Russell Vale Animal Clinic

10/07/2025

Winter means more indoor plants 🌿, but many are toxic to dogs. Avoid lilies, azaleas, oleander, sago palms, and poinsettias.

Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Keep plants out of reach and know what's in your home.

If your dog eats a plant that is toxic, contact us with the plant name straight away 📞.

08/07/2025

Don't skip flea prevention because it's winter 🐶! Fleas thrive in heated homes and can survive cold weather.

They reproduce rapidly indoors, making infestations harder to control once established. Year-round prevention is cheaper and easier than treating an infestation.

Modern flea treatments are highly effective - ask us about the best option for your dog's lifestyle 🦴.

07/07/2025

I remember many years ago a poor bat decided that my shower was a great place to be - I disagreed - fortunately, we were able to catch it gently, and remove it to the outside, but it is not what I should've done.

I should have contacted a WIRES handler who are vaccinated and have advanced training in handling.

It is a reminder that even when we think we can handle a situation, we should always contact someone who is trained in handling that species.

A reminder that the Lyssavirus is closely related to rabies - it is not a minor illness.

This comes at the same time as I received notification of a horse that died of Hendra virus in southern queensland (unvaccinated).

We are deeply saddened to hear that the man recently diagnosed with Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) in northern NSW has passed away. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this tragic time.

Although less than 1% of bats are estimated to carry the lyssavirus WIRES is joining NSW Health in urging the public to not put yourself at any risk by never touching or handling a bat.

Even well-meaning attempts to help can lead to bites or scratches, and while lyssavirus is rare, it is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
It is really important that anyone receiving a bite or scratch seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Learn more at ⤵️
https://hubs.la/Q03vSWl60

🦇 Australian bats are a threatened species and protected by law and are vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems.
REMEMBER: NO TOUCH, NO RISK.

Call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or your nearest wildlife rescue group so a trained and vaccinated wildlife volunteer can attend and safely assist the animal.

03/07/2025

Winter walks need extra planning 🐕! Shorter walks prevent overexposure, and dog coats help smaller or short-haired breeds stay warm.

Walk very young or very old dogs in temperatures above 10°C if possible. Avoid icy surfaces where dogs can slip. Early morning frost can irritate paw pads, so try to stick to safe paths.

Keep walks enjoyable but safe ❄️.

Got questions about winter gear for your dog? Chat with us or book in today!

01/07/2025

Winter nights can be harsh for outdoor cats 🐾. Provide insulated shelters with blankets, raised beds to avoid cold ground, and ensure access to fresh, unfrozen water.

Consider bringing elderly or unwell cats indoors during extreme cold. Watch for signs of hypothermia like lethargy, shivering, or pale gums. Even hardy outdoor cats appreciate a warm refuge when temperatures drop ❄️.

26/06/2025

Update from Dr Liz and Dirk - I know that some of you are thinking that we spent all of our time on the ship doing what is in photo one - drinking and partying, but a lot of the time was lectures , mostly on our sea days -

Lectures are now over and we are on the last afternoon on the ship.

In the past few days got the updates on diabetes mellitus especially with the new oral medication for cats, chronic kidney disease with some interesting updates on management for dogs.

I had to include some cute photos on an otter with a Libre glucose monitor, and a unique urine collection system for dogs-

We have seen humpback whales, a moose, seals and lots of birds. Lots of squirrels and other littlele furry things.

Locals are friendly and fun. On the boat anyway…

See you all soon.

26/06/2025

Supporting your older cat’s brain can boost their quality of life and longevity 🧠✨

✔️ Vet checks every 6 months (including blood pressure!)
✔️ Brain-boosting supplements and special diets
✔️ Playtime and puzzle toys for mental stimulation

Talk to our feline-fabulous team for more tips on helping your senior cat thrive! 🐾

24/06/2025

Dirk and I got our puppy cuddling fix - we learnt more about the Alaskan dog sledding hobby -

The Alaskan dog they use here is a combination of Greyhound, German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Border Collie, and most recently they are adding in the Cattle Dog (for intelligence). This is why the dogs look like a combination of all of these -

We learnt about the gruelling Iditarod trial between Anchorage and Nome.

Both Dirk and I thank you for your patience with us, and with our team back home as I know it can be frustrating when we are not available at short notice, and it requires flexibility at both ends.

24/06/2025

Wondering what food is best for your older cat? 🐱 It depends on their health!

Cats over 10 might benefit from diets for kidney support, weight control, furball reduction, or sensitive tummies.

Chat with our feline-friendly vets for the purr-fect diet plan for your cat! 😻

21/06/2025

First day of lectures on the Alaskan cruise - a packed session with the first two hours covering endocrine diseases such as Cushings( and how difficult it can be), Hypoadrenicorticism - known as the great pretender for a good reason, and the hext two hours on updates on management and diagnosis of heart disease in dogs and cats.

It is 1.30pm here on Saturday, which equates to 6.30 am Sunday morning for you all.

The final photo is my view at my lunch table, as I review my notes and discuss then with Dirk.

Great news- most of our protocols are up to date, and just need to tweak a few things, and some will get more of a tweak especially on the breed susceptibilities where further tests are needed to screen for hidden disease.

19/06/2025

Hi all from Canada - I like to visit pet shops, and dog parks whenever I travel, just to see what is new or different.

Penticton for example had an off leash beach area which was fenced, with an adjacent unfenced on leash dog area.

Lots of poo bags well stocked and kept very clean.

I don’t see something like that working well at home, but the concept is great.

Dogs are allowed in most shops and the RV camps we stayed, most of the residents had a dog or three.