Queanbeyan Veterinary Hospital

13/10/2025

Some very important information for pet owners when considering letting your dogs swim in Canberra💦

🚨 CONFIRMED CASES: ALGAE TOXICITY IN CANBERRA LAKES 🚨

Several recent cases of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) poisoning have been reported in dogs after swimming in Lake Ginninderra and Lake Burley Griffin.

We strongly urge all Canberra dog owners to exercise caution when walking near lakes, ponds, or stagnant water — especially now as we head into the warmer months.

See below for more information about this toxin.
- Found in warm, stagnant water like ponds & lakes
- Dogs can get sick just by drinking, swimming, or licking it off their fur
- Toxins act FAST — signs show up in minutes to hours
- Signs/Symptoms include: Vomiting, seizures, weakness, excessive drooling and breathing difficulty.

Blue-green algae can be DEADLY to dogs — even in tiny amounts.

If exposed: Rinse your dog off immediately and call your vet!

Hot Tip: Bring fresh water for your dog and avoid any water with algae scum or a bad smell.

Please share this post to help protect others within out community ❤

12/10/2025

Everyone please read as reminder from ARH about snake 🐍 bites.

"Snake Bites And Your Pet"
Canberra and surrounds are home to many venomous snakes and in the warmer months snakes become much more active. As pet owners we need to be cautious and safeguard our pets. Our canine companions are inquisitive creatures and will often chase or attempt to kill snakes, while our feline friends possess a strong hunting instinct, which makes them susceptible to snake bites.

Envenomation from the toxins contained in snake venom is life-threatening and should always be treated as an emergency. If you do suspect that your pet has come into contact with a snake, it is vital that you immediately seek veterinary attention.

If you see a snake in your garden, contact your local licensed snake catcher. They will safely remove and relocate the snake into a safe environment. Identifying a snake can be difficult, so never assume it is non-venomous. Please don’t attempt to catch or approach the snake but if you can safely take a photo or note its colour and markings, this will help your vet and the snake catcher.

Reducing the risk of snake bite
Warmer weather awakens our native snakes and they often seek out water and a food source. They’re not uncommon to see in backyards, around rockeries, on bush trails or even in or around the home. Most snakes will actively avoid you if given the chance. However, if they are threatened or challenged, the risk of them striking and biting is both real and potentially deadly for both human and pet.
* If you are in a snake area, ensure the grass is kept short
* the garden is tidy
* and avoid shoes being left outside.
* Avoid walking in long grassy areas and don’t allow your pets to explore holes or dig under rocks.
* don’t allow your pet to approach a snake even it appears to be dead. Keep dogs on leads or a harness when out walking or on adventures in the bush.
* Consider snake-proof fencing the yard and remove potential food sources such as rats or mice.

First Aid Tip for Snake Bites
This is an *Emergency* situation, transport your pet to a vet immediately.

* Pets are usually bitten on or around the head, neck and front legs
* Take note of the colour and patterns on the snake. For a great reference for snake identification see: www.whatsnakeisthat.com.au
* Do not attempt to catch the live snake or harm the snake (snakes are protected and killing them is illegal)
* Don’t waste time chasing the snake, get your pet to the vet safely
* Remain calm and don’t panic. Keeping calm will soothe your pet and help minimise their distress and movement.
* Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage if possible (similar first aid techniques as recommended for people), but do not use a tourniquet or restrict blood flow.
* Do not try to look for a bite mark or clean the bite site with anything.
* Keep your pet calm and quiet, movement helps the venom spread around the lymphatic system, so the less they move, the more time you have.
* Carry your pet to the car, do not allow your pet to walk if you can help it. Again, any restriction of movement helps.
* Transport your pet to a vet immediately, and if possible, call the clinic to let them know you are on the way. They may also provide additional instructions.

Signs that your pet has been bitten by a snake:
* If your pet is in the close vicinity of a snake, assume they may have been bitten
* Most of the time a bite mark will not be seen as the snake fangs are razor sharp and leave tiny holes in the skin. The pet may not even feel the bite, and therefore may not yelp in pain.
* Often dogs may collapse briefly after a snake bite, they may vomit, or defecate, but then act completely normal again. This indicates they have received a lethal dose of venom.
* Bleeding is a late sign of envenomation.

Remember, pets can react in different ways.

Symptoms can include:
Dilated pupils
Weakness in hind legs
Trembling
Drooling
Pale gums
Pacing around anxiously
Restlessness
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting
Panting
Collapse straight after being bitten, and then act normally for a period of time
Become comatose / unconscious
Bleeding from nose, mouth, bite site
Sudden death
If you have seen a snake in the vicinity of your pet, and are unsure if they have been bitten, it is always better to take them to the vet for an assessment. If caught early, snake bites can be treated successfully.

10/10/2025

“Today is Vet Nurse Day! 🐾 🐶🐈‍⬛🦎🐇🎉
We are so thankful and appreciative for all the hard work and dedication that our team of nurses provide us at Quesnbeysn Vets.🩺
Vet Nurse Day provides an opportunity for the veterinary industry and our clients to acknowledge the important role that vet nurses play within the veterinary medical team and reinforces the value and professionalism of veterinary nurses.
Our nurses are highly skilled, have ever increasing responsibilities and play a valuable role, whether in surgery, administration, consultations or teaching student nurses🐶🐱
So a BIG thank you to our wonderful and dedicated Queanbeyan Nurses and all the wonderful nurses at our other clinics ! We appreciate your hard work ✨”
❤🐾

03/10/2025

📢 Labour Day Closure Notice
Please note we will be closed on Monday the 6th of October for Labour Day. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

For urgent veterinary care please contact emergency services. 🐶🐈‍⬛🐇
Canberra Veterinary Emergency Services
Ph: 6225 7257
Animal Referral Hospital
Ph: 6280 6344
Enjoy your long weekend and stay safe
Normal operating hours Tuesday morning 🐾

25/09/2025

September Puppy Class Graduates 🎓 🐾🐶
So adorable 💕💕

16/09/2025

Meet gorgeous “Malachi” with his pearly whites after a dental today❤️🐾

16/09/2025

Handsome “Pete Jr” 💕🐾

15/09/2025

Big Happy Birthday to these two awesome ladies. Dr Courtney (left) receptionist Laura (right)🎉🎂🥳🎈🎁🎊

15/09/2025

As the weather begins to warm up, we are already starting to see a rise in tick cases once again. It is important to keep up to date with preventive measures to protect our furry friends all year round.

With the sudden onset of cases coming in, here at Queanbeyan Veterinary Hospital we are pleased to offer an exceptional limited-time offer, providing care and protection for your dogs!
Starting from the 18th of August , until the end of September, we are offering discounted Heartworm and Flea and Tick injections!

Enjoy 10% off our flea and tick injection or Heartworm injection when done seperately, or book them together in the same appointment to get 15% off BOTH preventative injections AND free intestinal worming tablets for the year!
🐶🐾🐕🦴🙏❤️

For more information about our parasite prevention bundles, or if you would like to book in, get in touch with us on please call (02) 6299 2509

15/09/2025

The Tick Season Is Here
Paralysis Tick:
The paralysis tick occurs along the coastal region of Eastern Australia, and is common on the South Coast and around Sydney. Animals affected with paralysis are usually seen within one week of going to the coast. Occasionally, tick paralysis is seen in pets who have not been to the coast, but whose owners have brought the ticks back on their clothing, camping gear or picnic rugs. The paralysis tick is grey. This is distinct from the brown bush tick, which is seen more commonly around Canberra.
If animals are taken to the coast, there is no 100% effective method of preventing them from picking up ticks. However, as ticks are more common in coastal scrub, keeping your dog on a leash and avoiding scrubby bush is helpful.
Routine care when at the coast and for two weeks after returning should include:
1. USING A TICK PREVENTION MEDICATION before travelling to risk areas is the MOST IMPORTANT STEP!! There are many products available, please contact the hospital for any advice on the most effective tick prevention products. ( see attached picture for some products)
2. Most ticks are found forward of the shoulder – head, ears, under lips, under chin, around eyes, chest – but they will attach anywhere (always check between the toes!!). Feel over your pet’s whole body with your fingers daily!!
Even when you carefully follow all the recommendations, it is possible your animal may still develop tick paralysis—ticks are hardy, resistant creatures that love to hide. The first external sign of tick paralysis is usually weakness or wobbliness in the hind legs, a change in vocalisation or bark, a soft cough or occasionally vomiting.
If these symptoms are noticed, seek immediate veterinary attention. Keep your pet as quiet as possible. The paralysis can be treated with a specific anti-venom, but the effectiveness is greatest if administered early in the illness.

11/09/2025

💛 R U OK DAY 💛

Whether its your partner, family, friends or workmate’s … the people around you go through life’s ups and downs EVERY day.

That’s why R U OKAY day is encouraging everyone to ask those we care about

“Are you okay?”

A conversation could save a life 🌟

Find out more

08/09/2025

We will be closing at 6pm on Friday, 12th September. Sorry for any inconvenience