Walk In Clinic for Animals

12/06/2024

** Supporting older cat’s mental health **

We all need a helping hand sometimes. As our cats age, their behaviour may change. The onset of grumpiness in older cats is not uncommon, however it doesn’t have to be that way.

Irritable behaviour is usually linked to an underlying cause, such as pain, chronic disease or mental health issues such as frustration and boredom. If you’ve noticed your cat’s behaviour has changed as they’ve gotten older, give us a call. We can help identify the cause and possible solutions.

10/06/2024

We are OPEN from 7pm – 10:30pm this King's Birthday Public Holiday for all of your urgent veterinary care needs.

A reminder that if your pet is critically unwell (e.g. heat stroke, snake bite etc) you will need to present to one of the two emergency clinics open today – Animal Referral Hospital in Pialligo or Canberra Veterinary Emergency Service in Gungahlin.

08/06/2024

** Deafness in older dogs **

As they get older, dogs can suffer degenerative deafness. While we can’t stop hearing loss, there are things we can do to help. Firstly, always get your vet to check any pet you suspect has hearing loss. Other causes of deafness should always be ruled out. Secondly, consider making some adjustments to your routine. Avoid startling your dog by keeping in their line of sight and give commands alongside a hand signal to help your senior pooch understand.

06/06/2024

** Importance of medication rechecks **

If you have a pet on a long-term medication, you will know that regular rechecks are required for scripts to be reissued. This is no different from the human medical system and is a regulatory requirement. However, rechecks are also important to ensure the medication dose and frequency are still appropriate. Diseases, even life-long ones, change over time, and sometimes medications have to be increased, decreased, stopped or a different medication needs to be added.

27/05/2024

** We are OPEN for the Reconciliation Public Holiday! **

We are open today as usual 7pm - 10:30pm for your furry loved ones!

26/05/2024

Norman came in to visit us a few weeks ago and we couldn't resist sharing his cute little face!

24/05/2024

** Million Paws Walk This Weekend!! **

On Sunday the 26 of May head to the Patrick White Lawns in Canberra for a family friendly walk to help raise much needed funds for animals in need. Registration opens at 9am and the walk will kick off at 11am. After the walk, stick around to enjoy food, music, retail stalls, prizes and more.

For more information see https://www.millionpawswalk.com.au/act

22/05/2024

** Discover the ancient origins of the adorable Pomeranian **

Despite their small size, Pomeranians have a big history. These fluffy companions trace their roots back to the region of Pomerania, which is now part of Poland and Germany. Originally larger and bred as working dogs, Pomeranians were favored by royalty and aristocracy in the 18th century.

Over time, their size decreased, and their luxurious coats became a symbol of elegance and charm. Today, they're cherished as delightful family pets and beloved lapdogs. 💖

19/05/2024

** Overgrown claws in cats **

Do you have an older cat? As cats age, some conditions can become more common such as arthritis. As well as causing cats to slow down and spend more time sleeping, arthritis can also lead to overgrown claws.

This might be because the way your cat walks has changed, or it might be due to pain, which prevents your cat from scratching their claws like they normally would. Either way, overgrown claws in cats is a good sign that further investigation is required.

18/05/2024

The team at Canberra Veterinary Emergency Services is short staffed this weekend due to staff illness.

We are here to help Canberra's emergency clinics after hours, and are open every night from 7pm - 10:30pm for all non-life-threatening and urgent conditions.

If you have an emergency, please still call one of Canberra's two emergency clinics this weekend.

Dear pet parents of Canberra!

Unfortunately, we are experiencing a lot of difficulties with our roster today. Due to multiple staff sicknesses, we tried our best to remain open and cover the shifts that needed to be covered. We thank our amazing team who came together and picked up some extra hours in order to help animals and people in need.

Yet, we are still understaffed in our veterinary department. We do not have either consulting or procedures veterinarians rostered today, meaning 1 hospital vet will be responsible for the entire patient load (walk-ins, GP veterinarians transfers, and already hospitalised patients). As this is a lot of pressure for only 1 person, we have to limit our consultation capacity for today. This will mean we are only seeing critical patients today.

But please, do not worry. Our wonderful and skilled nurse and client care teams are here for you if you need veterinary assistance.

Do not hesitate to call us at 6225 7257 to have a detailed conversation with our team members. We will listen to your concerns and create a plan together to help you determine what is the best course of action for you and your pet.

As always, we thank you for being kind and respectful towards our hard-working team.

Stay safe!

17/05/2024

** Patella luxation in small dogs **

One of the most common joint diseases in small dogs is luxating patellas. This occurs when the groove that the knee cap, or patella, normally sits in is too shallow, causing the patella to slip out occasionally.

Luxating patellas are graded from 1 to 4, with 4 being the most severe. As there is a genetic link to luxating patellas, some affected dogs will have both knees impacted to a degree. Fortunately, there are both medical and surgical options to manage this condition.

12/05/2024

** Mother’s Day **

Today we celebrate Mother’s Day.

A happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and mother figures – thank you for everything you do!

May you have uninterrupted sleep and a chance to relax.

We count ourselves lucky to have lots of wonderful mothers at WICA – we couldn’t do it without you.

08/05/2024

** Farewell Dr Will **

Today is the last shift of one of our fantastic vets, Dr Will. He has been such an important part of our team and we all wish him the best as he moves on to sunny Queensland! We will miss you!

03/05/2024

**Kennel Cough Alert**

We’re concerned there may be a kennel cough outbreak in Canberra.

After three unrelated dogs came in last night for suspected kennel cough, it's important to keep an eye out for symptoms.

What is kennel cough?

A catch-all term for a group of highly infectious diseases that cause respiratory symptoms in dogs. While the kennel cough (KC) vaccine covers the most common causes of the condition, it doesn't cover all of them (which means vaccinated dogs can still get infected).

What are some of the symptoms of kennel cough?

• Dry hacking cough
• Retching, often with a white foam produced
• Inappetence
• Lethargy

If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, call the vet ahead of time and let them know. They might want you to wait in your car or avoid the waiting room to prevent the spread of the disease.

03/05/2024

*Degenerative Joint Disease*

Have you heard of degenerative joint disease (DJD)? Also known as arthritis, it is more common in older animals, but has been found in pets of all ages, particularly those who have suffered previous injuries or have a genetic predisposition.

DJD can severely impact quality of life by causing chronic pain, so it’s important your pet’s DJD is treated. Fortunately, there are excellent treatment options now available that will help your pet find their spark again!

29/04/2024

** Meet Phoenix **

Phoenix recently came to see our lovely vets and we couldn't resist sharing a cute happy snap.

27/04/2024

** Happy World Veterinary Day!! **

Today we celebrate and give thanks to all our hard working and dedicated vets.

We're so lucky to have such amazing vets at the Walk In Clinic for Animals!!

24/04/2024

20/04/2024

** Origin Story Series: German Shepherd **

Let's dive into the rich history of the loyal and noble German Shepherd! Developed in Germany in the late 19th century, German Shepherds were originally bred for herding and protecting sheep.

However, their exceptional intelligence, strength, and versatility soon caught the attention of law enforcement and military agencies worldwide. From serving as police K9s to working alongside search and rescue teams, German Shepherds have proven themselves to be invaluable assets in various roles.

What breeds have the most interesting histories? Let us know below!

19/04/2024

We are so fortunate to have ACT Pet Crisis Support here in Canberra ❤️

For the last few years, the Canberra community has faced a Veterinarian shortage that has made finding emergency veterinary care even more stressful. As a response to this veterinary shortage, the Walk In Clinic for Animals was started and our community is so lucky to have this wonderful clinic and their fantastic staff. The team at WICA (Walk In Clinic for Animals) are open each evening from 7-11pm and are there to help when a pet needs urgent veterinary care that is non-life threatening. This takes some pressure off our very busy Emergency Vet Hospitals.

One of the little Canberra locals who benefited from the compassionate care of the WICA team was little Queenie, the adorable tabby kitten. When Queenie developed eye and nasal discharge, her loving owner was very distressed. Not only is it awful seeing your beloved pet in discomfort, but Queenie's owner didn't have the finances to take her to a veterinarian.

Queenie's owner has casual employment and was going through a period where she wasn't receiving much work, so funds were very tight. However eye issues in pets should never be left untreated as it can risk the long term sight of the animal. So Queenie's owner brought her into the Walk In Clinic for Animals, who assessed that she had an infection and required medication. They applied for some financial assistance and we were happy to help this well-deserving kitten and her family.

We hope Queenie has recovered well and is back to being her bright-eyed and playful self.

14/04/2024

** Cold weather tips! **

As temperatures drop, let's ensure our furry companions stay cozy and warm! Set up snug beds in draft-free corners, consider sweaters for short-haired pals, provide extra nourishment, and keep them indoors as much as possible.

Remember to use pet-safe heaters and limit outdoor excursions in chilly weather. Let's keep our pets happy and snug this winter!

10/04/2024

** Origin Story Series: Golden Retriever **

🐾 Have you ever wondered about the fascinating origins of the majestic Golden Retriever? Originating from Scotland in the mid-19th century, these lovable dogs were bred for one main purpose: retrieving game during hunting expeditions.

With their gentle and eager-to-please nature, Golden Retrievers quickly gained popularity as excellent hunting companions. Today, they're cherished family pets known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly demeanor. 🌟

04/04/2024

Meet Ace!
Ace is pictured here waiting patiently for his appointment to get some wounds cleaned. He was a star patient!

27/03/2024

** Meet Dr Taylor! **

Dr Taylor is our resident rabbit and guinea pig guru. She loves helping our littlest friends. She also works in the government during the day - keeping busy!

24/03/2024

We are OPEN from 7pm – 10:30pm this Easter weekend, including the public holidays for all of your non-life-threatening veterinary care needs.

A reminder that if your pet is critically unwell (e.g. heat stroke, snake bite etc) you will need to present to one of the two emergency clinics – Animal Referral Hospital in Pialligo or Canberra Veterinary Emergency Service in Gungahlin.

21/03/2024

** Meet Maple! One of our many cute patients **

Maple came to visit us for a grass seed abscess that needed treatment from our loving team. Maple was a pleasure to meet and was a perfect patient!

15/03/2024

*St Patrick’s Day*

It’s St Patrick’s Day this Sunday. We take this day to celebrate all of our wonderful Irish dog breeds including the Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Do you have an Irish dog breed? If so, leave a picture of them in the comments!

10/03/2024

*Canberra Day Public Holiday*

We are OPEN from 7pm – 10:30pm this Canberra Day Public Holiday for all of your urgent veterinary care needs.

A reminder that if your pet is critically unwell (e.g. heat stroke, snake bite etc) you will need to present to one of the two emergency clinics open today – Animal Referral Hospital in Pialligo or Canberra Veterinary Emergency Service in Gungahlin.

08/03/2024

** Canberra Balloon Spectacular 9-17 March **

This weekend marks the beginning of the much anticipated Canberra balloon spectacular. Our favourite from last year was Buster the bulldog!

Dogs are permitted but generally not recommended since the balloons and the noises can be distressing.

For more information: https://enlightencanberra.com/program/canberra-balloon-spectacular/

06/03/2024

** Meet Oscar!! **

Oscar the beagle is a recent (and very cute) visitor to the Walk in Clinic for Animals. He was feeling a little under the weather and was seen by our wonderful and caring staff for treatment.