://brnw.ch/21wP5sN

28/11/2024

⚠️ Fireworks Warning 🎉

Fireworks are scheduled as part of the Christmas in the Square celebrations at Henley Square this Sunday night, 1st December, approximately 9pm.

Please make sure your fur babies are safe and comfortable inside, that they have their ID on them, and that your information is up to date on Dogs and Cats Online. Please ensure your fencing is secure.

Check out our dog blog for more information on helping your dog (or cat!) with a Fireworks Frenzy: https://www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au/services/pets-and-animal-management/dogs/dog-blog/does-your-dog-go-into-a-fireworks-frenzy?

22/11/2024

** Storm Warning! **

BOM is warning of a chance of a thunderstorm tomorrow afternoon, Saturday 23rd November.

If your dog struggles with loud noises like thunder, here are some tips and tricks that might help them feel better:
⚡️ Keep your dog company or ask friends or family they trust to look after them
⚡️ Shut blinds or windows to reduce noise and the sight of lightening
⚡️ Let them hide wherever they feel safest (as long as it's actually safe for them)
⚡️ Turn the TV up, or play some music to help muffle some sound
⚡️ Play games or use long lasting, high value treats like Kongs, chews or bones as a distraction
⚡️ Speak to your vet about short term medication as an option

Most importantly: comfort them. ‘Reinforcing fear’ is a myth – you can’t make an emotion worse by being compassionate.

Remember to call us on 8408 1111 if you do come across a scared pup who has wandered away from home or your dog has escaped.

21/11/2024

It's another warm day today and the perfect time for our first annual reminder of the hot weather policy your pet wishes you knew about!

The floor is🔥on sunny days!

Keep your dog cool by:
🌞 Keeping them indoors or ensuring they have access to shade the entire day
💧 Ensuring they have multiple water sources in case one is tipped over (or if they like to dig in them - lots of dogs cool down by standing in water)
🐕 Only exercising first thing in the morning or last thing at night (enrich their day in other ways to keep them out of mischief!)
🧊 Hiding some favourite treats (or their breakfast/dinner) in ice

Heat stroke is a serious risk for pets. Remember to plan ways to keep them cool this Summer! Dogs regulate heat by panting, and short-nosed breeds are particularly at risk. Excessive exercise, like running in water, can raise their body temperature and hinder their ability to cool down. It's critical to keep exercise low key and avoid over-exertion on hot days.

You can find out more about keeping your dog safe in summer on our dog blog here: https://brnw.ch/21wORaD?

21/11/2024

Activities for kids and dogs! 🎉

What an excellent opportunity for kids to learn all about dogs at these free animal education sessions hosted by the Animal Welfare League SA and the City of Port Adelaide Enfield on Sat 30th November.

Activities are aimed at children aged between 5 and 11 years, and focus on safe interactions, enrichment and meeting your dog's needs.

Please visit the link to book!

We're running free animal education sessions for kids 🙌 Broken into three topics, the 45-minute sessions explore how to interact safely with cats and dogs, how to provide pets with enrichment, and how to meet the basic needs of pets.

The fun doesn't stop at the end of the hour, everyone gets to take home an activity book along with a pet enrichment toy made during the session.

Event details:
📆 Saturday 30 November
📍 Enfield Community Centre (540 Regency Road, Enfield)
🕛 10 am - 2 pm

Please note: activities are designed for children aged 5-11. Book a session via the link below 👇

bit.ly/Book_Kids_Activity_Session

14/11/2024

📢 Parvo outbreak in Northern and Western Suburbs

Multiple outbreaks of Parvo have been reported in the Northern and Western suburbs.

Parvo is a very serious, highly contagious disease that poses significant risk to puppies (especially under 20 weeks), but also unvaccinated dogs.

It spreads via contact with contaminated faeces or surfaces. Symptoms include: extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, severe/repeated vomiting and diarrhoea (often with blood).

Please ensure your dog's vaccinations are up to date and chat with your vet immediately if you notice any signs (early detection is integral for preventing the spread and treatment).

Perhaps consider reducing the number of outings with your dog (especially in dog-centric spaces) for now to reduce the risk of unknowingly coming into contact with parvo.

URGENT WARNING TO DOG & PUPPY OWNERS !!

Multiple outbreaks of Canine Parvovirus—a highly contagious and lethal virus affecting dogs and puppies—have been reported in the northern and western suburbs.

We strongly urge all dog owners to:
- Ensure your pets are up to date with their vaccinations.
- Seek immediate veterinary assistance if you notice any signs of the virus.

The signs to look out for:

-Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy
-Loss of Appetite: Sudden disinterest in food
-Severe or Repeated Vomiting: Persistent vomiting episodes
-Diarrhoea: Often accompanied by blood in the stool

For more information, please read our media release here: https://brnw.ch/21wOC5i

14/11/2024

📢 Scam Alert

Please note while Council is currently conducting our dog registration follow up, this email from Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) is NOT official correspondence from us or the Dog and Cat Management Board.
There is no fee associated with updating your pet's details on DACO, and microchips themselves don't expire (although all dogs and cats are required to be microchipped and that information is used as part of their registration with Council that is renewed annually).

Please contact the Dog and Cat Management Board directly with any questions. Visit https://dogandcatboard.com.au/

South Australian pet owners please be aware!

The Dog and Cat Management Board has advised of an email scam currently circulating advising pet owners their animal's microchip has expired and is unregistered. The scam is asking owners to pay a $28 fee to update their animal's registration.

Please be aware this is a scam and is not an official email from Dogs and Cats Online.

DO NOT click on any links and DO NOT provide any personal information or credit card details. If you have any concerns, please contact the Dog and Cat Management Board.

Visit https://dogandcatboard.com.au/

12/11/2024

How powerful is a dog's nose?
Here we see Fern track a specific scent that has been buried at the bottom of a large lake! 🤯

We talk about sniffing a LOT here at Charles Sturt - giving dogs ample time (and new opportunities) to sniff can make a world of difference to their physical and mental health. Your dog doesn't have to be trained like Fern to enjoy using their nose!

Find out more about making the most of your sniff-walks here: https://www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au/services/pets-and-animal-management/dogs/dog-blog/lets-go-on-a-sniffari

🎥 BBC Earth

11/11/2024

Remembrance Day is a national day of commemoration.
At 11 am, we pause in silence to remember and reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the troops and animals that served Australia and its allies in wars, conflicts and peace operations.

We will remember them.

05/11/2024

Retractable leads are not a good idea - here's why!

We don't usually share stories like this, but sometimes the message is too important not too.
While retractable leads seem like a good idea, and might feel good when walking your dog, they also come with a host of risks - https://www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au/services/pets-and-animal-management/dogs/dog-blog/retractable-leads-and-why-they-are-not-a-good-idea

You can find out more about the different types of equipment recommended by the RSPCA SA here: https://www.rspcasa.org.au/the-issues/lead-by-example/

Content warning: discussion of injury to eye, some blood and bandages visible

30/10/2024

Happy Halloween!!!! 👻

Here's some tips for a pet-friendly Halloween.
Remember such a busy night can be very overwhelming for our pets - it's not every day that people change their shape by dressing up in costume!

Most dogs will prefer to stay at home to rest and relax - You can help set pets up for success by:
🎃 Keeping dogs on lead
🎃 Letting dogs and cats approach you (instead of assuming all pets want pats)
🎃 Keeping pets away from lollies and chocolate
🎃 Giving dogs lots of space from crowds
🎃 Keeping interactions short

Check out our tips for keeping kids and dogs safe here: https://brnw.ch/Navigating_Kids_And_Dogs

29/10/2024

⚠️ Fireworks Warning 🎉

Fireworks are scheduled as part of the Drakes Family 50th Birthday Event, this Saturday 2nd November at Flinders Park Oval, between 8:30pm and 9pm.

If you live nearby and your pet is sensitive to loud noises, please ensure:
✔️ they are safe and comfortable inside
✔️ that they have their ID on them
✔️ that your information is up to date on Dogs and Cats Online
✔️ your fencing is secure.

Check out our dog blog for more information on helping your dog (or cat!) with a Fireworks Frenzy: https://brnw.ch/Dogs_And_Fireworks

28/10/2024

Check out these great tips for safer interactions with dogs from Buddy! 😍

Remember any dog can bite, and sometimes good dogs have bad days.

You can find more about dog body language on our dog blog: https://brnw.ch/CanineCommunication and with Buddy at https://brnw.ch/GoodDogs_BadDays

23/10/2024

⚠️ Fireworks warning for noise phobic dogs and cats! 🎉

There is a fireworks display scheduled this Sunday night, 27th October, at the St Hilarion Feast Day at Gleneagles Reserve between 9:30pm and 9:45pm.

If you live nearby and your pets are sensitive to loud noises, please keep them safe and inside.

For information and tips on assisting your pets who may be sensitive to loud noises check out our Dog Blog article: https://brnw.ch/DoesYourDogGoIntoAFireworksFrenzy?

23/10/2024

We are absolutely loving this new dog bite prevention program from RSPCA QLD! 😍

Jump onto their website to access free activity packs and more information on keeping kids and dogs safe!

You can also learn more about navigating kids and dogs safely on our own dog blog: https://www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au/services/pets-and-animal-management/dogs/dog-blog/navigating-kids-and-dogs-safely