Witzenberg Vets Tulbagh

06/01/2025

28/06/2024

28/06/2024

Cats tend to drink less water during winter months and this can predispose to bladder infection/urine crystals forming.
Some tips to get your cat to drink more water
- running water for eg. cat fountains
- wet food (pouches) as a treat
- multiple water bowls in- and outside

If you notice your cat struggling to urinate or going to the sandbox more often than usual, please contact us ASAP

21/06/2024

We have a little donation point for CHAIN sitting right outside our front door.
If you have any clothes, books, treasures or anything else that no longer gives you joy please stop by and drop them in the box.
The Chain shop income supports the kennels and cattery

11/06/2024

Vacancy for vet receptionist and administrator open

05/06/2024

Woo hoo our CHAINchat is out 💕 With a wonderful article about our pets and their joints especially in Winter. Thank you Dr Johani from Witzenberg Vets Tulbagh for youth time and knowledge ♥️

https://mettamedia.co.za/chain_boland/newsletters/2024_06_June.pdf

31/05/2024

DOG RABIES CONFIRMED ON THE CAPE PENINSULA
A case of rabies has been confirmed in a pet dog residing in the Capri area of the Southern Peninsula in Cape Town. The dog exhibited symptoms such as fever and increased aggression. Both the infected dog and a younger dog from the same household, which was injured, were humanely euthanized.
The source of the infection is currently unclear, none of the dogs in the household had a recent travel history outside the province. Rabies is not endemic in wild animals in the City of Cape Town, with the closest wildlife cases in the past reported in the Paarl area. Recent investigations into reports of seals exhibiting aggressive behavior in the City found no evidence of rabies infection in seals.
The primary risk of rabies introduction comes from the movement of infected dogs, which can then spread the virus through contact with other dogs in public spaces or through fences. Rabies is transmitted through direct contact between dogs, including licking, scratching, nipping, and biting.
Rabies can be transmitted to people through the lick, scratch, or bite of a rabid animal.
If bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies, your first step is to clean the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes. This is a critical step and one that you can take immediately. Thereafter, go to the hospital/emergency room/clinic to seek further medical attention. Here, you will be assessed and arrangements made for you to receive post exposure prophylaxis, which usually includes a series of rabies vaccinations as well as RIG (rabies immunoglobulins), depending on the nature of the bite. RIG are not available everywhere – the doctor will guide you as to your next step. The doctor can call the nearest public sector hospital to determine where vaccine and RIG stocks are available.
Note the animal's location since it may need to be captured and monitored for any signs of rabies.
If you know the owner of the animal that bit you, get all the information you can, including its vaccination status and the owner’s name and address.
Notify your local health department and state vet, especially if the animal wasn’t vaccinated.
Rabies outbreaks can be entirely prevented by vaccinating dogs and cats. By law, all dogs and cats in South Africa must be vaccinated against rabies by their owners. Failure to vaccinate pets can result in the animals being euthanized if they come into contact with a rabid animal, and owners may be held liable for any damage caused if their animal becomes rabid.
Rabies vaccinations for animals are available throughout the province at private veterinary clinics, animal welfare organisations, and during pre-arranged vaccination campaigns by Western Cape Veterinary Services. In the Capri area, the following vaccination campaigns will offer free vaccinations for dogs and cats:
• Saturday, 1 June 2024, 11:00-14:00 at TEARS (The Emma Animal Rescue Society), 4 Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale. Appointments for Saturday vaccination must be made ahead of time by calling 021 785 4482.
• Tuesday, 4 June 2024, 10:30-14:30 at the open field on the corner of Tahiti Way and Capri Drive (GPS: -34.135066, 18.386987).
• Wednesday, 5 June 2024, 10:30-14:30 at the open field on the corner of Wesley Road and Jefferson Road, Sunny Dale (GPS: -34.126957, 18.385309).
• Thursday, 6 June 2024, 10:30-14:30 next to Nomzamo Site 5 Masiphumelele Clinic (GPS: -34.128619, 18.378988).
The SPCA is also advertising free vaccinations around the Metro, next week.
For more information about rabies and the contact details of your local Western Cape State Veterinarian, please visit

13/05/2024

With winter around the corner 🥶 what better time to stock up on winter warmers for your furry friend 🐶 if we are cold so are they!

10/05/2024

Please note the practice will be closed from 13:00 this afternoon. Dr will be on call for emergencies.
In case of emergency please call:

078 419 8844

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

26/04/2024

This cat has been found injured in the vicinity of Huis Disa Tulbagh. If you recognise or know who the owner is please contact us on
023 230 0123
Currently at Witzenberg Vets Tulbagh

03/04/2024

Let's talk about TICK and FLEA CONTROL...

1 DOSE 12 WEEKS
Bravecto® is an oral pest protection that lasts 12 weeks in a single dose.

With 3 months between treatments, you can focus on the things that really matter – like walkies and ear scratches.

17/03/2024

This sweet friendly female collie type dog was injured yesterday. She was found in the Saronsberg area. Please if you know who she belongs to contact the clinic

15/03/2024

Meet Luna- this little warrior came in with symptoms of vomiting, not wanting to eat and bloated. Initially we thought she may have some foreign material stuck in her intestine, but after further examination, under general anesthetic- we found a wishbone stuck in the back of her throat. Luna made a full recovery! (FYI- the owner does not feed her dogs bones, Luna sneakily grabbed it from the kitchen counter- lets hope she learned her lesson!)

01/03/2024

Happy Friday 😊

26/02/2024

This little guy was picked up wondering Tulbagh town this morning- please do let us know if he is yours

21/02/2024

Kindly note we will only be available for emergencies tomorrow 22 February for year end stock take.
In case of emergency please contact us on 078 419 8844.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

12/12/2023

Today we bring you the explanation why we should not perform intense physical exercise with puppies until 18 months and even 24.
Puppy growth rates vary greatly by size. It's important to adapt diet and exercise to your puppy's specific requirements to ensure ideal skeletal development. Endocondral ossification (the process during which cartilage turns into bone) differs according to the adult size of your puppy, with closed growth plates (complete ossification has occurred) between 3 months in toy breeds and 24 months in large breeds (see photos).
There are many factors affecting growth rate and maturity age, for example, males mature more slowly than females. There are variations in periods of 'fast growth' ranging from birth to 11 weeks in small dogs and toys. Large breeds range from birth to 20 weeks (Hawthorne et al 2004) excessive exercise and inadequate nutrition during these periods can lead to conformation and malformation of bones, which can lead to the osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease.
Recommended exercise levels for puppies are 1 minute for each week of their life, twice a day. This should be low impact at a steady pace.
If your goal is to train to compete for flyball or agility (for example), it is recommended to avoid any jump training until full ossification has occurred.

This is what we mean to tell you not to rush with your pups, work other things with them. Work their minds, smell, worry about socializing etc.
After spending the development months and making the corresponding plates, consult your veterinarian if your dog is 100 % for sport.

09/12/2023

Change is as good as a holiday...
HAPPY HOLIDAY 🎄