AAA Vet Clinic

18/11/2024

Can you believe that Christmas is here in just over 5 weeks 😳

Our team are going to attempt to take a well deserved break over Christmas 🎄 so we will have a closure in place outlined in the post below!

This is your friendly reminder to make sure you have enough medications/food for your pet/s and that you have any paperwork needed for them while we are closed.

Get in contact with us ASAP to make sure you are organised!

14/11/2024

🐾Attention Valued Clients🐾

Life at the clinic has been non-stop lately, and we're grateful for every pet we get to help. But with such a busy schedule, we really rely on everyone showing up on time for their appointments. When people run late, it throws off the rest of our day and can mean less time for another pet who needs care. If you have an appointment with us, please help us keep everything running smoothly by being on time—we truly appreciate it. If you are running late and know you will miss your appointment please call ahead and let the clinic know this way we can reschedule you for a better suited time. If you do not give us notice and show up 10 minutes late to your appointment you will have to reschedule.

Thank you for your understanding 😊

12/11/2024

🐾 Friendly Reminder for Pet Owners!🐾

If your pet takes regular medications, please consider ordering refills before you run out. This gives us time to ensure your prescription is ready without any delays, so your furry family member can stay happy and healthy. 🐶🐱

Please be aware that like human medicine they require a 6 monthly check before it can be administered again. Therefore, if you are over the 6 month period you WILL need an appointment before medications can be dispensed.

It’s always a good idea to reach out when you notice you’re down to about a week’s supply—this way, we can order in anything special if needed and avoid any gaps in your pet’s treatment.

Thank you for planning ahead! 🌟

10/11/2024

🚨 Please be advised!🚨

Due to a prior commitment today, we’ll be closing the clinic early at 11:30am as our vet is off ensuring the horses are race-ready. Thank you for your understanding, and we’ll be back to normal hours tomorrow from 8am! 🐾🐴

07/11/2024

Heartworm: Because real love doesn’t involve worms ♥️🪱

Starting heartworm prevention at 12 weeks is an important step to protect your puppy from this serious disease. Here’s what to know:

Why Heartworm Prevention Matters

♥️ Heartworm disease, spread by mosquitoes, can cause severe damage to your puppy’s heart, lungs, and other organs. Prevention is essential, even for young puppies.

What are your options?
At your 12 week puppy vaccination your vet will talk to you about how you would prefer to treat your pet for heart worm. These options range from:

♥️ Monthly Chewables or spot ons: These easy-to-administer options are safe for puppies and keep them protected month-to-month

♥️ Injectable Prevention: The injectable heartworm option (pro heart) provides protection with a single shot. Like tablets and spot ons this injection is based on weight. For this reason most puppies depending on their size will get one shot at their 12 week needle then again in 6 months and then again in 9 months before having an annual vaccination. This is to accomodate for the change in weight, ensuring they are fully protected throughout their growing life. This is a great alternative if monthly doses are hard to remember.

Heart worm testing:
♥️ Your puppy has until they are 7 months of age to be placed on heart worm prevention before a heart worm test should be performed to make sure they have not become infected. If this is negative they can then receive your chosen option of prevention.

♥️ If your dog has never had any prevention we also recommend testing them prior to starting heart worm treatment. Testing is also performed 6 months after the initial test.

Still unsure?
Our team is happy to help you choose the best heartworm prevention plan for your puppy. Starting them on a prevention program when they are 12 weeks sets them up for a healthy, heartworm-free life!

31/10/2024

Frogs are friends, Toads are toxic 🐸

Toad toxicity, or toad poisoning, is a hidden danger for pets, especially curious dogs and outdoor cats. While they might look harmless (or even cute!), certain toads can be toxic to animals, producing substances that cause severe reactions. Toxins are released from glands behind the toad’s eyes and can affect your pet’s heart and nervous system if ingested or even just mouthed. Symptoms can appear within minutes, so quick action is essential if you think your pet has had a run-in with a toad.

Knowing the signs of Toad Poisoning:
✅Excessive drooling or frothing at the mouth
✅Pawing at the mouth, head shaking
✅Vomiting or diarrhea
✅Muscle tremors or seizures
✅Red gums
✅Disorientation or lack of coordination

What you can do to help your pet:
🐾 Wipe their gums: Use a damp cloth to wipe the gums and mouth area to remove as much toxin as possible.
🐾 Stay Calm: Avoid panic but move quickly as toad toxin works fast.
🐾 Monitor: after wiping out your pets mouth monitor them closely for the signs above. If they start to exhibit any of these signs you NEED to call your vet.

🐾 In most cases if you have acted fast enough and wiped the toxins from your pets mouth they will be fine it is only when the toxins have had enough time to get into the animals system that they are at risk.

Preventing Toad Encounters
🐾 Supervise outdoor time: Especially in high-risk areas, keep a close eye on your pet and discourage sniffing or licking toads.
🐾 Limit nighttime play: Toads are often most active at night, so it can help to keep pets indoors after dark.
🐾 Clear yard areas: Remove places that attract toads, like standing water or excessive foliage, to minimize toad presence.

With quick action and awareness, you can reduce the risk of a serious reaction in your pet if they encounter a toxic toad. Call the clinic for further information when toads attack 🐸

24/10/2024

Whelp, here they come! 🐶🐶
Whelping Guide for Dog Owners:

Whelping (the birth of puppies) is a critical time for both the dam (mother) and her puppies. Understanding how to care for your dog before, during, and after whelping will help ensure a safe and smooth process.

Preparation Before Whelping 🧺
•Whelping Box: Set up a quiet, comfortable whelping box 1-2 weeks before her due date. The box should be big enough for her to move around and nurse her puppies but small enough to keep puppies close.
•Temperature: Keep the room at 24-29°C. Newborn puppies can’t regulate their body temperature.
•Supplies: Prepare clean towels, gloves, a thermometer, a puppy scale, and a heating pad.
•Vet Contact: Have your veterinarian’s contact information handy in case of emergencies.

Signs of Imminent Labor ✅
•Nesting Behavior: She may become restless and begin nesting, such as scratching at her bedding or seeking out quiet spaces.
•Loss of Appetite: She may stop eating within 12-24 hours before labor starts.
•Restlessness and Panting: Increased pacing, panting, and restlessness can signal the beginning of labor.

Stages of Labor 🐶
1.Stage 1: Pre-labor (6-12 hours): The cervix dilates, and contractions start, though they may not be visible. The dam may pant or become anxious.
Stage 2: Delivery (up to 24 hours): Contractions become stronger, and the puppies are born. Puppies are usually born 15-60 minutes apart.
•What to Expect: Puppies will be born in a sac that the dam will typically break. If she doesn’t, gently tear the sac and rub the puppy with a towel to stimulate breathing.
•Placenta: Each puppy should have its placenta delivered. If not expelled, contact your vet.

Stage 3: Afterbirth: The dam will expel the remaining placentas after the puppies are born. She may rest briefly between deliveries.

‼️Emergency: If she strains for more than 1 hour without producing a puppy, or if more than 2 hours pass between puppies, contact your vet immediately‼️

Post-Whelping Care 🐾
•Monitor Puppies: Ensure puppies are nursing and warm. If necessary, place a heating pad under half the whelping box, so they can move to a cooler area if too warm.
•Check for Discharge: Mild discharge is normal, but foul-smelling or greenish discharge may indicate an infection. •Hydration and Food: Offer the dam fresh water and small, frequent meals after whelping. High-calorie food is ideal as she will need extra nutrition while nursing.

When to Call the Vet ☎️
•Straining for more than 1 hour with no puppy.
•2 hours without any puppies delivered.
•Heavy bleeding or abnormal discharge from the dam.
•Lethargy or refusal to nurse from the dam.

Common Complications ⚠️
•Eclampsia: A life-threatening condition due to low calcium levels. Symptoms include tremors, fever, and restlessness. Immediate veterinary care is required.
•Mastitis: Infection in the mammary glands, presenting as hot, swollen, or painful teats.
•Retained Placenta: Can lead to infection if the placenta is not expelled.

Whelping is a natural process, but it requires careful monitoring. Be prepared for possible complications and know when to seek veterinary care. With the right preparation, you can support a safe and successful whelping experience for your dog. 🩷

21/10/2024

Dear valued clients,
Please be advised that our EMERGENCY after hours number is for genuine emergencies only not for general enquiries or to be used as a personalised chat with our vets.

Please take into account that our vets work very long hours throughout the day and then are on call for emergencies. Therefore, please only use this service if you require assistance with an emergency. The after hours number is only used when the clinic is closed and not checked throughout the day when the clinic is open. That being said please do not text or call the after hours number during work hours.

For all general enquires you can contact the clinic on 4743 3220 from 8am to 5:30pm Monday- Friday.

Thank you for your understanding.

15/10/2024

With the a number of parvovirus cases being seen again lately we are in desperate need of some TOWELS!

We use these for our parvovirus cases while they are in hospital to keep them warm and to bath them. Due to the highly contagious nature of the parvovirus once soiled the towels need to be disposed of.

WE HAVE PLENTY OF SHEETS & BLANKETS so at the moment we are just looking for towels. So if you have any pre loved towels you no longer need then we would love to take them.

Many Thanks The AAA Vet Clinic Team

11/10/2024

HAPPY VET NURSE DAY to our superstar nurses Kait & Sandra 🥳

Vet Nurse Day provides an opportunity for the veterinary industry and veterinary practices to acknowledge the important role that vet nurses perform within the team and reinforces the value and professionalism of veterinary nurses. Veterinary nurses are highly skilled, have ever increasing responsibilities and play a valuable role, whether in surgery, practice administration or consultations.
Vet Nurse Day is also a time for grateful pet owners and the wider community to say ‘thank you’ to their local vet nurses for who they are, and what they do best.

10/10/2024

Feelin hot, hot, hot! 🌶️

As we feel the temperature rise it is important to remember the safety of our pets in this summer heat to avoid heat stress.

Some ways to keep your pet cool include:
☀️Providing them with shaded areas
☀️Provide 24/7 access to fresh water, use multiple water bowls
☀️Use frozen treats such as carrots and apples to help cool them down
☀️Place an ice brick in their water to keep it cool during the day and provide them something cold to lick
☀️Supply them with a shell pool so they can cool off during the day
☀️Take water for them if you are going to walk them
☀️Consider using dog boots when walking your dog to protect them from the hot cement

Know the signs of heat stress:
🔥 Excessive panting/ breathing distress
🔥Collapse
🔥Elevated body temperature
🔥 Red Gums
🔥 Vomiting
🔥 Diarrhoea

If any of these signs occur please contact your vet immediately!

Remember! If the ground is too hot for you to place your hand on it for more than 5 seconds it’s too hot to walk your dog! Slip, slop, slap this heat in the face and be safe 💛

09/10/2024

🌩️ Thunder, lightening,all things frightening🌩️

Does your dog get scared during thunderstorms? Do they become frantic when thunder claps? Do you find it hard to keep them calm when the weather gets hectic? Then it sounds like your dog suffers from storm phobia. Storm phobia in dogs is a common condition where dogs develop an extreme fear of thunderstorms or other loud weather events.

Signs of storm anxiety in dogs may include:
- Pacing or restlessness
- Shaking or trembling
- Panting excessively
- Hiding or trying to escape
- Barking, whining, or howling
- Clinginess to their owner

If your dog shows signs of storm phobia, there are several ways to help them feel more secure:

1. Create a safe space: Set up a quiet, comfortable area for your dog to retreat to during a storm.
2. Try a thunder shirt: These snug-fitting vests can provide a sense of security and calm your dog.
3. Desensitisation: Playing storm sounds at a low volume and gradually increasing it can help your dog get used to the noise.
4. Pheromone diffusers or calming treats: These products can help some dogs feel more at ease.
5. Stay calm and reassuring: Dogs pick up on their owner's emotions, so staying calm can help them feel safer.
6. Medication or professional help: In severe cases, a vet or behaviorist may suggest medication or behavior modification techniques.

Understanding and addressing your dog's storm phobia can make a big difference in their quality of life. Call the clinic today to get more information.

08/10/2024

Dear Valued Clients,

We understand that life can get busy and plans may change, but we kindly ask that you notify us if you're unable to make your scheduled appointment. This allows us to accommodate other pets in need and keeps our clinic running smoothly.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us a call at 4743 3220 at least 24 hours before your appointment. This way, we can offer that time to someone else who might need it.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us provide the best care possible for all our patients!

Warm Regards,
AAA Vet Clinic

08/10/2024

🎉 Announcing the Winners of our giveaway alert! 🎉

We’re excited to reveal the lucky winners of our free dentals!

🐴 Horse: Louise Wiles
🐱Cat: Katie Hoffman
🐶 Dog: Mathew Pigram

A huge congratulations to all of our winners please contact the clinic to book your consult today! Thank you to everyone who participated 🎉

03/10/2024

02/10/2024

Everything you need to know about Parvovirus 🩺🐾

What is Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus, often referred to as Parvo, is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs, especially puppies. It primarily targets rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, and dehydration. In some cases, parvovirus can also attack the heart muscles, particularly in very young puppies, leading to heart failure.

How is it spread?
The virus is spread through direct contact with an infected dog or through contaminated surfaces like food bowls, bedding, or even human hands and clothing. Parvo is resistant to many disinfectants and can survive in the environment for years.

Prevention:
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Parvo and keep up your dog’s immunity. Because Parvo is so high risk in Mount Isa we recommend keeping puppies inside until two weeks after their final puppy vaccination. It is NOT advised to take your puppy anywhere while undertaking their vaccines as this puts your puppy at risk.

Symptoms of Parvovirus:
🦠 Diarrhoea- can be bloody
🦠Vomiting
🦠Lethargy
🦠 Inappetence

Without treatment, parvovirus can be fatal, especially in puppies with underdeveloped immune systems. However, with prompt veterinary care, including hospitalization, IV fluids, and supportive care, most dogs can recover.

Be vigilant with your puppy’s health and well-being, ensure they are kept inside while receiving their vaccines and avoid taking them anywhere. Ensure they are carried in and out of the clinic when coming in for appointments. If they show any of the above symptoms please phone the clinic and speak to one of our friendly staff about the next steps.

29/09/2024

🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎉

We’re giving away FREE dental services for your pets and horses! 🐱🐶🐴

What you can win:
- A FREE scale & polish for your cat or dog
- A FREE power float for your horse’s teeth

We’re on a mission to keep your animals’ dental health in top shape, and here’s your chance to win! 🦷💪

How to enter:
1. Follow our page ✅
2. Comment which dental service you’d like to win 📝
3. Share this post 🔄

Terms & Conditions apply; a free nurse consult prior the small animal dental is needed. The prize must be redeemed within 6 months. Horses must be in Mt Isa. Competition closes on the 7th of October.

26/09/2024

Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs and cats, and it often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. This patient came in with plaque buildup, inflamed gums, and bad breath—signs of periodontal disease. Left untreated, these issues can lead to pain, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems.

After a thorough professional cleaning, this pup’s teeth are plaque-free, their gums are healthier, and they’re feeling much better! Regular dental care is essential for maintaining your pet’s overall health. Schedule your pet’s dental check-up today to help prevent future issues and keep them smiling bright!

Keep your eyes peeled for our dental give away next week! 🦷