Helping Hounds

05/06/2025

Congratulations to our latest K9 NoseWork® Introduction Course Graduates

09/03/2025

Congratulations to our Tuesday night K9 NoseWork® graduates.

23/02/2025

Congratulations to the first K9 Nose Work® Introduction Course Graduates of 2025

15/10/2024

Congratulations to our latest Introduction to K9 Nose Work®
Sorry to Macey and Button who couldn't join us in the last week.
We noticed so much more confidence from this happy group of searchers!
Bonnie, Cleo, Enzo and Moe

04/10/2024

Thanks Pet Perspective
A timely reminder regarding snakes

It's that time of year when snakes are more active in Australia. The best way to avoid pets getting bitten is prevention.
- Keep grass short and gardens tidy.
- Block holes that snakes may use to access your home.
- Use rat (and snake) -proof chicken sheds and compost bins.
- Use a snake proof house-yard or dog-run outdoors on rural properties, or keep pets indoors when you can't supervise.

If you walk your dog off leash or on longlines through the bush, or areas where snakes are likely to be present, then you may consider 'Snake avoidance training'. This can be taught using positive reinforcement for a behaviour like "When you see a snake, return to me and nudge my leg with your nose". There is no need to use shock, force or fear.

Regardless of what training and prevention program you put in place, snake bites can still happen. Know the signs of snake envenomation (dogs may show one or more of these signs):
- Sudden weakness followed by collapse (even if the pet then seems to recover)
- Shaking or twitching of the muscles
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Blood in the urine
- Weakness or paralysis
If you see any of these signs, bring your pet into your veterinary clinic immediately.

If you find your pet with a snake and the pet may have been bitten, then have them checked by the vet just in case. Don't try to capture or kill the snake.

Pet health insurance is worth considering as snake envenomation can be life-threatening and often requires extensive treatment including anti-venom and hospitalisation.

16/08/2024

Be careful of pufferfish on beaches. I called Bliss off one the other day!

Crumpet came to our Dromana clinic after eating something on the beach. Soon after, he was drooling, trembling, and unable to walk properly.

While at the clinic, he became unconscious and stopped breathing. Crumpet was then intubated and given medication to help stabilise him. Dr Imogene and Nurse Amelia drove him to our Emergency & Referral Hospital (ERH) whilst being ventilated in the car.

Once at ERH, Crumpet was mechanically ventilated and spent three days in critical care while our team took care of him.

We were able to get Crumpet home once he could breathe independently, and the results were good.

Returning to his home clinic at Dromana for a check-up, we are relieved he is doing well.

The reason for Crumpet's symptoms was a suspected pufferfish ingestion.

Dr Imogene, Nurse Amelia, the Dromana team and the entire Emergency team at ERH all deserve credit for their swift efforts to save Crumpet's life. Tetrodotoxin is a fast-acting toxin, and their quick response was crucial. Within minutes, symptoms of poisoning can appear, and after a few hours, paralysis can set in. In severe cases, pufferfish poisoning can be fatal within an hour.

If you suspect your pet has licked, chewed or eaten a pufferfish, toadfish or blowfish, head to your nearest vet immediately.

01/07/2024

Congratulations to our Wednesday morning class K9 Nose Work ® Graduates for June 2024

22/06/2024

Congratulations to our talented graduates of their K9 Nose Work® introduction Course

30/05/2024

Absolutely perfect time to try Lyka! They have a 50% off trial for the first order through Helping Hounds Woo Hoo. Offer ends 1 July

22/04/2024

Love this! As my older little girl struggles with things and reaches to me for support. Yesterday at the vet she wrapped her paw around me whilst a small procedure was done.
I cuddled her providing comfort through the experience. Her trust in me will never be abused.

25/03/2024

Thank you Trick Woofs what a perfect reminder.... as I watch my lovely Lagotto dig a little hole.

24/03/2024

Congratulations to our latest K9 Nose Work® Introduction Graduates. I look forward to seeing you soon to introduce Odour and Search Skills