Marius Veterinary Clinic

03/02/2025

03/02/2025

A small bunny was handed in to us this morning, found in the East Tamworth area. If you believe this is your rabbit, please contact us on 67667228.

22/12/2024

🥳Christmas Countdown: 2 Days to Go!🥳

As we approach the joyous celebration of Christmas, the excitement in the air is palpable. With only two days left, many households are bustling with activity. However, amidst the festivities, it's important to consider the impact of these activities on our beloved pets.

🥳Loud Noises and Your Pets

While fireworks are commonly associated with New Year's Eve, Christmas can also be a source of loud noises that might disturb our furry friends. From excited children and a house full of guests to the clamor of games being played, the holiday season can be overwhelming for pets.

🥳Effects of Loud Noises on Pets

1. **Stress and Anxiety**: Pets can become anxious due to unfamiliar sounds and increased noise levels. This can lead to behavioral changes such as hiding, trembling, or excessive barking.

2. **Physical Reactions**: Some pets might exhibit physical symptoms like panting, pacing, or even attempting to escape from the noise.

3. **Disruption of Routine**: The holiday season often disrupts the usual routine, which can be unsettling for pets who thrive on consistency.

🥳Tips to Keep Your Pets Calm

Here are some strategies to help your pets stay calm during the festive season:
*Create a Safe Space**: Designate a quiet room or area in your home where your pet can retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. Include their favorite toys, bed, and a few treats to make it comforting.
*Maintain Routine**: Try to stick to your pet's regular feeding and walking schedule as much as possible. This can provide a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.
*Use Calming Aids**: Consider using calming sprays, diffusers, or anxiety wraps designed for pets. These products can aid in reducing stress levels.
*Engage with Your Pet**: Spend quality time with your pet through play or gentle affection. This can help reassure them and reduce anxiety.
*Background Noise**: Playing soft music or turning on the TV can help mask the loud noises and create a more soothing environment.

🥳Preparing for a Pet-Friendly Christmas

Being mindful of our pets' needs during the holiday season can ensure a joyous celebration for everyone in the household. By taking a few simple steps to accommodate their sensitivities, we can spread the holiday cheer to our furry companions as well.

Remember, a pet-friendly Christmas is a merry one!

22/12/2024

🎅Christmas Countdown: 3 days to go 🎅
Christmas Dress Ups for Pets
Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and a little bit of fun with our furry friends. Dressing up pets can add to the festive spirit, but it's important to consider their comfort and personalities. Here are some tips and ideas to make your pet's Christmas dress-up experience enjoyable for everyone involved.
🎅Understanding Your Pet's Comfort Level
1. **Respect Their Preferences**: Each pet has a unique personality. Some may enjoy the attention that comes with dressing up, while others might find it stressful. Observe your pet's behaviour and respond accordingly.
2. **Start Small**: If your pet is not used to wearing clothes, begin with something simple like a festive bandana or a holiday-themed collar. This can help them adjust without overwhelming them.
3. **Monitor Body Language**: Pay attention to signs of discomfort, such as pawing at the costume, excessive scratching, or a change in behaviour. If they seem unhappy, it's best to remove the outfit.
🎅Festive Dress-Up Ideas
For Dogs
*Bandanas and Bow Ties**: A cheerful bandana or a bow tie in Christmas colours can be a perfect touch for dogs who prefer minimal fuss.
*Christmas Sweaters**: For dogs that don’t mind a bit more dressing up, a cozy Christmas sweater can keep them warm and stylish. (Cold Climates Only)
**Santa Paws Costume**: If your dog loves being the centre of attention, consider a full Santa outfit, complete with a hat and faux belt.
🎅For Cats
*Holiday Collars**: A simple, festive collar with a small bell can add a touch of Christmas cheer without bothering most cats.
*Reindeer Ears**: Soft and lightweight reindeer antlers may be tolerated for short periods by some cats who are more accustomed to dress-up.
*Christmas Capes**: A small cape that drapes over their back can be a fun and less intrusive way to dress up your feline friend.
🎅Safety and Comfort Tips
*Right Fit Is Key**: Ensure that any clothing or accessory fits properly—not too tight, not too loose. This prevents any restriction in movement or risk of choking.
*Avoid Overheating**: Keep an eye on your pet to make sure they don't get too hot in their outfit, especially if they're indoors.
*Dress for Short Intervals**: Limit the time your pet spends in their costume to prevent irritation or stress.
🎅Celebrate With Care
Remember, the goal of dressing up pets for Christmas should be to enhance the fun and festivities without causing distress. Always prioritize your pet’s happiness and well-being to make the holiday season enjoyable for everyone, furry and human alike.

20/12/2024

🎅Countdown to Christmas: 4 days to go🎅
🛻🚕Travelling with Your Pets for Christmas🛻🚕
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, and for many pet owners, this includes their furry companions. Traveling with pets can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the journey.

🛻🚕Ensuring Safe Travel for Dogs
When traveling with dogs, their safety should be a top priority:
**Secure Transport**: Dogs should always be safely secured when traveling. If you're using a ute, make sure they are in a sturdy dog box. Inside vehicles, ensure they are either crated or securely seat belted.
**Comfort and Calm**: Traveling can be stressful for pets. Consider using calming aids such as *Adaptil* for dogs, or Thunder Wunder Chews for dogs and cats. These products can help reduce anxiety and make the journey more pleasant for your pet.

🛻🚕Traveling with Cats
Cats can be particularly sensitive to travel:
**Crating Cats**: Always transport cats in a secure crate. This prevents them from roaming the vehicle, which can be dangerous, and provides a sense of security.

🛻🚕Planning for Long Trips
When embarking on a long journey, consider the following tips:
**Regular Breaks**: Schedule regular stops to allow dogs to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. This is also an opportunity to offer them water to keep them hydrated.
**Monitor Comfort**: Ensure the vehicle is well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature for your pets.

🛻🚕Upon Arrival
Upon reaching your destination, it's important to consider your pet's comfort and safety:
**Secure Environment**: Keep pets in a secure area when you arrive. Strange places can be unsettling, and a new environment might prompt them to try to escape in search of familiar surroundings.
**Gradual Introduction**: Allow pets to gradually acclimate to the new environment. Give them time to explore at their own pace while keeping a close eye on them.

🛻🚕Traveling with pets during the Christmas season can be a delightful experience with the right preparation. By ensuring their safety and comfort, you can enjoy a holiday trip filled with joy for the entire family, including your beloved animal companions.

19/12/2024

🎄Countdown to Christmas: 5 days to go

The holiday season can be a bustling and exciting time for many, but for our furry friends, it can often lead to anxiety and stress. With Christmas parties, guests coming over, and changes in routine, pets may exhibit unusual behaviours. Here are some tips to help manage pet anxiety during the holidays.
🎄Recognizing Signs of Pet Anxiety
Pets may show anxiety in various ways, such as:
- Hiding or seeking solitude
- Excessive barking or meowing
- Destructive behaviour, like chewing furniture
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Being aware of these signs can help you respond appropriately to your pet's needs.
🎄Creating a Safe Space
It's essential to provide a quiet, comfortable area where your pet can retreat from the chaos. This space should be:
- **Away from noise:** Find a room or corner away from the main activity.
- **Familiar:** Include their favourite toys, blankets, and bedding.
- **Accessible:** Ensure your pet knows how to get to this space whenever they feel overwhelmed.
🎄 Using Calming Aids
Consider discussing calming aids with your veterinarian. Some products that may help include:
- **Adaptil:** This is a pheromone-based product that can help soothe dogs during stressful situations.
- **ThunderWunders:** Chews designed to help calm anxious behavior in pets.
- **Feliway:** A product that uses cat pheromones to create a sense of calm and security.
These aids can be beneficial in reducing stress levels for your pet during the holiday season.
🎄Maintaining Routine
Pets thrive on routine, so try to stick to their regular feeding, walking, and sleeping schedules as much as possible. Consistency can be comforting and help reduce anxiety.
🎄Gradual Introduction to Decorations
Holiday decorations can be a source of curiosity and anxiety for pets. Introduce these changes gradually:
- **Supervise interactions:** Monitor how your pet responds to new decorations.
- **Limit access:** Use barriers to keep pets away from potentially hazardous decorations.
- **Reward calm behaviour:** Use treats and praise to reinforce positive behaviour around decorations.

19/12/2024

18/12/2024

Help find Tilly so she can be home for Christmas.
Last seen in East Tamworth. Tilly is a 6 month old German Shepherd x Kelpie. She is microchipped and was wearing a pink collar. Please phone Lachie on 0404526607

18/12/2024

🎅Countdown to Christmas: 6 days to go🎅
Our pets can feel "under the weather"around Christmas
🎅Christmas Toxins for Dogs: 🎅
The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and delicious treats. However, it's important to remember that some of the foods and decorations we enjoy can be harmful, or even toxic, to our furry friends. Here's a guide to keeping your pets safe from common Christmas toxins.
🎅Human Treats to Keep Away from Dogs🎅
While it's tempting to share the holiday cheer with our pets, many human foods can be dangerous for dogs. Here's a list of treats to keep out of reach
**Xylitol**: This artificial sweetener, found in sugar-free gum and candies, can cause a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and even liver failure.
**Chocolate**: Toxic to dogs due to theobromine content, chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Dark and baking chocolates are especially dangerous.
**Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies**: These festive desserts contain raisins, sultanas, and currants, which can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
**Grapes and Raisins**: Even small amounts can cause severe kidney damage in dogs.
**Currants and Sultanas**: Like raisins, these dried fruits can be highly toxic to dogs.
**Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Shallots, and Chives**: These vegetables, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
**Alcohol**: Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous, causing vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, and central nervous system depression.
**Macadamia Nuts**: These nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.
**Leftovers (e.g., Ham)**: Foods high in salt and fat can lead to pancreatitis and other health issues in dogs.
**Sweets and Lollies**: Many sweets contain xylitol or chocolate, both highly toxic to dogs.

🎅Additional Safety Tips🎅
**Christmas Tree Decorations**: Tinsel, ornaments, and lights can pose choking hazards or cause internal blockages if ingested.

**Gift Wrap and Ribbons**: While these might seem like fun toys to chew on, they can cause digestive blockages.

**Plants**: Certain festive plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe can be toxic if ingested.

🎅What to Do in Case of Ingestion🎅
If you suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic immediately. Quick action can make a significant difference in your pet's recovery.
By being aware of these potential hazards and taking precautions, you can ensure a safe and joyous holiday season for both your family and your pets. Enjoy the festivities, and keep your furry friends safe and healthy!
(Note: Tuff is perfectly healthy in this photo-he loves to cuddle in his blanket :) )

17/12/2024

Please keep your dogs at home and indoors and avoid exercise outdoors in this heat🐾🐾🥰🥰

17/12/2024

Send a message to learn more

16/12/2024

🎄Countdown to Christmas: 8 days to go 🎄
Keeping Pets Safe Around Christmas Decorations
The holiday season brings joy and festivity, but it also presents potential hazards for our furry friends. Christmas decorations, while beautiful, can pose significant risks to pets. Here are some tips to ensure your pet's safety during the holiday season.

🎄Hazardous Decorations
Ensure that all decorations, especially fragile ornaments, are hung on the tree above pet level. This will prevent curious pets from batting at or swallowing these items.

🎄Tinsel and Garland:** These shiny decorations are particularly enticing but can be extremely dangerous if ingested. They can cause intestinal blockages, which may require surgical intervention.

🎄Pet-Friendly Decorations:** Consider using shatterproof ornaments and avoiding tinsel altogether. Opt for non-toxic decorations whenever possible.

🎄Physical Barriers

*Baby Gates:** Setting up baby gates around your tree can be an effective way to keep pets at a safe distance. This barrier prevents pets from accessing the tree and the decorations.

*Tree Cages:** Some pet owners use specialized tree cages to enclose the tree completely, ensuring it is off-limits to curious pets. This provides peace of mind while maintaining the festive atmosphere.

🎄Electrical Cords:** Keep electrical cords out of sight and reach. Consider using cord protectors to avoid potential chewing hazards.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy a festive and pet-safe holiday season. Remember, a little extra attention to decoration placement and protective measures can go a long way in keeping your beloved pets safe and happy.

16/12/2024

🎅Countdown to Christmas: 9 days to go🎅
As Christmas approaches, many of us look forward to festive activities, family gatherings, and delicious meals. However, if you're living in a region where the forecast predicts a hot Christmas, it's crucial to also think about keeping your pets comfortable and safe in the heat. Here are some tips to ensure your furry friends stay cool during the holiday season.
🎅Provide Plenty of Water
Ensure your pets have access to fresh, cool water at all times. Consider placing multiple water bowls around your home and yard, and refresh them frequently throughout the day. For an extra cooling effect, add ice cubes to the water.
🎅Create Shaded Areas
If your pets spend time outdoors, make sure there's plenty of shaded space where they can retreat from the sun. Use umbrellas, tarps, or even garden furniture to create a cool zone. If possible, allow them indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
🎅Use Cooling Mats and Towels and Shallow wading pools
Cooling mats and towels are excellent for helping pets regulate their body temperature. You can purchase these from pet stores or make your own by wetting a towel and placing it in the freezer for a short time. Let your pet relax on these during particularly hot times. If your pets are outside, a wading pool can be a great way for them to cool off.
🎅Limit Exercise During Peak Heat
While it’s important for pets to get exercise, avoid walking them during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for early morning or late evening walks when temperatures are cooler. Keep activities short and provide plenty of breaks in the shade.
🎅Watch for Signs of Heatstroke
Pets can suffer from heatstroke just like humans. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or vomiting. If you notice any of these signs, move your pet to a cooler area immediately and contact your veterinarian.
🎅Offer Frozen Treats
Treat your pets to some frozen goodies. You can freeze pet-safe fruits, vegetables, or even make homemade ice treats using their favorite broth or yogurt. These can be a fun and refreshing way to help them cool down.
🎅Keep Indoors Cool
If possible, keep your home cool by using fans or air conditioning. If you don’t have access to these, consider placing bowls of ice in front of fans to circulate cooler air.
🎅Grooming
Regular grooming can help keep your pet cool by removing excess fur. However, consult with your vet or a professional groomer to ensure that shaving or trimming your pet's fur is appropriate for their breed. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your pets have a safe and comfortable Christmas, even when the temperatures rise. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your furry family members happy during the festive season.
🎅

14/12/2024

Countdown to Christmas: 11 Days to Go
🎄🎁Christmas Presents: Keeping Them Safe from Pets 🎄🎁

The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of giving. One of the most exciting parts of this season is the exchange of gifts. However, if you have pets, you need to be extra careful about how you wrap and store your Christmas presents.

🎁Why Pets Love Christmas Presents

Our furry friends, with their keen senses, often find Christmas presents to be irresistibly intriguing. Wrapped gifts can contain enticing scents, especially if they contain food or treats. This can lead to your pets becoming overly curious and trying to unwrap the presents themselves.

🎁 Common Temptations for Pets

- **Food-based Gifts**: Chocolates, candies, and gourmet treats are delightful gifts for humans but can be dangerous for pets.
- **Scented Items**: Candles, soaps, or lotions often emit strong scents that can attract pets.
- **Toys with Bells or Whistles**: The sound of jingle bells or squeaky toys can be very tempting.

🎁Tips for Keeping Presents Safe

To ensure that your Christmas gifts remain intact until the big day, consider these helpful tips:

1. Store Gifts Securely
Place gifts in a location that pets cannot easily access. High shelves, closets, or even a locked room are good options.

2. Use Pet-Safe Wrapping Materials
Avoid using bows, ribbons, or any small decorations that could be a choking hazard. Opt for simple wrapping paper and secure it with tape.

3. Monitor Your Pets
Keep a close eye on your pets, especially if they have a history of being curious about gifts. If you catch them snooping around, gently redirect their attention.

4. Consider Pet-Friendly Gifts
If you want to include your pets in the holiday fun, consider wrapping a special gift just for them. This could be a new toy or a pet-friendly treat that they can enjoy.

By taking a few precautions, you can ensure that your Christmas presents remain a surprise until the big day. Keeping your pets safe and happy will also add to the joy of the holiday season. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in making sure everyone, including your furry family members, has a merry Christmas!

12/12/2024

Countdown to Christmas: 12 Days to Go

With just 12 days left until Christmas, the excitement is building! It's the perfect time to ensure everything is in place for a joyful holiday celebration.

Cheezel, our curious and adorable feline friend, is making sure everything is in order, starting with the Christmas tree. As he inspects the twinkling lights and shiny ornaments, it's a good reminder for all of us to check the stability of our own trees.

🎄Tips for Securing Your Christmas Tree🎄

To prevent any mishaps with curious pets or enthusiastic children, here are some tips to keep your Christmas tree safe and secure:

🎅Choose a Stable Base**: Ensure that your tree stand is sturdy and can support the weight of your tree.
🎅Anchor Your Tree**: Use fishing line or wire to anchor your tree to a wall or ceiling hook for added stability.
🎅Position Carefully**: Place your tree away from high-traffic areas where it might get knocked over.
🎅Mind the Decorations**: Hang breakable ornaments higher up and out of reach from curious paws or hands.
🎅Water Regularly -if you have a real tree-: A well-watered tree is less likely to dry out and become a fire hazard.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and festive holiday season with your family, both two-legged and four-legged alike!

As Cheezel reminds us with his playful antics, the holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and togetherness. Whether you're decorating your tree or wrapping gifts, these moments are what make Christmas truly special. Let's make the most out of these final days leading up to the celebration and create cherished memories to last a lifetime.

10/12/2024

🎅🎄Christmas Trading Hours🎅🎄

23rd December, Monday OPEN 8:30am-5:30pm
24th December, Tuesday OPEN 8:30am – 1:00pm
25th December, Wednesday CLOSED
26th December, Thursday CLOSED
27th December, Friday CLOSED
28th December, Saturday CLOSED
29th December, Sunday CLOSED
30th December, Monday OPEN 8:30am-5:30pm
31st December, Tuesday OPEN 8:30am-5:30pm
1st January, 2024, Wednesday CLOSED
2nd January, Thursday OPEN 8:30am-7:00pm

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY

We will not have a veterinarian on call.
Please ring an alternative vet clinic.
Sorry for any inconveniences.