Vet Nurse Dora's Home Visits

16/09/2024

How to care for your Senior Cat?

Cats are considered “senior” between the ages of around 11 and 14, and “geriatric” by age 15.

It’s really important that you pay special attention to your older cat and make sure his needs are met.

Take your cat to the vet for regular check-ups. Older cats should visit the vet 1-2 times a year so that they can be screened and treated for age-related health issues such as hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and joint issues.

Alternatively, have the vet nurse come to your cat As cats age, stress gets more difficult for them to handle. Going to the vet can be a very stressful experience, leading to fear and anxiety, which can manifest in physical illness or behaviour issues. Your cat can be treated in the comfort of his own home, making health checks easier for both you and your cat.

Senior cats need mental and physical exercise. Keeping mind and body active can help kitties stay happy and healthy. Give your senior cat a food puzzle loaded with a favourite treat. If your senior cat doesn’t see very well, try playing with toys that make an interesting sound; if your cat doesn’t hear well, engage your cat with toys that have a blinking light, or make random movements.

Your senior/geriatric cat has special dietary needs. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” diet for older cats, but they do need high-quality, easily digestible proteins and fats. One of the most important things to remember is hydration – make sure they have plenty of water

Make your senior kitty pain-free. If your cat has joint issues or arthritis perhaps a heated cat bed would be something she enjoys . Providing a warm, comfortable, safe place for your cat to snooze and nap in will make him one happy kitty. Additionally, make sure it’s easy for your cat to get around – mobility can become an issue in older cats. Your cat may need a little step to reach his favourite bed.
Think about how you can make your cat’s life easier

The best thing you can do is pay attention to your senior cat’s health and be observant of any indications of pain or discomfort
Call Dora with any questions you may have

14/09/2024

Please say Hello to Pablo. He is the newest addition to the Cooranian 's community. Very handsome young man comes from the newly created yet but famous Australian line of Bull Arabs. Here with his dad.

05/09/2024

Welcome to the world of FlyBall!

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04/09/2024

This is adorable Martha, great with humans, but not a fan of dogs looking at her. They usually seem to be a little bit judgemental in a vet's setting. Martha needed her bloods taken today to check her kidneys condition. Very brave in her own home with no stress Martha accepted her BBQ chicken and posed for a photo afterwards. Thank you Martha.

01/09/2024

Beautiful afternoon at the Sunshine Coast Farm Animal Rescue. So many large animals are always in need of rescuing. This kind-hearted family puts long hours in, making sure every animal is properly looked after and loved.

29/08/2024

You have an oldie at home? Dogs over 8 years of age are considered seniors. A little additional attention can make them live longer..

29/08/2024

Do our pets dream?

The research suggests that dogs (and likely cats) experience dreams during REM sleep, much like humans. While we can’t directly ask them about their dreams, the similarities in brain activity during REM sleep between humans and animals suggest they may be reliving experiences or processing the world around them while they sleep.

Given that dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate and understand their environment, it's plausible that their dreams are influenced by scents. For example, a dog might dream about its family members through their distinctive smells even when they’re not physically present. This reliance on smell might lead to dreams that are very different from human dreams, as they would be more centered around olfactory experiences rather than visual ones.
Understanding that dogs dream and likely have a form of consciousness is important because it highlights their mental and emotional complexity. Recognizing this might lead to better legal protections for animals, ensuring that their mental well-being is considered along with their physical health. This perspective encourages us to treat animals with greater respect and empathy, acknowledging their inner lives and experiences.

25/08/2024

Beautiful little fighter Jellie had her spleen and gall bladder removed a couple of days ago. She is very loved and appreciated by her family. Health check confirmed her body was in a good condition. And recovery was going well. Keep living your life to its fullest little Jellie girl:)

23/08/2024

An awesome family with a new addition. Bull Arab crosses are highly intelligent and easy to train.
And they give the best cuddles, too.:) Cute Harper with her best mate Opi.

22/08/2024

If you're preparing for summer with dogs, it's important to consider a few key things to ensure their safety and comfort during the warmer months:
Hydration
Heat protection,
Shade and cooling
Grooming
Level of excercises
Tick prevention
Safety around water

And this is Sylvia.
Sylvia has her own ideas...

18/08/2024

Little Scarlett got in trouble when she sneaked outside earlier this week. After a loud argument with a neighbour's cat, she came back home being sore. She was given a proper wound cleaned, followed by the laser healing therapy and E collar on. Scarlett seems to be less than impressed with herself. Stay indoors, Scarlett girl:)

18/08/2024

A star of the Mt.Eerwah west from Eumandi hike, please meet a Red Dog!
Older fella was given dental and ear checks after we hiked to the top of the mountain together. There is still so much energy in this grandpa, Go Doggo!

16/08/2024

Ways to Help Dogs and Cats with Ear Infections At 🏡 home

1. Choose the E collar:
Ear infections are itchy so it’s a natural urge for dogs to scratch the ear. Scratching soothes the itch for a while, but over time it will make things worse. If your pet doesn’t like the feel of a plastic cone, try a softer fabric or inflatable collars instead.

2. Trim your dog’s or cat's nails short.
Self-trauma from scratching at an itchy ear can make the problem much worse.

Here are some common items to Avoid putting in your pet’s ears:
• Vinegar
• Alcohol based ear cleaners
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Cotton Buds
• Essential oils
• Over-the-counter human ear drops
• Dairy-based Yogurt with Sugars
• Soap or shampoo

3. Address other issues
Skin allergies - Weekly bathing with a pet-safe soothing shampoo like oatmeal can help wash yeasts, pollens, and bacteria from the skin,
Are they any underlying health conditions that may be relevant or related?

4. Dry ears after every swimming and washing activity

5. Clean ears with a gentle, based on natural ingredients cleaner. But also avoid cleaning too often, it can strip them of their natural protective coating and increase the risk of infection in the ear.
6. Do not pluck the hair in an ear

Important:
Always consult with your medical professional if you’re unsure or if symptoms persist.

11/08/2024

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10/08/2024

How do you know your bird is unwell

Your pet bird does not want you to know they are sick. By the time the bird shows obvious signs of sickness, it may be already too late to help.
Observe your bird every day then and pay attention to:
*how your bird moves, playing and energy levels, eyes closed during the day may be a worrying sign
* feathers should be sleek, no fluffed up and dirty
* laying abnormal eggs or not laying eggs at all ( mostly chickens)
* increased breathing effort
* aggression and screaming
* appetite, watery droppings
* sitting on bottom cage, losing balance
The sooner you notice changes in your bird, the more likely you will be able to save your bird's life. Call your nurse or a vet with all the matters regarding your bird.

08/08/2024

How Do Lasers Provide Pain Relief for cats and dogs.

Laser treatments provide pain relief in three ways.
1. By reducing inflammation through vasodilation (opening of blood vessels) and by activating the lymphatic drainage system, thus draining swollen areas. As a result, swelling caused by bruising or inflammation is reduced which alleviates pain.
2. By stimulating nerve cells that block pain signals from being transmitted to the brain.
3. By stimulating the production of high levels of endorphins which are pain killing compounds naturally produced by cats and dogs.

What are some common conditions that cold laser therapy can help treat?

• Chronic arthritis
• Surgical incisions
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Gingivitis
• Ear infections, skin infections
• You may have a pet that is unable to undergo the traditional method of treatment and, therefore, may benefit from veterinary cold laser therapy, such as:
- Pets who suffer from liver disease and are unable to take commonly used medications
- Cats that are only able to use specific pain management medications
- Exotic pets that may not be able to have medications administered normally
- Older pets that are unable to be medicated due to decreased organ function
Unlike many medications, LLLT doesn’t carry the risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, kidney or liver damage, which can be a concern with long-term medication use.

05/08/2024

Want to understand your kitty?

Always watch their whole body – ears, tails, whiskers, and all that’s in between. Are they relaxed and stretched long? Tense and curled tightly? Ears up, back, or sideways? Tail up and relaxed, stiff, or swishing?
Below is a quick review of some of the important emotional states you may see in your cat. However, every cat is an individual and may use a slightly different combination of body language to communicate.
Take time to watch your cat and you will begin to see what they’re telling you.

31/07/2024

The smallest patient of the day. Miss Piggy needed her ears, nails, and skin checked. Such an unexpected chase too... catch the patient day:)

30/07/2024

Introducing Low Level laser therapy available in here with Vet Nurse Dora 's visits for your pet in their own home

29/07/2024

Complimentary health checks for your pet with Vet Nurse Dora. Come say Hi:)
30th of July at the dog park Pomona. Between 12pm and 1 pm. See you all there.

27/07/2024

From the man we all know:
David Attenborough:
Everyone who is thinking of getting dogs should read this because you need to understand this reality:

-I am a Beagle.
When I chase my prey, I raise my voice so the hunters could follow.
Today they put an electric collar on me to shut up, and you make me come back to you - no running - with a snap of your fingers.

-I am a Yorkshire Terrier.
I was a terrifying rat hunter in English mines.
Today they think I can't use my legs and they always hold me in their arms.

-I'm a Labrador Retriever.
My vision of happiness is a dive into a pond to bring back the duck he shot to my master.
Today you forget I'm a walking, running, swimming dog; as a result I'm fat, made to stay indoors, and to babysit.

-I am a Jack Russell.
I can take on a fox, a mean badger, and a rat bigger than me in his den.
Today I get scolded for my character and high energy, and forced to turn into a quiet living room dog.

-I am a Siberian Husky.
Experienced the great, wide open spaces of Northern Europe, where I could drag sleds for long distances at impressive speeds.
Today I only have the walls of the house or small garden as a horizon, and the holes I dig in the ground just to release energy and frustration, trying to stay sane.

-I am a border collie
I was made to work hours a day in partnership with my master, and I am an unmistakable artist of working with the herd.
Today, they are mad at me because, for lack of sheep, I try to check bikes, cars, children in the house, and everything in motion.

I am ...
I am a 21st century dog.
Spending eight hours a day alone in the house or in the garden - with no work and no one to play or run with, seeing you for a short time in the evening when you get home, and only getting a small toilet walk will make me deeply unhappy.
I'll express it by barking all day, turning your yard into a minefield, doing my needs indoors, being unmanageable the rare times I'll find myself outside, and sometimes spending my days sunk, sad, lonely, and depressed, on my pillow.
You may think that I should be happy to be able to enjoy all this comfort while you go to work, but actually I’ll be exhausted and frustrated, because this is absolutely NOT what I'm meant to do, or what I need to be doing.
If you love me, but you can't give me a real dog's life, a life that's really worth living according to my breed, and if you can't offer me the job that my genes are asking, DO NOT buy or adopt me!

25/07/2024

Beautiful Stratford Park family with a crew of 3 puppies having their health check this week. It's so much easier at home...

24/07/2024

So many lovely pets out there in Noosa by the water. These are some that came over and said G'DAY, Nurse Dora. Magic of the BBQ chicken worked wonders during the health checkups, too:)

23/07/2024

Complimentary health checks for your pet with Vet Nurse Dora. Come say Hi:)
24th of July at Gympie Terrace gazebo. Between 10 am and 11 am.

19/07/2024

How is your kitty's life going?

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18/07/2024

What do vet nurses do?
So you have just seen a vet because your pet is unwell. Your vet will hand over your pet to the nurse next and will let her know what is the best treatment for your animal.
Now, it’s a turn for your pet nurse to look after your precious buddy for the next few hours or days. She supports the vet in all the handling and care given to the patient.
*She monitors the vital signs, like your pet’s heartbeat, breathing, and body temperature. She puts the heating or cooling device in your friend ‘s bed if needed to make sure his comfortable.
*She makes sure your pet is calm after the procedure, administers medications, and assists in the rehabilitation
* She will check your buddy’s skin, clean his ears, trim the nails, and address all found health issues
* She performs small procedures like radiology, bandaging, teeth cleaning
* She collects samples of (blood, urine, and tissue, runs laboratory tests, and assists with ultrasounds
* She communicates with you about your pet’s diet and well-being
* She responds to emergencies, performing first aid, and stabilizing patients until the veterinarian arrives.
Importantly, she will make your animal as calm and loving as possible in vet settings.
Vet nurses play a vital role in the veterinary healthcare team, ensuring that animals receive comprehensive and compassionate care.

17/07/2024

Why do animals itch?
Skin problems are common in dogs and cats. There are many different reasons why a pet will itch and scratch. Fortunately, we can break most of the causes down into a few categories: allergies, skin parasites, and skin infections.
1. Allergies Pollen/environmental allergy: Just like people, dogs and cats can be allergic to pollen, dust, and moulds.
But instead of sneezing and hayfever, pets most often show their allergies in their skin. Allergic cats may develop crusty dermatitis or lick their hair so much that they cause bald spots. Allergic dogs may scratch all over, but especially at their armpits, belly, and ears. They may also have recurrent skin and ear infections and lick their paws.
* Food allergy: Animals with food allergy can show very similar signs as pets with pollen allergies, but the itching is not seasonal and animals can develop a food allergy at any time in their life—even if they have been eating the same food
all along! Cats may develop crusty dermatitis or hair loss similar to pollen allergy. Besides itchiness, food-allergic
dogs may also have ear or skin infections. The symptoms of food allergy usually do not improve much with anti itch medications, and the diagnosis and treatment is to feed the pet a hypoallergenic diet using a protein source that they have never been exposed to before. Switching to another commercial diet usually does not help because most of these diets have similar ingredients. A better alternative is a hypoallergenic diet with single unique protein ingredients such
as fish, rabbit, duck, or venison, with a single carbohydrate such as potato or rice, and no other treats, table scraps, rawhides, milkbones, chewable supplements or other foods for at last 6-8 weeks.
2.Skin Parasites:Fleas: Fleas cause itching and hair loss due to the irritation caused by their bites, secondary bacterial infections, or to a flea bite allergy. Mange, scabies are also a cause of inflammation and cause itchiness and pain.
3.Infections:Although the main reason for a pet’s itchy skin may be allergies or parasites, they often get secondary bacterial or yeast infections, which can keep the itch going even if the underlying cause is treated. These infections can cause red, crusty, flaky skin, hair loss, pimples, and red bumps. Yeast infection can cause skin to look thickened and “elephant like.”

These days, we have many options to make our pets comfortable. We can reduce the feeling of itchiness and pain caused by redness by using natural supplements as well as prescribed medications. Talk to your friendly nurse or your vet about variety of options to make your pet happy and comfortable again.

14/07/2024

What have your pets gotten up to this week? Let us see your stories:)

10/07/2024

Birds are adored for their beautiful appearances, extraordinary personalities, and unique behaviours. As we continue to make more progress toward understanding some of the medical and behavioural challenges associated with taking care of birds, one particular area of interest for bird owners is environmental enrichment.

Boredom and the stress associated with the inability to perform natural behaviours are common challenges associated with bringing animals into our homes because they rely heavily on their natural instincts. Our goal for the birds in captivity should be to replicate their natural history and environment as much as possible in captivity to avoid the development of major social, behavioural, and physiological issues. Research indicates that the intelligence of Psittacines is comparable to that of a 3-5 year old human child, so they deserve a similar level of stimulation and socialization throughout their day to day routines to ensure appropriate development and quality of life. Without environmental enrichment, a bird’s boredom may progress to stress and changes in behaviour. Some common behaviours that may indicate stress or boredom in pet birds include self-destructive behaviour, feather picking, open-beak breathing, fearful or aggressive behaviours, trembling, and excessive vocalization and screaming.
Talk to the bird vet or your experienced nurse who can assess your pet’s needs and come up with the way to make your furry buddy a happier friend.