Comfort Vet

18/04/2025

To have witnessed my own dog nearly get killed during an attack last year, I can tell you this is ptsd type material. To this day, the memories of it being me tears right away.

Dog attacks are brutal, incredibly dangerous and traumatising. The damage done can and often is life threatening for the victim.

I wish I had once in my life taken the time to sit down eyes closed and visualise what possibly should be done in such situations so that I could interfere in a safer and more efficient manner than I did

These days, I rarely go out without some form of protection. I have also revisited the fight in my head many times, telling myself how I would act if it would happen again

I cannot say for sure if what this trainer is recommending is 100% right or not (I am not a behaviourist -> and I am open to hear all opinions and learn from them), but I think It worths watching the video and get the sense of how it is important to be ready (or more ready) for such situations, and seek any help from trainers you trust with tricks and input if needed

When we are in the middle of it, it is very hard to think straight. When it happened to me last year, I screamed and panicked so much that I hyperventilated and could not breathe. My glasses fell and broke and I could barely see, but I could hear my old dog screaming for her life. I was so scared that the dogs would turn on me if I jumped in and I feel absolutely useless. I finally found some strength to jump In when I could no longer hear my old dog scream for her life. I knew if I wasn’t jumping in, they (3 dogs) were seconds away from killing her. I was extremely lucky that the perpetrator let go as soon as I grabbed her. I was also lucky she didn’t turn on me as I absolutely did nothing right at all and rather committed multiple mistakes.

Unfortunately, dog fights are too common. We should talk about this subject more and I would love to invite you all to either ask your dog trainer or behaviourist to help preparing you in case you end up in such situation.

I’m sorry if this is a dark post, but If I can save the life of even just one dog, it was worth it

This video is for informational or educational purposes only and has been put together under fair use.. When using these methods to stop a dog attack, you ar...

03/03/2025

Charlie, a dear golden citizen, is having his monthly treatment to maintain his mobility, comfort and his cheekiness!

He reckons life is good and wishes all of you a happy Monday!

05/02/2025

Hi everyone

Just a message to advice that until now, I never charged for a cancelled app but it is getting absolutely ridiculous how people « forget » about our apps and cancel last minute because of other plans.
Being mobile in a large shire with a small population, the area I cover is pretty big, meaning that I try to bunch my appointments according to the area visited (for example oak beach/port/cooya area together, Mossman/newell/miallo, wonga/lower Daintree together, julatten/Molloy together). If you cancel last minute, in the vast majority of cases, I can not rebook anyone meaning I am loosing my time waiting for my next appointment, will finish later when I could have got back home earlier, and it is also a loss of income. You also took someone’s spot which may now have to go to another clinic now.

I have always based my practice on respect and trust and never had to have these types of « rules » but sadly, from now on, if an app is cancelled within 48 hours without a good reason, I will have to charge the full amount of the consult/visit fee/vaccination without exception. I will cogitate on how I will implement this. Sadly I wish I never had to come to this

Thanks for your understanding

02/01/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/CBNnQrEgUS3r4KsX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🐕 We are taking bookings for your orientation on the slatmill now. The session will last 30mins and costs $50. Once you have successfully completed your orientation, packages will be available to purchase at a price per minute.

Available appointments are:
Thursday 9th January
10am
11am
1pm
2pm

A slatmill is a type of treadmill designed for dogs, commonly used to improve fitness and mental stimulation. It offers several key benefits for canine health and well-being:

1. Improved Physical Fitness
• Cardiovascular Health: Regular use of a slatmill can enhance a dog’s cardiovascular endurance, helping to maintain or improve heart health.
• Muscle Toning and Strengthening: Walking or running on the slatmill engages multiple muscle groups, helping to build and tone muscles, especially in the legs, core, and back.
• Weight Management: Slatmills are excellent tools for weight control, as they provide an efficient way to burn calories, especially for dogs that may be overweight or under-exercised.

2. Low-Impact Exercise
• For dogs with joint issues or those recovering from injury, slatmills can offer a controlled, low-impact exercise that helps improve mobility and joint health without the harsh impact of outdoor terrain.

3. Mental Stimulation
• Dogs often get mentally tired before they get physically tired, and a slatmill can help provide the mental challenge of movement, helping to reduce boredom and destructive behaviors. This is especially beneficial for active or high-energy breeds.

4. Controlled Environment
• The slatmill allows you to control the pace and duration of exercise. This is particularly beneficial for dogs that are new to exercise or need a slower, more gradual increase in activity levels. It also eliminates environmental distractions, such as weather or other animals.

5. Increased Endurance and Stamina
• Using the slatmill regularly can build a dog’s stamina, which can be especially beneficial for working dogs, performance dogs, or those involved in sports like agility, tracking, or obedience.

6. Training and Rehabilitation
• The controlled movement is less stressful on the body while still promoting healing and rebuilding muscle.

7. Convenience and Accessibility
• A slatmill allows for exercise indoors, which is perfect for those living in areas with a hot climate.

8. Motivation and Engagement
• Unlike standard treadmills, slatmills are powered by the dog’s own movement, meaning they must engage fully to keep the belt moving. This self-propelling nature can be more engaging and motivating for the dog compared to traditional treadmills where the speed is controlled electronically.

23/12/2024

Officially turning the phone off for 2 weeks. Facebook messages and emails will be answered as soon as I am back at work from January 6th 2025 (crazy!!!). Have a great holiday everyone and stay safe always!

On a sadder note, if you adopt a dog or cat for Christmas, make sure you realise it is a life commitment, no matter how much energy they have, hair they loose or money they cost. If you can’t commit, get a book or a nice jewellery you can toss out when you are over it. Pets are for life and the way you treat them is a reflection of who you are. Peace out and to a better and kinder 2025 for us all ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/mEayQDBRd74jbdNr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

11/12/2024

Hi everyone 🤩

Please note I will be off duty between Monday December 23rd and Monday January 6th. During this time, I will not be taking any calls or answering any messages or emails.

Therefore, please make sure you have all you need to get you to January 6th (e.g medication, skin injection etc)

I only have a couple of consults available for next week - for current clients only - so hurry up 🏎️if you just realised you need something!!!!!

For any emergencies, ring a local clinic of your choice or Emergency Vets 24/7 (screenshot of details attached).

Stay safe for the Xmas and NY holidays and wishing you all an amazing time with friends and family ❤️🥳🎄

A special thought 💜as always for those for who this time of the year is though because someone is missing 🪽

02/11/2024

Hi everyone!

Following some rather very low lepto/vaccines prices advertised by larger local clinics, I just thought I would make a quick post to discuss how I will be charging

Unfortunately I am incapable of competing with these very low prices. I do not do surgeries and hospitalisation with large mark ups to compensate for cheap vaccines prices, I do not up sale ever and I dont have support staff to do the vaccine for me. I also travel to you and this takes time.

The only way I can meet in the middle, hoping everyone will be happy and understand that there will be a small price difference (but you don’t have to drive anywhere or wait in a waiting room where there has been sick dogs and lots of stressful smell…. and you get to see me!!!!) is by charging for the time I’m there and add the vaccine to it (meaning if you have more than a dog, it is becoming economical, while one dog is a little less if it makes sense) but….

As much as I love chatting to all of you, if we are nicely efficient during my visits (be prepared by having a collar and leash on your dog, treats ready and you can even send me a list of any questions or concerns you want me to go through) then I shall be able to remain price friendly and make sure everyone is happy!

If you are in a difficult financial position and you prefer going for the cheaper vaccines at a local competitor , please know there are other ways to support small businesses like me that cannot compete with the bigger players out there! I will attach a nice list of how you can still support me if you appreciate my services!

Thank you 🙏 and it will be a pleasure seeing you shortly! 💜

28/10/2024

Hi guys! LEPTO NEWS 🥳🎉💉

All going well, I should receive the lepto vaccine end of this week to early next week. I will have a limited amount of 75 to start with so if you want to pre-book your spot from end of next week onwards, then you are guaranteed to have the vaccine kept for you as well as the booster required 3-4 weeks later

Any dogs that haven’t been seen recently (last few days to 2-3 weeks) will need a check up for this first vaccine. Take that opportunity to share any concerns or questions you have with you dog (e.g occasional lameness or coughing etc)

I’ve never been so excited about vaccines! This has been a very stressful last year (especially for us folks living next to creeks, bush or forest or cane paddock)

See you soon!

09/10/2024

From Paraparetic (Hind limb partial paralysis) to flying!

Neurological rehab is one of the most rewarding yet intricate rehabilitation. When a dog presents with paralysis or partial paralysis (for example following a disc problem), it is essential to follow neurodevelopment treatment techniques (which basically is relearning the normal sequence of movement patterns and progression as well as posture alignment that puppy follow during development from birth to running). This logical progression of postures and movement strategies is essential to ensure the dog will have functional movements and optimal postures and will not just learn to compensate it’s way through life.

Without professional rehabilitation and if a dog is put on their feet or ask to walk without making them master the postures and movements of these lower developmental postures, it often leads to a lack of fine tuning of the dog’s movements at high levels or with more complex movements, as well as increasing the risk of injury.

During our sessions of Neurodevelopment Treatment, we teach the dog to go from it’s side to a nice sphinx position, then from a sphinx to a sit and so on. Every transitions include correction of the compensations and asymmetry as well as strengthening the muscles that we correctly need to be engaged. When a dog suffers from paralysis, this means there is a lack of nervous stimuli to get the muscles going. Therefore, it is also lots of time spending to stimulate the nerves, with the aim of enhancing sensorimotor recovery.

Mastering the sequence of these lower developmental postures as well as the strength and range of motion at every level EARLY in the rehab process is essential for your dog’s long term independence and function. This will not be achieved without a rehab professional with experience in Neuromuscular reeducation.

“Medicine adds days to life, Physical therapy adds life to days”

On this note, please do not hesitate to book a consult with me if you have a dog needing rehab. My name is Dr Andreane (Andie) and I am a Veterinarian, Certified Rehab Therapist and a Member of the Australian & NZ College in Canine Sports Medicine & Rehab.

08/10/2024

I had the best time yesterday with Port Paws Dog Training showing some examples of great exercises to maintain fitness and function for everyday life!

I love how Michelle from Port Paws Dog Training is highly focused on mental and physical health for her dogs and the dogs she trains! Well done to her and everyone that came yesterday!

Fitness exercises are not just for sports dogs! Far from it! Every dogs should have adapted exercises to support their function, lifestyle and any conditions they have that may be slowing them down. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding canine fitness or rehab, or Michelle at Port Paws Dog Training for behavioural assessment and training!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/gLohqo5T9Ru8Xs5F/?mibextid=WC7FNe

21/09/2024

Too funny not to share 😂

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/7K7R8VSccSX2Vmg6/?mibextid=WC7FNe

19/09/2024

Last one of Sky because this one is also way too cool!
Not everyone will understand what this video represents if you never rehabbed a TPLO (your own dog or as a therapist) but if you have, no doubt you will appreciate how hard Sky’s mum worked to get to this in 12 weeks!

Goals of TPLO rehab
✅ Reduction to absence of pain when possible
✅ Prevention of new injury or re-injury
✅ Supporting tissue healing
✅ Regaining or improving range of motion
✅ Strengthening
✅ Long term function & Quality of Life

19/09/2024

It’s not everyday I get the chance to rehab an agility champion with conditioning experience and an extremely perfectly committed and dedicated mum. But when I do, It makes me feel like I am driving a luxury Audi

Congratulations on your hard work Sky! You are officially graduated from rehab 🎉🥰🥳and we can definitely move to faster bigger and more fun exercises Border Collie approved now!

https://youtu.be/fTVjX5ptg2k?si=UDLxqYevwdkgxGBL

16/09/2024

Great news! Lepto vaccine 🙌🎉🥳🍾

We have been told that the lepto vaccine should be available around the end of October!

It will now be manufactured by MSD (I have been using MSD’s vaccines for years now and I have a lot of trust in their products). Treidlia, the previous manufacturer which had an off label vaccine will no longer produce the lepto vaccine

Because it is a new vaccine that your dog never received prior, everyone will absolutely need a booster 4 weeks later for the first time, then it will be done once a year as long as the schedule is maintained

The vaccine we will have available in Oz is made from the removal of an indigenous strain from a UK vaccine that has been on the market for over 20 years. Therefore, it has been extensively used and it has a high safety margin

For pre-booking, contact me by SMS on 0434104493 or on this page via DM.

01/09/2024

Beautiful kind soul looking for a safe and loving forever home

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1etgidZVn8mWkB8u/?mibextid=WC7FNe

25/08/2024

Happy International Dog Day to all the amazing dogs out there (you guys are simply the best!!) and to Joey, and all the Joey out there, you deserve unconditional love, safety in a loving home, loyalty by your forever family, health and comfort, and many fun adventures. Hopefully today is your day where the future looks a little brighter 💗

Adopt - Don’t shop

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/3p6QYF5qUv5J3rRD/?mibextid=WC7FNe

**Happy International Dog Day from Our Longest Term Resident, Joey!** 🐾

Joey, our fun-loving Kelpie x, has been with us for quite a while now, and we’re hoping that today might just be his lucky day! Joey is an excitable and affectionate boy who loves to zoom around and play. At around 20kg, he’s a medium sized bundle of energy and joy. Joey would thrive in a home where he can be the center of attention, preferably as an only dog (or with a submissive female) due to his dominant nature.

He’s definitely not a fan of cats, so a cat-free home is a must. But what Joey lacks in feline tolerance, he more than makes up for in love and loyalty to his human companions. He’s looking for a forever home where he can run, play, and be loved.

Could today be the day that Joey finally finds his forever home?

Show us your pups as we celebrate this Hound holiday, and let’s make International Dog Day extra special by helping Joey find his forever family!

🐾 ** ** 🐾

**Visit Us**: Mareeba Animal Refuge, 35 Hickling Avenue, Mareeba
**Open Hours**: 8am to 4pm, 7 days a week
**Contact Us**: Call us at 4092 3060

Let’s celebrate this special day by finding Joey the loving home he deserves!

24/08/2024

Please understand why I may request to put a muzzle on your dog. My safety is a priority if I want to continue practising for the years to come….

📣 IMPORTANT SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT 📣

At Foothills Animal Hospital, we love caring for your pets and we strive to always provide a safe working environment.

We place the safety of our valued clients and their pets alongside with our team as our highest priority.

We sadly had a traumatic incident last week, where two of our team members, a Veterinarian and a Nurse, suffered a severe and unprovoked dog attack, one of them requiring emergency surgery for a broken bone. They were fortunate to receive excellent medical care and are now thankfully recovering, however, this incident has highlighted again the importance of our safety.

At our hospital we help many large, unsociable and aggressive dogs that present a danger to our team. These dogs often do not venture outside their properties, nor do they encounter other dogs or people. It is important for the owners of these dogs to understand the stress a vet visit can cause. Due to the unpredictable nature of our interactions, we need the Owners of these pets to have full control of their animals while visiting our hospital including the carpark and particularly in the small confines of their consult room where a pet is more likely to feel trapped and stressed.

With this in mind we would like to share our hospital guidelines to help minimise the risks associated with working with animals.

• Please understand the risks we take at work and never be dismissive of a team member that is careful around your pet, until we know your pet, we might be cautious and that is ok.

• Never dismiss a Vet or a Nurse that is cautious around your pet, they might have had a traumatic experience in the past.

• When making an appointment, please advise if you have any concerns about your pet’s past behaviour and experience at home or in a public setting. We will tailor your pet’s care to ensure they feel comfortable and at ease.

• A friendly pet can behave very differently at the vets as fear overrides their trust.

• Please warn us if a pet is likely to bite or has snapped in the past.

• We ask that you bring all dogs likely to bite muzzzled, and to call ahead so that we can plan your visit in the safest manner.

• Chat to our team about calming pills for your pets to reduce their fear and make our interactions safer.

• Help us by always having your pet on a leash whilst at our hospital or safely contained in a pet carrier.

• Always present your pet with the most capable handler and never send a pet to the hospital with a minor.

• Our team will always advocate for your pet. If at any time during your visit with us, a team member advises that we need to stop what we are doing, please understand that this is in the best interests of your pet.

• If you fail to disclose the risk, you are putting our team directly in harm’s way and can be held responsible.

Our team are trained to handle pets with compassion, aiming for a fear-free experience that fosters a positive and reassuring atmosphere. We implement various measures to provide a high standard of care whilst keeping our patients’ stress levels to a minimum.

PLEASE HELP KEEP OUR TEAM SAFE SO THAT WE CAN BE AVAILABLE TO KEEP CARING FOR YOUR TREASURED PETS.

Thank you,
Foothills Animal Hospital 🐾