Nullakai Vet Service

22/01/2025

We love to see all your pets coming into the clinic, and some even leave us a thank-you gift 💩😂 Thanks for swinging by Ruby Rose!

17/01/2025

Beware of Bluebottles on the beach when walking your pups! 🪼

If you are concerned your dog call the Animal Poisons Helpline for free advice on 1300 869 738 ☎️

🪼The Animal Poisons Helpline is frequently called about dogs that have ingested beached bluebottles. Otherwise known as man-of-war or blue bottle jellyfish, Physalia physalis is not actually a jellyfish but is a colony of many smaller living organisms (known as zooids) which hang from a gas filled float.

Bluebottles are commonly found in Australian and New Zealand waters and are often washed onto the beach after strong winds. In some instances, certain shorelines will be covered with hundreds of bluebottles which can retain the ability to sting after washing ashore.

Dogs that ingest bluebottles may be stung in the mouth and throat. These stings are immediately painful and affected dogs may drool or vomit. Stings may result in local swelling in the mouth and throat and rarely this may lead to breathing difficulties. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis are possible.

Please be cautious whilst on the beach with your dog this summer. Spend a few minutes inspecting the shoreline before removing your dog’s leash, particularly in the days following strong onshore winds. If there are washed up bluebottles, keeping your dog leashed is a good idea and this can also be a useful strategy to prevent your dog eating beached pufferfish and other poisonous marine creatures such as sea hares. If you come across a mass beaching of bluebottles, please inform the Helpline on [email protected] so that we can get the word out to other pet owners in the area!

If you are concerned your pet has ingested something they should not have, please phone the Animal Poisons Helpline. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CAN). If you are a member of a veterinary team you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates directly to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe.

17/01/2025

The magic of clippers! 🪄

Trimming the hair on your dog's paws and between their paw pads can help to reduce grass seeds, burrs, and all sorts of debris getting stuck in the hair and causing irritation.

Call our clinic on 9845 2245 to book your pooch for their pedicure!

15/01/2025

Alpacas are considered "effective forms of predator deterrent" CSIRO study finds! 🦙

Did you know that Alpacas can be used as livestock guardians? A survey of Australian sheep producers completed in 2024 found Alpacas not only quickly bonded to their flock, but also exhibited guardian behaviour including "staying close to lambs, and chasing, vocalising, or killing potential threats" - with respondents reporting they were most effective against foxes.

Read the full published article here: https://www.publish.csiro.au/AN/AN24093

For more information on Alpacas as guardian animals, and their requirements, click on the below or speak to our team at the clinic.

Learn more here: https://alpaca.asn.au/farming-alpacas/alpacas-as-herd-guardians/

11/01/2025

Please avoid using sticky or glue traps to prevent harm to our wildlife 🐦
More information below ⬇️

10/01/2025

Sniffing out native species! 🐁🐾

Check out the super dog detection squad used by Zoos Victoria's Wildlife Detection Dog Program to aid in monitoring threatened and endangered native species.

These smart detectives work with their handlers to locate species including the Platypus, Tasmanian Devil, Baw Baw frog, Broad-toothed rat, and Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon - without even disturbing them in their habitat!

Listen to the ABC radio interview attached or visit the link below to find out about each member of the canine team for your feel-good moment of the day!

https://www.zoo.org.au/fighting-extinction/fighting-extinction-dog-squad/

In Victoria, man's best friend is being recruited for a program that could soon see dogs become a platypus’s best friend too.

08/01/2025

Are you looking to help your local seabird population? 🐧

WA Seabird Rescue - Albany are looking for volunteers in Albany and the surrounds including Gull Rock, Naranup, Denmark, Cheynes Beach & Bremer Bay.

Requirements are you must be over 16, reasonably fit, and have your own transport. For more information look at the post below ⬇️

Check out this Instagram Post designed by Western Australian Seabird Rescue.

08/01/2025

Great job Ralph! Learn more about his role as an educational support dog in the video below 🐶🩵

03/01/2025

New Year New Pet? What is the best fit for your family and lifestyle!
Picking out a new member of your family can be a big decision, and one that should be done with a couple of considerations in mind listed below. ⬇️

🐛 Purpose: Is your new pet for companionship for yourself, your family, or another family pet? Some animals make better companions than others, and will be more suited to a household with young children and other pets. Introducing any new pets to other animals will take some time and planning to achieve a harmonious living situation

⛳️ Space: Each type of animal has unique space requirements whether it be cage or tank size, space outdoors to roam, or a combination of areas, to be fully enriched and exercised. This space may have certain requirements such as high fencing, shelters or bedding areas, or different types of substrate.

⚽️ Exercise and enrichment: How much time can you spend each day training, playing or exercising your pet? Certain animals, such as working breeds of dogs, will need a high level of exercise and enrichment to prevent them becoming bored and exhibiting problematic behaviour such as destruction of property, barking, or general anxiety.

💸 Cost: Most companion pets will require an initial schedule of vaccines, followed by an annual vaccination, as well as parasite control, food and treats, bedding and comforts, toys, grooming supplies, training classes, and unexpected vet bills. To prevent unwanted litter, sterilisation of your pet is recommended, which will have varying costs depending on animal size and type.

🤔 How do you choose? Make sure you research all of the needs of your potential pet to see what suits you best - there are many quizzes online to help like the ones below to find the best breed of dog!

https://dogsaustralia.org.au/meet-the-breeds/

https://dogsaustralia.org.au/Breeds/what-breed-best-suits-me

👋 Ask your vet! If you are thinking of adding to your family, we would love to hear from you and can give advice on species, breeds, and other consideration to help find the best fit you for!

27/12/2024

Keep your dog safe during the NYE fireworks! 🚀✨

With multiple fireworks scheduled for New Year's Eve, make sure your dog will be safe and protected.
- Know when the fireworks are scheduled, generally there are early and midnight displays.
- Ensure they are safely enclosed inside or contained in your yard.
- If they are known to escape, make sure they have a collar with identification, and a contact number to reach you if found.
- Ensure they are registered with the shire and microchipped with your local vet.
- Ensure any prescribed medication is up to date and given as directed with enough time before the schedule display to be effective.
- If you are unsure how your dog will react, we recommend having them close by or within someone's care to care for them if needed.

If you have any questions about preparing your dog, please call the clinic to ask for advice.

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Nullakai Vet Services Team! 🎅✨🎁🎄

We hope all our clients enjoy celebrating with their family and friends during this time.

If your pet is experiencing an emergency please call the clinic on 9845 2245 and Dr Shey will contact you ASAP.

21/12/2024

Christmas came early for Dr Shey! 🐴 🤎

These two long-legged cuties were born this month, just in time to be part of the holiday celebration and get all the love from family and friends visiting!

Thanks in advance to Shey for pulling herself away from these precious foals to treat our patients in need 😂

20/12/2024

Protect those paws! 🐾

We might not get roaring temperatures down here but car parks and bitumen paths especially can warm up quite quickly in the middle of the day. Make sure to check the ground on behalf of your pup!

How would you feel if you were forced to walk barefoot while wearing a fur coat in the middle of a scorching Perth summer day? 🐶

We've received numerous reports since last week's heatwave about pet owners who are taking their dogs out for a walk in the middle of a scorching day. And, with how high the temperature climbed today and how high it'll remain for the rest of the week, we are worried for the dogs of WA. 😟

As the temperature rises, so does the surface temperature on pavements, roads, and sand. Aside from discomfort and pain, dogs can suffer burnt paws from walking on extremely hot surfaces. ❤️‍🩹

If you aren't sure if it's safe, you can protect your hound by checking the ground before the walk; if you can't keep the palm of your hand on the ground comfortably for five seconds, it's too hot to safely walk your dog!

Please, if you need to walk your dog, save it for the early morning hours of the day or after the sun has set in the evening. Keep walks short, ensure that you have plenty of water for your dog to drink, and that you stick to a route with grassy areas and shaded pathways to help protect their paws and keep them cool.

Let's keep our pets safe and comfortable in the summer heat! Help us get the word out! ❤️🐕‍🦺

18/12/2024

Don't forget my medication! 🐶🐱💊

A friendly reminder to all our clients to make sure your pet's medications are up to date and fully stocked for holidays, kennel stays, and the general holiday period.

We are open until midday on Tuesday 24th of December and will reopen on Saturday 28th of December. You may not be able to collect more medication for your pet during this closed period so please plan ahead.

If Dr Shey has not seen your pet in the last six months, they will need to come into the clinic to be examined before any new or ongoing medication is dispensed.

13/12/2024

A big day for Harold! 🐰

Our hoppy friend recently came in for his castration, an important precaution to stop the proverbial "breeding like rabbits"!

After the quick procedure, Harold went home with his caring owners in the afternoon to continue his recovery. We can't wait to see you for your next visit Harold 🩵

11/12/2024

🎄Holiday Period Opening Hours 🎄

Please be aware our team is taking a couple of days off over Christmas and on New Year's Day to celebrate the holidays with their family and friends.

If your pet has an emergency during this time, please call our clinic number 9845 2245 and Dr Shey will be in contact ASAP.

07/12/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/19NJivkpot/

🚨 Why Feeding Wildlife Can Do More Harm Than Good 🚨

This X-ray shows a young magpie who had just fledged the nest but sadly didn’t receive the proper nutrients needed for healthy development. Feeding wildlife human food or improper diets can lead to serious health issues, like the deformities seen here.

Unfortunately, this little one couldn’t survive in the wild and had to be humanely euthanised. 💔

While it’s tempting to feed our feathered friends, the best way to help wildlife is to leave their diet to nature or consult local experts about safe feeding practices. Together, we can ensure they thrive in the wild where they belong. 🐦🌿

07/12/2024

🙀 Did you know that snail bait is a significant pet poisoning hazard?

In Australia and New Zealand, most snail baits contain either metaldehyde, methiocarb or iron. Dogs may find these products appetising and will ingest large amounts (even an entire box) if given the chance to do so. Some products may be labelled as pet friendly, whilst others incorporate a bittering agent to deter ingestion. In our experience these bittering agents do not stop curious dogs and whilst some snail baits are considered safer than others, it is important to note that a large ingestion of any of these products may result in life-threatening poisoning.

We would like to remind all pet owners about the safe use of such products. To prevent snail bait poisoning in your pets;

✅ Ensure your pets never have access to snail bait packaging. Many of these products are available in cardboard boxes and can easily be chewed through.

✅ Use as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not sprinkle excessive quantities or heap pellets in any particular area. Applying more than recommended can drastically increase the risk to pets.

✅ Be careful not to sprinkle any pellets onto pedestrian pathways next to your garden. Passing dogs may find these highly appetising and you may inadvertently poison someone else’s pet.

✅ Consider pesticide free solutions such as manually removing snails.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG) or (917) 722-5958 (US). If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or the United States, you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. We thank the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for supporting this post.