Canine Fitness Centre

28/11/2025

🚫🌸 Lantana: A Hidden Danger for Dogs

Many of us love colourful gardens — but lantana, a common ornamental shrub across Australia, can be highly toxic to dogs. It’s classified as a noxious w**d in NSW and an invasive species nationwide, and even a small amount can cause serious illness.

The leaves, flowers, and especially the berries contain toxins called lantadene A and B, which can severely affect the liver and digestive system.

⚠️ Symptoms of Lantana Poisoning

Signs can appear within hours and may include:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness or depression
• Jaundice (yellow eyes, gums, or skin)
• Swollen belly
• Sun sensitivity or skin irritation after sunlight exposure

Because liver damage can continue to worsen, lantana poisoning is a veterinary emergency.

🌿 How to Keep Your Dog Safe

✔️ Remove any lantana from your yard or play areas
✔️ Prevent your dog from chewing on garden plants
✔️ Seek immediate veterinary help if you suspect they’ve ingested lantana — don’t wait for symptoms

🌱 Final Reminder

A safe environment is just as important as good training, nutrition, and love. Keeping toxic plants like lantana out of reach is a simple step that can make a big difference to your dog’s long-term health. 🐾💚

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23/11/2025

Handcrafted Crochet Scrunchie – Soft, Stylish & Made with Love

Perfect for Christmas stockings.

Each scrunchie is carefully handmade by myself using high-quality yarn and a strong, comfortable elastic core. Designed to be gentle on hair while adding a touch of texture and colour, these crochet scrunchies bring a unique, handcrafted charm to any outfit.

With beautiful ruffles, petals, waves, and lace-style details, every piece has its own personality — from soft pastels to vibrant colour blends and sparkly fibres. Whether you prefer simple elegance or bold statement styles, there’s a scrunchie to suit every look and occasion.

Perfect for ponytails, messy buns, plaits, or worn on the wrist as a cute accessory.
Ideal for gifts, markets, dancers, teens, kids, or anyone who loves handmade treasures.

• Soft & gentle on hair
• Strong, high-stretch elastic
• Unique handmade detailing
• Comfortable, long-lasting, and stylish
• Australian made

Each scrunchie is one-of-a-kind — lovingly crafted, beautifully textured, and made to make you feel special.

Custom orders are available and bundle deals available.

22/11/2025

🐾 Why Do Dogs Moult? Understanding the Shedding Cycle 🐾

If your dog seems to leave a trail of hair wherever they go, you’re not alone! Moulting — or shedding — is completely normal, and there’s actually a fascinating evolutionary reason behind it. At this time of year our filters take a hammering with all the dogs shedding. You can help our filters by giving your dog a quick brush before they come.

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🌿 What Is Moulting?

Moulting is your dog’s way of getting rid of old, worn-out fur and replacing it with healthy new hair. This natural process helps:

Keep them warm in winter

Protect them from heat and sun in summer

Maintain a functional, healthy coat

Provide camouflage in their ancestral environment

🐺 An Evolutionary Perspective

Dogs’ ancestors lived outdoors and relied heavily on their coat to survive seasonal changes.

Winter: They grew a dense, insulating undercoat

Summer: They shed it to stay cool

Even today, most dogs retain this seasonal shedding rhythm, even though they now live comfortably inside with us.

📅 When Does Moulting Happen?

🔸 Seasonal moults
Most dogs shed heavily twice a year:

Spring: Losing the thick winter undercoat

Autumn: Preparing for a warmer winter coat

🔸 Continuous moulting
Breeds with short coats or minimal undercoat may shed lightly all year round.

🔸 Male vs female shedding patterns

Females: May shed more around heat cycles, pregnancy, and after weaning due to hormonal shifts

Males: Typically have steadier, more seasonal shedding patterns

🐾 Other Factors That Influence Moulting

Breed and coat type

Diet and nutrition

Overall health

Hormonal changes

Stress or illness

⭐ Key Takeaway

Shedding isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a natural way for your dog to stay healthy and adapt to their environment. Regular grooming keeps the coat in good condition and reduces the amount of loose fur around your home.

🧊 Fun Fact

Many breeds like Siberian Huskies and Border Collies have a strong, dense double coat, which means their shedding can be spectacular. This is an evolutionary adaptation to help them cope with extreme temperatures.

21/11/2025

We will be closed from the 23/12 - 2/1 however we arethrilled to announce our special session for our beloved elderly and infirm dogs on December 27th, a tradition we're honored to uphold.

With limited spots available, we'll be prioritizing those in greatest need, and we'll share any remaining openings on this platform. If your furry friend could benefit from this special care and won't be able to join us on the 27th, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate as many as possible.

On a heartfelt note, I'd like to extend my deepest gratitude to Raechelle and Amy for their unwavering dedication while I've been away, and to our incredible clients for their understanding. After a 24 hour flight home from South Africa I arrived home on Wednesday night but was unfortunately admitted to hospital Thursday morning. I will be doing my best to touch base with all clients this week before heading to sit on a beach for a week on Sunday to allow my health to recharge.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.

19/11/2025

📣 Is your dog carrying a little “extra padding or coat”? Let’s talk about it! 🐶

📊 The Facts

In Australia, the overweight and obesity crisis in our canine companions is real — unfortunately around 41% of dogs are overweight or obese. And while a “chubby dog” might look cute, those extra kilos aren’t harmless - they are doing harm.

🩺 Why It Matters

Excess weight doesn’t just change how a dog looks — it affects how they feel, move, and age. Being overweight can contribute to:

🦴 Joint pain & arthritis

❤️ Heart disease

💉 Diabetes

😞 Reduced quality of life

⏳ Shorter lifespan

And here’s the sad thing: many Australians are now “fat-blind” — what we see as “normal” is actually overweight. We see so many dogs at the centre who are overweight or even morbidly obese.

✅ Strategies to Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight

Start with these simple steps:

Challenge fat-blindness: If your vet says your dog needs to slim down, trust their trained eye - don't ignore them. Unfortunatelyso many owners take offense when told this - both your vet and us have your dogs best interest at heart.

Know your dog’s calorie needs: Calculate daily requirements with your vet or us. There are also some tools around. For an average adult pet dog they should be eating approx 2% of their total ideal weight daily and this includes treats. This number changes for puppies/sporting dogs/old dogs.

Be cautious of feeding guides: Package recommendations are broad and often guide you to overfeed.

Portion control: Measure meals, limit treats, avoid table scraps.

Keep them active: Walks, playtime, hydrotherapy, enrichment — make movement fun!

💡 Extra Tips

Make sure everyone in the family is consistent with food and treats.

Use slow-feed bowls, puzzle feeders, or treat-roller toys to burn energy and stimulate the brain.

After desexing or as dogs age, their calorie needs drop — adjust portions accordingly.

Don’t rely on the scale alone: Feed the dog in front of you. Some weeks they may need more, other weeks they may need less.

Feel for ribs (with gentle pressure)

Look for a waist

Check for a tummy tuck

🐕 Final Thought

Your dog relies on you to keep them healthy — and that includes managing their weight. With awareness, consistency, and a few easy habits, you can help your dog stay active, comfortable, and by your side for many more happy years.

If you found this helpful, feel free to share it. Together we can help our pups live longer, healthier lives! 💛🐾

Canine Fitness Centre

13/11/2025

Meet Cloud, a resilient labradoodle who is thriving thanks to regular hydrotherapy sessions that help manage his hip dysplasia, keeping him active and pain-free.

10/11/2025

Coconut Oil & Its Many Benefits for Dogs and Cats! 🐾

Nature’s superfood isn’t just good for humans — it’s a gentle, natural remedy for your furry friends too! From soothing skin irritation to improving digestion, coconut oil can make a big difference in your pet’s overall health and comfort. 💚

🌿 Top Benefits of Coconut Oil for Pets

1. 🩹 Relieves Hot Spots — Calms irritation and promotes faster healing.

2. 🌸 Soothes Allergic Reactions, Cracked Paws & Abrasions — Moisturizes and protects dry or inflamed skin.

3. 🦠 Fights Yeast, Mites & Ear Infections — Naturally antibacterial and antifungal.

4. 👂 Minimizes Ear Wax Build-Up — Keeps ears clean and healthy.

5. 😁 Improves Dental Health — Helps reduce bacteria and supports fresh breath when used safely.

6. 🐜 Repels Fleas — When applied to the coat, it can help deter pests naturally.

7. 💩 Eases Constipation — A small amount in food supports healthy digestion.

🐶 How to Use It

Topically: Massage a small amount onto skin, paws, or coat.

Orally: Add a small amount (¼–1 tsp depending on size) to food a few times per week.

(Always introduce slowly and consult your vet before adding new supplements!)

🥥 Simple. Natural. Effective.
A little coconut oil goes a long way toward keeping your pet happy, healthy, and glowing from the inside out. ✨

08/11/2025

Naturally 🐾🌱

Looking for safe, simple ways to give your pup’s immune system a little extra love? 💚
Here are three natural superfoods you can sprinkle into their diet — in moderation!
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🥚 Eggs

A complete protein source packed with amino acids, vitamins, and healthy fats.
✨ Promotes muscle development, shiny coats, and lasting energy.
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🌿 Milk Thistle

An herbal powerhouse for liver health and detoxification.
🛡️ Helps protect the liver from toxins and supports overall resilience.
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💚 Spirulina

A nutrient-dense blue-green algae rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
🌊 Strengthens the immune system and may help reduce inflammation.
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⚡ Tip:

Always start with small amounts and consult your vet before making any major dietary changes — especially for dogs with existing health conditions.
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Nature knows best! 🌿
When used wisely, these whole-food boosters can help keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and thriving. 🐶💪
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04/11/2025

🦷 Puppy Teething 101 — What to Expect & How to Help! 🐾

When you bring your puppy home at 8 weeks, you’ve got a short window before they turn into little piranhas! 😅
This is the perfect time to start teaching gentle mouth manners — before teething kicks in.
If you’re unsure how to do this, reach out to a trainer who uses techniques you’re comfortable with.

🪥 The Teething Timeline

4 months: Incisors begin to fall out — the teething begins!

5 months: Incisors finish, and premolars start coming through.

5–6 months: Canines and premolars are doing their thing.

5–7 months: Molars erupt, wrapping up your puppy’s teething journey.

😬 What to Expect

Your puppy may be:

Extra bitey or mouthy 🐊

A little cranky or drooly

Reluctant to eat dry or hard food

Sporting some stinky breath (don’t worry — it’s temporary!)

🦴 Teething Relief Tips

Help soothe sore gums and save your furniture with these options 👇

🥕🍏 Cold Crunchies:
Refrigerated carrots or apple slices make great natural soothers.

🦴 Bones:
Fresh or frozen bones can be a favourite!
Not sure what’s safe? Check out 👉 freshfoodtribe.com/bones

🐖 Chews:

Pizzle sticks are a good supervised chew.

Limit pig ears (they can upset tummies).

❌ Avoid rawhide — it’s a choking and blockage risk.

🧸 Keeping Your Puppy Safe

Teething pups explore the world with their mouths and can be accidentally destructive.
💡 Crate or pen training helps keep them (and your wallet!) safe when unsupervised.

♻️ Try recycling boxes or bottles for supervised destruction fun!
🧩 Choose safe chew toys, ensuring no small pieces can break off.

Puppy teething can be tough — but with patience, the right chews, and a little empathy, your pup will come through smiling (and so will you!). 🐶💕

02/11/2025

Did You Know? Your Dog Sees the World Differently! 👀🎾

When it comes to fetch, the color of the ball matters more than you think!

💛 Best Colors for Dogs

✅ Bright Yellow
✅ Blue

These are the easiest colors for dogs to see because our furry friends have dichromatic vision — meaning they only see blue and yellow hues clearly.
Colors like red and green look dull, blending into grass or dirt, making toys harder to find!

🌿 Why Blue & Yellow Work Best

🧠 Dichromatic Vision: Dogs have two color receptors (humans have three).
🎯 Better Contrast: Blue and yellow toys stand out against grass, water, or indoor floors.
🚫 Avoid Red or Green: These appear grayish and can “disappear” into the background.

🐶 Tips for Choosing the Right Ball

🌳 Outdoor Play: Choose bright yellow or blue for easy visibility.
🏠 Indoor Play: These colors still pop against most flooring.
👵 Older Dogs: Opt for high-contrast colors — black, white, bright yellow, or blue.
💬 Every Dog’s Different: Try a few colors and see which one your pup tracks best!

🎾 Next time you shop for a toy... skip the red and grab a blue or yellow ball for a happier, more successful fetch! 🐕💙💛

31/10/2025

When multiple weather guys all agree that we are going to potentially have a rough afternoon/evening it is rare. Hopefully they have over exaggerated however just in case..... please stay safe, stay off the roads, secure your dogs and any loose objects in your yard.

‼️URGENT HEADS UP CENTRAL QLD, SOUTH EAST QLD & NORTH EAST NSW‼️

This forecast is valid for Saturday, November 1st 2025.

* TAG & SHARE to family and friends so that they are aware! *

Today (Saturday) is shaping up as one of the BIGGEST storm days we could see for a number of years across Central & South East QLD into North East NSW. A combination of warm and very humid air is expected to combine with upper level support and a significant increase in wind shear, which is forecast to set the stage for a very broad area of extreme instability developing throughout the day - at levels we rarely see!

🕚 Storms are expected to kick off in Northern & North Eastern NSW during the morning
🕔 Storm activity is expected build into South Eastern & Central QLD during the afternoon, evening and lasting well into the night
⚠️ NUMEROUS storms are LIKELY going to become severe within the purple circle. These storms will have a risk of producing damaging winds (>90km/h), heavy rainfall, large hail (2-5cm in diameter) and frequent lightning.
⚠️ Some supercells (rotating, severe storms) are LIKELY within the purple circle. These storms will have a risk of destructive winds (>125km/h), giant hailstones (5-10cm in diameter), torrential rainfall (>100mm per hour rainfall rates) leading to flash flooding and very dangerous lightning strikes (these may occur well ahead of the storm).
🌪 Conditions are very favourable for a number of tornadoes to develop within the purple circled area. Whilst this is a broad area, the actual tornado risk will likely remain isolated! We cannot pinpoint where a tornado WILL occur - that is what live radar updates are used for!
💡 A number of power outages are LIKELY across Central QLD, South East QLD & North East NSW. Make sure you have a plan in place so that you can still receive vital warnings if the power is out!

💯 This is NOT a BS forecast! This is a very real and genuine forecast. It is not often we have to use some high-end and extreme wording on forecasts, however this setup warrants it. This is certainly a US-type storm setup and a setup for severe and dangerous weather that we very rarely see. Not every single location WILL be impacted by severe or dangerous weather within the purple circled area. Be grateful if you are not! Severe storm parameters spread across hundreds of kilometres, so we cannot pinpoint and be 100% certain that your street will be impacted.

➡️ Get a Higgins subscription for the best weather forecasts, maps & warnings! Our user friendly website & app has all you need including a new live radar with large hail threats, winds, lightning strikes, satellite & temperatures! ➡️ Reviews: “For $49 a year it’s worth every cent”. ➡️ Join here 👉 higginsstormchasing.com/subscribe/

Image: SWEAT (Severe Weather Threat) values by ACCESS-G / WeatherWatch. Purple is maximum, grey is above maximum values!

31/10/2025

🐾 Is Your Dog Carrying a Few Extra Pounds?

It might look cute — and it’s sadly become so normalised that even ads and media often show overweight dogs as the “norm.”
But those extra kilos can do real harm. Studies show that overweight dogs may live up to 2.5 years less than dogs at a healthy weight. 😢

💔 Why Dog Obesity Matters

Carrying too much weight increases the risk of:

🦴 Joint and mobility problems – including arthritis, and extra strain on hips or knees (especially in dogs with dysplastic joints or luxating knees).

💨 Breathing difficulties – especially in flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds.

💉 Diabetes and metabolic disorders – due to hormone imbalance and insulin resistance.

❤️ Heart strain & lower energy – leading to fatigue and reduced quality of life.

👉 Over time, that means less play, less comfort, and a shorter, less happy life.

📊 What the Research Says

A large study of 50,000+ dogs found overweight dogs live up to 2.5 years less than those at ideal weight (Phys.org).

Another study of neutered, client-owned dogs (ages 6.5–8.5 years) found the risk of death was 1.35–2.86× higher in overweight dogs depending on breed (PubMed).

📸 Body Condition: What to Look For

💚 Healthy Weight Dogs
You can feel ribs easily, see a defined waistline and an ‘hourglass’ shape from above.
Hounds, working breeds, and leaner dogs may even show a couple of ribs when fit and healthy.

🟠 Overweight Dogs
No visible waist, ribs are harder to feel, and the body appears more rounded.
Even lean breeds may lose their tuck and muscle definition.

🔴 Obese Dogs
A very round shape with no visible waist or tuck, ribs buried under fat.
This is more common than we think — and often goes unnoticed.

👀 Seeing the difference helps us spot the signs early!

💡 What You Can Do

✅ Use the “hand test” – ribs should feel like the back of your hand (not the palm).
🍽️ Watch calories – review food portions and treats (even “healthy” ones like carrots can add up daily!).
🚶‍♀️ Keep them moving – regular walks, games, swimming, and enrichment.
👩‍⚕️ Talk to your vet – they can set safe, gradual weight-loss goals.

🎁 A Healthy Weight = A Happier, Longer Life

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the greatest gifts you can give them — more energy, more comfort, and more years by your side. 💕🐾

📢 Let’s Spread Awareness!
Share this post to help more pet parents recognise early signs of unhealthy weight gain.