Hobart and Channel Highway Animal Hospitals

15/01/2024

Gorgeous Finley the 12week old Dalmatian 🐶 having cuddles with Nurse Bella during his visit for his puppy vaccinations 🐾

12/01/2024

Fact Friday: Heat stroke

With summer well and truly upon us it’s is really important to keep our pets safe and comfortable during the warmer months.

Our pets do not handle the heat the same way we do and often struggle to keep themselves cool.

Here are a few Ways to help your pet this summer.

- Keep them indoors and leave the air-conditioning on
- Ensure they have access to shade when outside
- Ensure they have plenty of cold water (add ice cubes to the water)
- Walk dogs at dawn and dusk
- Limit exercise in the warmer parts of the day
- Avoid walking on hot surfaces such as asphalt and sand.
- Do not leave your pet in the car alone
- Regular grooming
- Apply pet sunscreen to exposed areas of pink skin

Symptoms of heat stroke:
- Lethargy
- Panting/rapid breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Pale gums
- Loss of appetite
- Restlessness

In extreme cases:
- Collapse
- Seizure
- Death

If you have any questions on how to help keep your pet safe and happy this summer. Please don’t hesitate to call us to discuss.

☎️ Channel Highway Animal Hospital 6229 7939
☎️ Hobart Animal Hospital 6236 9787

08/01/2024

These two cuties got lots of attention from all the staff during their visit for their health checks 🐱

07/01/2024

*Update*

Unfortunately due to the ongoing worldwide vaccine shortage we are currently unable to take bookings for cat vaccinations.

If your kitty is due for their vaccination please let us know and we will place you on our vaccine waiting list.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your feline or they are due for vaccination please contact us to discuss

———————————————————————————

Attention cat owners 🚨 as some of you may be aware there is a worldwide shortage of cat vaccines and it is unknown exactly when these vaccines will become available.

During this time we will be prioritising kittens and cats going into boarding.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your feline or they are due for vaccination please contact us to discuss

☎️ Channel Highway Animal Hospital 6229 7939
☎️ Hobart Animal Hospital 6236 9787

Trusted and independent source of local, national and world news. In-depth analysis, business, sport, weather and more.

30/12/2023

Some hints to help you and your pets cope with the New Year’s fireworks tonight 🎇

Dogs’ hearing is four times better than human hearing and it’s a natural reaction for some dogs to flee and seek refuge when they hear loud and unfamiliar sounds.

• Ensure your pet is wearing identification and that their microchip details are up to date.

• Keep your pet inside, close blinds and curtains

• Stay home with your pet, or if this is not possible, organise a pet-sitter for the night, or have someone close at hand who can check on them if need be.

• Distract your pet with toys and food and keep a radio or television switched on.

• If you know your pet is especially anxious, it is advisable to speak to your vet for suitable treatment and desensitisation training tips.

☎️ Hobart Animal Hospital 6236 9787
☎️ Channel Highway Animal Hospital 6229 7939

25/12/2023

Hobart and Channel Highway Animal Hosptials would like to wish all our patients and their owners a safe and Merry Christmas 🎄

23/12/2023

🦎🐹 This festive season, count on us to be there for your loved companions!

Our dedicated team as always will be available 24/7, ready to provide emergency treatment for your furry, feathery, or scaly family members. Your pets are in good hands with us!

No Appointment Required!

22/12/2023

Fact Friday: Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease) is a degenerative, progressive, and irreversible condition of the joints that affects up to 25% of dogs during their lifetime, and in one study 90% of cats over 12 years of age.

Most dogs with radiographic evidence of DJD will show signs of discomfort including the following:
• Lameness/limping
• Restlessness or difficulty getting comfortable when laying down
• Stiffness after periods of rest
• Licking or chewing at joints

In cats we are less likely to observe lameness, and more likely to see behavioural changes:
• Reduced activity
• Hiding
• Reduced grooming
• Irritability
• Toileting outside of the litter box

Your vet can help diagnose osteoarthritis based on what is found in physical examination and X-rays.
Management of osteoarthritis is simple but often lifelong. Management revolves around weight, exercise and therapeutics. This may involve joint supplements, pain relief, weight reduction if your pet is overweight, and physiotherapy.

Please contact your vet today if you have any concerns with your pet regarding joint disease.

☎️Hobart Animal Hospital 6236 9787
☎️Channel Highway Animal Hospital 6229 7939

18/12/2023

CUTIE ALERT 🚨
Gorgeous Goose getting into the spirit of Christmas during his visit to us for his 2nd puppy vaccination’s he was very excited to show us how good he was at sitting 🐶

15/12/2023

Fact Friday: Desexing

Did you know that de-sexing is the most common surgical procedure performed in a vet clinic?

What is de-sexing:
De-sexing involves the removal of an animals reproductive organs.

- Spey (female): involves a full ovario-hysterectomy removing the uterus and ovaries
- Castration (male): involves the removal of the testicles

Risks associated with not de-sexing:
De-sexing has many health benefits for both cats and dogs and can reduce the risk of health complications later in life

Some of the most common risks associated with not desexing include:
- Pyometra (life threatening infection of the uterus)
- Increased risk of mammary tumours in females
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Increased risk of prostate cancer in males
- Unwanted sexual behaviours - including roaming
- Some forms of aggression

Cat desexing laws:
It is a legal requirement in Tasmania that all cats over the age of 4 months need be de-sexed and microchipped.

Contact us today to discuss or to book in your pet for de-sexing.

☎️ Channel Highway Animal Hosptial 6229 7939
☎️ Hobart Animal Hosptial 6236 9787

📸 Nellie (left) and Millie (right) keeping warm during there hospital stay for their de-sexing procedures 🐶

13/12/2023

Below is a list of our opening hours over the Christmas and New years period🎄🎉

If your pet requires urgent veterinary care outside of these hours please contact AES (Animal Emergency Services) on 1300 302 912.

13/12/2023

We are looking for a Casual Receptionist to join our team!

If you are a self-motivated individual with a passion for animals and excellent customer service, we'd love to hear from you.

11/12/2023

Adorable siblings Hatchi (left) and Yogi (right). Hatchi came in to see our team for her Annual check up and vaccinations and brought her brother yogi with her as moral support 🐶

04/12/2023

Gorgeous Winston 🐱 all snuggled up in his bed during his hospital stay 🐾

01/12/2023

Fact Friday: Grass seeds

Summer is here which means it’s grass seed season. Grass seeds can cause significant discomfort and trauma to our pets if left in their coat.

Grass seeds can be found anywhere on our pets bodies but the most common areas include:

- Ears
- Armpits
- Eyes
- Paws/In between toes

This summer it is important to regularly check your pets coat for grass seeds. Dogs with long or curly coats have a higher chance of collecting grass seeds when playing outside.

The best ways to prevent the build up of grass seeds include:

- Check your pets coat after they have been outside
- Regular grooming (keep fur on paws and ears short)
- Avoid walking through long grass

Pictured below is Charlie a 4 month old Groodle who came into the clinic after he couldn’t stop scratching at his ear and shaking his head. Charlie under went a light sedation so we could examine his ear safely. During the exam we discovered Charlie had not one but multiple large grass seeds in his ear. He was a much happier boy after having them removed

If you suspect your pet may be in discomfort from a grass seed please contact us.

☎️ Channel Highway Animal Hospital 6229 7939
☎️ Hobart Animal Hospital 6236 9787

27/11/2023

Gorgeous Salem🐱 posing for a photo while she waited for her owner to pick her up after spending the day in hospital for a dental procedure 🐾

24/11/2023

Fact Friday: Compost Toxicity

Did you know that compost is toxic to our furry friends and it is important to ensure all compost piles are either tightly secured or appropriately fenced off so our pets cannot get access to them.

Some toxin ingestions can result in tremors, such as tremorgenic mycotoxins, which are obtained from eating mouldy food, rubbish or compost. Other clinical signs can include drooling and/or vomiting, dilated pupils and wobblieness (ataxia)
Other causes include snail and slug pellets, macadamia nuts, chocolate or caffeine and tea tree oil

Whilst there is no specific antidote for these toxins, with supportive care, the majority of dogs will significantly improve within 2-3 days. Some of these toxins, are potentially life-threatening and require intensive care in hospital for a longer period. It is not always possible to know which toxin a dog has ingested, so treatment generally focusses on decontamination (lavaging the stomach and performing an e***a) and supportive care (IV fluids, anti nausea medications)

Pictured below is Ringo a 13month old Australian Kelpie who presented to the clinic after eating compost. Ringo was rushed into the clinic after his owner noticed him having what looked like a seizure. After receiving intensive hospital care he was able to go home with his owner and walked out of the clinic like nothing ever happened 🐾

It is recommended that you present your pet to a vet if they are displaying any of these signs, or if you are concerned about a potential ingestion of compost, mouldy food or rubbish

☎️ Channel Highway Animal Hospital 6229 7939
☎️ Hobart Animal Hospital 6236 9787

20/11/2023

Meet brothers Lexi and Loki two very cute bunnies 🐰 who came in for their desexing procedures. They were on their very best behaviour and enjoyed the attention from all the nurses 🐾

17/11/2023

Fact Friday: Grape toxicity

Did you know that grapes and sultanas are poisonous? All grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas can be poisonous to dogs, and potentially poisonous to cats, and the dried versions of the fruits are more frequently associated with severe symptoms.

Like all poisons, grape toxicity is dose dependent, meaning that smaller dogs are more vulnerable. It’s unclear exactly what causes the toxic effects but just one grape, raisin, currant or sultana can be toxic so real caution should be taken with foods that contain them.

If caught early enough, your veterinarian can induce vomiting to remove the toxin from the pet's system.

Immediate signs of toxicity include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain

Never hesitate to call if you are worried about your pet.

☎️ Hobart Animal Hospital 6236-9787
☎️ Channel Highway Animal Hospital 6229-7939

14/11/2023

Gorgeous Winnie 🐶 enjoying some time in the sun ☀️ with nurses Ash and Ella after spending the day in hospital for X-rays post cruciate surgery 🐾

10/11/2023

Fact Friday: Overweight pets

Did you know that 50% of pets are overweight? And 90% of pet parents with an overweight pet don’t realise it.

Even if you’ve noticed your dog is carrying a few extra kilos, you may not realise how much it can affect their health.

Being as little as 10% overweight can greatly increase the risks associated with serious health conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, urinary stones or heart disease.

Excess weight can also significantly shorten your pets life expectancy compared to a healthy pet.

Signs your pet might be overweight:
- Ribs cannot be felt easily
- Loss of an obvious waist
- Collar needs loosening
- Difficulty walking
- Slow movements
- Shortness of breath
- Sleeping more than usual

If you are concerned your pet may be overweight, call us to book a FREE appointment with one of our Nurse Nutritional Consultants!

☎️ Channel Highway Animal Hospital 6229 7939
☎️ Hobart Animal Hospital 6236 9787

06/11/2023

Gorgeous Basil having cuddles with Nurse Bella in the sun after his procedure 🐶

03/11/2023

Fact Friday: New Member of the family

Did you know that we offer free health checks for new members of your family (this includes puppies, kittens and pets adopted from rescue centres). During your visit your pet will receive a full general health check with one of our experienced and friendly Veterinarians and it is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about caring for your new family member.

Register your new family member with us today and book your free health check.

☎️ Hobart Animal Hospital: 6236 9787
☎️ Channel Highway Animal Hospital: 6229 7939

30/10/2023

Duke is a gorgeous Labrador who visited us to have his sore eye checked. He was very excited to show Vet Emily and Nurse Ella all his tricks 🐾

27/10/2023

Some hints to help you and your dog cope with the Royal Hobart Show fireworks display tonight 🎇

Dogs’ hearing is four times better than human hearing and it’s a natural reaction for some dogs to flee and seek refuge when they hear loud and unfamiliar sounds.

• Ensure your pet is wearing identification and that their microchip details are up to date.

• Keep your pet inside, close blinds and curtains

• Stay home with your pet, or if this is not possible, organise a pet-sitter for the night, or have someone close at hand who can check on them if need be.

• Distract your pet with toys and food and keep a radio or television switched on.

• If you know your pet is especially anxious, it is advisable to speak to your vet for suitable treatment and desensitisation training tips.

☎️ Hobart Animal Hospital 6236 9787
☎️ Channel Highway Animal Hospital 6229 7939

27/10/2023

Fact Friday: Snake Bite

One of the scariest and time-critical emergencies we see in Tasmania during the summer time are snakes bites. With the warmer season already here it is important to keep a close eye on your fur babies when out and about.

Symptoms of snake bites can vary but include:
- Sudden weakness and collapse
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Bleeding
- Drooling, shaking, twitching
- Pain (groaning, crying)
- Paralysis of the hind-legs, progressing forward
- Blood in urine

Snake bite is diagnosed using a number of methods including owner seeing the pet get bitten, clinical signs, blood tests and snake venom detection kits. Treatment involves using the appropriate anti-venom treatment, as well as intensive supportive treatment during a prolonged hospital stay.

If you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a snake, immediate and urgent veterinary attention is needed. It is best to keep your pet as calm and quiet as possible, as increased movement and stress will cause the blood pressure to rise and the toxin to be pumped around the body faster. If possible, carry them from the bush to the car, then into the clinic.

Pictured below is Poppy a 2 year old Labrador who was very lucky to have not been bitten after she was found playing with a snake in her yard.

☎️ Hobart Animal Hospital 6236-9787
☎️ Channel Highway Animal Hospital 6229-7939

25/10/2023

We are closed today for the Royal Hobart Show Public holiday!

For emergencies please contact AES (Animal Emergency Services) on 1300 302 912

We will be back in clinic tomorrow from 8am-6pm 🐾

24/10/2023

Attention Hobart Clients!

Hobart Animal Hospital’s phones and computer’s will be offline tomorrow between 1pm-2:30pm.

Routine appointments can be made using our online booking system.

For any emergencies during this time, please contact Channel Highway Animal Hospital on 6229 7939

We apologise for the inconvenience.

23/10/2023

Meet Sarge, an 8 month old Belgian Malinois who visited us after getting a fish hook🪝stuck in his lip.

Dr Emily Williams was able to remove the hook under sedation and Sarge will make a full recovery.

Here he is pictured having cuddles with Nurse Ella while waiting for his mum to pick him up 🐾

This is a good reminder to be mindful this summer and store fishing gear out of reach of our pets 🐟