Four Paws Veterinary Services

13/12/2021

FACTS ABOUT SNAKE BITES:
🐍Snake bite sites can be difficult to find on dogs
🐍 Dogs often don't show symptoms immediately after being bitten, but may have received a fatal dose of envenomation
🐍The longer the dog snake bite is left untreated, the more advanced the clinical signs and the reduced chance of survival
🐍 Snake venom can compromise the clotting ability of dogs blood and can cause them to bleed to death
🐍 Envenomation can cause internal damage to kidneys, muscles, and the respiratory system

❌ Symptoms ❌
Some dogs present with little symptoms, even after owners have SEEN them get bitten but if they are going to show signs these are the most common:
Collapsing (followed by apparent recovery)
Lethargy/wobbliness/tremors/weakness
Dilated pupils
Paralysis
Unable to control bladder and bowels
Bleeding from the nose, bite site, mouth
Discoloured, dark urine, can be bloody

❌ WHAT TO DO❌
It is important to get your pet to the NEAREST vet clinic which stocks ANTI-VENOM as envenomation recovery is heavily time sensitive. Call ahead to ensure they have some in stock. Remain calm and keep your pet calm, reduce movement. If safe to do so, take a photo of the snake to help the vet identify species.

It can be difficult to PREVENT a snake bite however minimising their desired habitats is a great start. Remove potential food sources which can bring in rodents and keep bushy areas pruned and tidy. Keep lawns mowed and check doors/foundations of homes for unsealed areas.

10/12/2021

➡️ Regular health checks (at least annually) to have the vet listen to their heart & lung sounds as well as head to toe check up 🩺
➡️ Put your dog on a supportive diet. Discuss with vet which diet they think will be best for your animal. Senior diets help support joint and bone health, digestion, brain function and often contain less calories 💪
➡️ Perform regular blood tests (every 6-12 months) to detect changes in organ function early 💉
➡️ Promote physical exercise and mental stimulation through new smells, puzzles, toys and outdoor activities 🚶
➡️ Consider their home environment and their comfort. Some helpful changes include non slip rugs on hard floors, portable ramps to assist them into the car or onto couches/beds etc, and moving food and water bowls into a central location of the house 💙

07/12/2021

Heat stroke, or hyperthermia is a common condition seen across vet in Australia during this time of year. Here's a quick guide to help you keep your pets safe!

☀️ Some breeds are at significantly higher risk eg. Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs.
☀️ Cats and dogs cannot sweat like humans, they must regulate their temperate through panting and external cooling.
☀️ At a body temp of above 40 degrees proteins can begin to cook, killing cells which essentially results in organ damage.

SYMPTOMS include excessive panting/breathing effort, vomiting/diarrhoea, lethargy or collapsing, change in gum colour (can be very red, very pale or even blue tinged), dark urine, excessive drooling and confusion.

WHAT TO DO: Alert your nearest vet - your pet will need medical attention. Remove your pet from the heat and saturate animal with cool water. Encourage drinking. Do not wrap in a wet towel as this will trap heat. Do not use ice baths as this can shock and constrict blood vessels. Place them in air conditioned car and get to vet as quickly as safely possible.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE VET: Depending on the severity of heat stroke your pet is experiencing you can expect intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy if required, gastric protectants and anti nausea in cases of vomiting and diarrhoea, antibiotics to prevent secondary sepsis (blood poisoning), pain relief, blood tests to assess severity of dehydration and assess organ function, and ongoing monitoring and treatment.

Prevention is the BEST cure! Keep your animals safe, cool and with access to shade and water at all times 🐾

07/11/2021

24/10/2021

Many dogs get anxious when their paw-rents leave for the day. Here's some of our favourite tips to help reduce the stress!🥰🐾

If you ever feel like your pet is becoming unmanageable or nothing seems to help, have a chat with our vet to discuss other options such as anti-anxiety medication

22/10/2021

HAPPY FRIDAY 🎉

We love doing these so we wanted to play another fun game with you all....

Everybody has cute nicknames for their animals BUT what would THEIR nickname be FOR YOU? 😅

17/10/2021

IMPORTANT INFO FOR OUR RABBIT LOVING FRIENDS 🐾🐰

🐰‼️ 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞

Hi everyone, unfortunately there is a nationwide shortage of the Calicivirus (RHDV) vaccine at the moment, with no stock available until late this year or early 2022.

To keep your rabbit as safe as possible during this time, you can do the following:

▪️Keep them indoors.
▪️If outdoors, then mosquito proof the enclosure.
▪️Limit outdoor time to during the day, ensuring they are protected by the above at dawn, dusk and night.
▪️If you have been to an area with a possible wild rabbit population, then we would recommend changing all clothing and shoes prior to entering your house.
▪️F10SC can be purchased and diluted to a 1:100 ratio with water for cleaning of areas. Please leave on for a minimum of 30 minutes contact time.
▪️Install a bug zapper to turn on at dusk.
▪️Plant mosquito repelling plants that are safe for your rabbit such as rosemary, lavender, basil, mint and sage.

🐰 We have a waiting list for the vaccination at each clinic, so give us a call and we can put your name down to be notified when we receive the vaccinations into the clinic again.

𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘜𝘯𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘦𝘵 𝘝𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘣𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘷𝘦𝘵𝘴.𝘤𝘰𝘮.𝘢𝘶.

05/10/2021

Nothing makes us happier (except maybe this puppy picture!) than seeing your pets all up to date with their vaccines and health checks! 🐱 🐾

01/10/2021

More than 50% of todays pets are considered overweight, so weight loss is often a great thing. But what about when it is unintentional?

Animals can often lose weight for a variety of harmless reasons such as diet change, increased activity or a change in schedule. Elderly pets generally lose weight as they get older and this can be quite normal, too.

Rapid or dramatic weight loss (ie. 10% of your pets weight or more) can be a sign of underlying health or behavioural problems. Some examples include:
◾ Parasites
◾ Chronic illness
◾ Dental disease
◾ Metabolic disorders
◾ Gastrointestinal diseases
◾ Stress
◾ Neuromuscular disease
◾ Diabetes

Please contact us if you are ever worried your pet may be losing weight and we can book you in with our vet for a consultation 🐾

29/09/2021

Do you know what to carry in your car in case of a wildlife emergency? 🐢🦆🐸

⬇️ Some very easy and life saving tips below from Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre ⬇️

21/09/2021

Just a few of the most common toxicities we see!

If you ever find yourself wondering if your pet has ingested something toxic, we recommend calling the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 ☎️

19/09/2021

Message us to book a spot! 🐾

17/09/2021

🔷 LET'S PLAY A GAME 🔷

Show us the last picture you took of your pets!!

09/09/2021

With the warm weather finally upon us it's important to remember the risk of grass seeds and your pet during this time. Grass seeds bury themselves in the fur and migrate underneath the skin. We commonly see them between the toes, ears, and eyes and have even pulled them from inside a urethra (OUCH!) 😰

The body recognises the grass seed as foreign and will try to remove it, causing a strong inflammatory response. They also carry a lot of dirt and bacteria, which poses a risk for infection and abscesses.

Common symptoms include:
◾ Swollen or red areas
◾ Localised irritation/licking/scratching
◾ Shaking head
◾ Discharge from nose

🐩 Take caution with your pets by keeping them well groomed during the warmer months (it is less likely for a grass seed to get stuck in short fur)
🌾 Check your dogs coat after walks and stay clear of long grassy areas.
🏠 Keep your own backyard well maintained to protect your pets at home

07/09/2021

Has your pet had a vaccination in the last 12 months? If not, or you aren't sure, they may be left unprotected against preventable diseases such as Parvovirus and Canine Cough.

Contact us and we can get you booked in for their yearly health check and vaccination! 🐾💉

31/08/2021

Is your dog constantly itchy? Always chewing their feet? Allergies affect 5-10% of dogs and cats and are one of the most common problem we see in our patients.

SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR : general scratching, licking and biting (particularly at ears or feet), runny/itchy eyes, sneezing or diarrhoea.

There are 3 types of allergies; environmental, food and flea.
Flea allergies can be controlled by ensuring your pet is up to date with monthly flea preventative treatment.

🔺Environmental allergens are difficult to pinpoint and can often be seasonal. Common examples include pollen, dust and dander.

🔺Food allergies are not as common as environmental but are usually to a type of protein (commonly chicken or beef), dairy or wheat. A food elimination trial is often recommended by a vet if this is the case.

Allergies are difficult to treat but can managed by determining the allergen or through medication. If you are worried your pet may be suffering from allergies contact us to help you break the itch 🐾

26/08/2021

For all of our lovely patients today 🥰

⬇️⬇️ Comment a pic below of your dog doing their FAVOUROTE thing to celebrate international dogs day! 🐾

04/08/2021

🌟CUTE PATIENT POST ALERT 🌟

Look how happy Archer was that Dr Tash came to remove a big splinter out of his foot!

25/07/2021

Unfortunately due to the shape of their ear canal, ear infections are very common in dogs. Floppy eared breeds such as Cocker Spaniels or Golden Retrievers can be more prone to ear infections, however all breeds get them. Inflamed and infected ears can be painful and require vet treatment and medication to restore a healthy ear canal.

Common causes of ear infections in dogs include allergies, moisture, foreign bodies (such as grass seeds), trauma and incorrect or excessive cleaning.

❌Symptoms ❌
◾️ Head shaking/tilting
◾️ Scratching
◾️ Swelling or pain
◾️ Dark discharge
◾️ Odour
◾️ Crustiness or inflammation on/around the ear.

If your pet is showing any of these signs we recommend a health check with our vet. We will also show you the correct products and technique to clean your dogs ear to prevent wax build up and further infections.

19/07/2021

Some of our favourites to keep our pets active and happy during this rainy time!

🌳 OUTINGS🌳
There are still lots of places your dog will find exciting even if its raining. Try local pet shops, cafes, indoor dog play centres and hardware stores.

⌚TRAINING⌚
Book for a one on one session with a local trainer, sign up to a training course at the park or set a goal to teach some new tricks at home!

🧠 MENTAL STIMULATION 🧠
Keep your dogs brain busy and they will never be bored. We love puzzles, kongs, treasure hunts or even setting up an indoor obstacle course!

🐾 PLAY DATES 🐾
Invite your friends and their dogs over for a catch up. It's a win win for everybody!

03/07/2021

➡️ Regular health checks (at least annually) to have the vet listen to their heart & lung sounds as well as head to toe check over 🩺
➡️ Put your dog on a SENIOR diet. Discuss with vet which diet they think will be best for your animal. Senior diets help support joint and bone health, digestion, brain function and often contain less calories 💪
➡️ Perform regular blood tests to detect changes in organ function early 💉
➡️ Promote physical exercise and mental stimulation through new smells, puzzles, toys and outdoor activities 🚶
➡️ Consider their home environment and their comfort. Some helpful changes include non slip rugs on hard floors, portable ramps to assist them into the car or onto couches/beds etc, and moving food and water bowls into a central location of the house 💙

19/06/2021

❗️ VITAMIN K CRISIS ❗️

Please avoid using rodent bait wherever possible as vet clinics across WA are in very limited supply of the antidote, Vitamin K, for pets who have ingested it due to the mouse plague in the eastern states.

Rat bait acts as an anticoagulant in the blood (prevents clotting) and therefore animals are at risk of bleeding out without prompt treatment, which may include Vitamin K supplement for 3-6 weeks.

14/06/2021

Here are our best tips to keep your pooch happy and healthy on your next family roadtrip! 🐶

1. Write down the numbers/addresses of all local vets - don’t rely on having phone reception! 🩺

2. Ensure your pet is SAFELY secured into vehicle) to eliminate distractions and protect your pet in the event of a crash. Car crates, seat belt harnesses and car seats are our faves. 🚙

3. Pack a dog first aid kit ⛑🩹 You can buy a premade kit online but it’s cheap and easy enough to make your own. Include: antihistamines, saline wash, gloves, thermometer, bandaging material and iodine.

4. Pack enough food to last the entire trip as dogs are prone to getting upset tummies if they change food suddenly. If your pet takes ongoing medication ensure you have enough of this too!

5. Check your dog is up to date with vaccinations, worming treatments and flea/tick prevention to protect them from catching anything nasty while travelling!💉

6. If you’re not sure where you may be allowed to stay or visit with your dog with you; check out https://www.holidayingwithdogs.com.au 🛏

30/05/2021

With the gloomy weather already coming in we thought we would share some tips to help your pets through the next few months! ☂️❄️

🏡 SHELTER
Ensure your outside pets have somewhere warm and sheltered they can escape to and provide extra bedding/blankets for chilly nights.

🧣 WARDROBE
Generally.. if you're thinking you might need a jacket for the day, your short haired dog will benefit from one too! Our thick coated friends are generally okay (think Husky, German Shepherds etc). Ensure if you are planning to take your dog for a walk in their jacket that they are able to move and jump as normal in it.

🔹SENIOR PETS AND WINTER
We find our senior animals slow down in winter as they experience more aches and pains due to cooler temperatures. Please ensure that if your pet is experiencing difficulty getting out of bed, moving up and down stairs or is generally a little stiffer than normal you reach out to our vet and we can help keep them comfortable!

🏃‍♀️ EXERCISE
Continue to exercise and walk your dogs (of course unless severe rain or weather warnings etc) as it will get their blood moving and help them warm up.

🔥 HEATERS
Never place an animal in a small space near a heater or heated blanket where they can't move away from it as they can burn. Always supervise animals around gas heaters.

17/05/2021

Our patients are definitely the cutest! 🥰
Ruby, Piper and Hamish after a nail trim 🐾

10/05/2021

➡️OSTEOARTHRITIS ⬅️

Did you know "old age arthritis" or osteoarthirits affects animals just as it affects humans?

❗️REMEMBER❗️ Your pet can't tell you when they are sore and they are often very good at hiding it!

Some hints your dog may be painful due to arthritis include:
➡️ Difficult with everyday activities eg getting up/down stairs, jumping onto the bed/couch, standing up from a lying down position
➡️Unable to keep up on walks/when playing as much as they used to
➡️Licking at painful joints
➡️ Muscle wastage
➡️ Limping/lameness
➡️Personality changes

Arthritis a life long, incurable disease but with the correct management and plan from our vet your pet can still live a happy, healthy life 🥰

09/05/2021

We hope everyone has a lovely day relaxing with their loved ones, furry and non! 🐾💕

07/05/2021

⚠️ FRIENDS IN LOWER CHITTERING/BULLSBROOK/MUCHEA AREA ⚠️

Our lovely nurse will be in the area tomorrow and has a few appointment still available for nail clips!

Comment below or send us a message to secure a spot 🐾

06/05/2021

Microchips are a permanent method of identification for your animal which cannot get lost or fade over time. It is a tiny chip (the size of a grain of rice) implanted under your dogs skin via quick needle.

These chips carry a unique code which rangers, vet clinics and animal facilities can use to access an owners contact details ie. if your pet finds themselves in a sticky situation away from home, we can reunite you fast! 🏠

Microchips are also a legal requirement here in WA and pet owners are fined should your pet be picked up by the ranger without one.

Contact Four Paws to book an appointment if you need your pet to be microchipped 🐾

30/04/2021

We want to meet your pets!
Share a pic of your pets in weekend mode 🥰