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Like it or not, the Goods and Services Tax is now here. Over the last few months we have completed a major rewrite of our computer system to satisfy the many (and constantly changing) requirements of GST legislation. This has delayed us a bit in getting this newsletter out.
So what does the GST mean to the cost of owning a pet? No veterinary services are GST-free so most have increased in cost to you. However, it’s not all bad news, and we’ve done what we can to minimise rises.
Bad breath, yellow teeth and red gums are all signs of dental disease. It’s one of the most common problems we see in dogs and cats. Pets Need Dental Care Too.
Related articles: Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats
Our PetCare Reward Scheme was introduced last year to help make quality health care for your pets more affordable. Each time you spend money at our hospital, our staff will make an entry on your card. Many people do not realise that the card can be used not only for consultations, but also for the purchase of virtually any medications and even pet food. And there’s no time limit on the card. When it’s full, you’ll receive reward dollars equivalent to the average value of all entries on the card. This reward can be spent on virtually any product or service that we provide – it’s our way of saying thank you for your regular business. Make the most of the scheme – use us for all of your pet-care needs and remember to bring your card with you!
Related articles: PetCare Reward Card Scheme, Terms and Conditions
It’s popular for people to want to equate their dog’s age into an equivalent number of human years (or dog years – depending how you look at it!) The classic formula is "one dog year equals seven human years". However, this is inaccurate, as dogs mature more quickly and usually age more slowly.
A better formula is to say that the first 2 years of a dog’s life are equal to 12 years each. Every year thereafter is equal to 5 human years.
So a 10 year old dog is: 12+12+(8 x 5) = 64.
A dog’s average life span is about 12 years. Cat’s perhaps live a little longer on average but you can use the same guidelines. Remember this is still just an approximation, and breed can make a big difference. Some giant breeds will only live for about 8-10 years, whereas others commonly live to 15 years old or more.
Older pets require special care. This newsletter includes a special feature on caring for older pets.
Related articles: Caring for Your Older Pet
Puppy Preschool is going very well, and participants (both human and canine!) have found them very enjoyable and informative. Rosyln has now been trained to lead the courses as well. Courses are now being run on demand, so if you are interested, phone us now and put your name down on our list, and we’ll let you know as soon as the next course is starting.
Staff Training. Nicole and Roslyn have both recently attended a course on dog behaviour, especially puppy behaviour. Peter and Nicole have just been to a seminar on behaviour modification and aggression in dogs. Peter attended a seminar earlier in the year at Taronga Zoo on the care and handling of Australian natives.
Gina is pregnant and we’re not sure at this stage whether or not she’ll be back with us before the birth of her first baby in January. Yuri has been with us for over a year now, and will soon be going back to Japan. Though many of you may not have met her, she has been a big help to us in the treatment of your pets.
We’re not suggesting that you leave all your money to your cat - although a generous bequest to your local vet would be nice! Seriously, the RSPCA and other welfare agencies find pets abandoned after the death of their owners to be a common problem. Next time you review your will, why not give some thought to who will care for your pet(s).
The needs of your pet will change as they get older (particularly after about 8 years of age) and the care that we provide them must change accordingly. Various health problems can arise. Whilst some of these will be obvious, many will develop so slowly that they go unnoticed until they are quite severe. It is up to us humans to be vigilant. We need to recognise the signs of pain and illness, and treat them when necessary.
Medical care of the problems associated with old age has advanced rapidly in recent years. Many problems previously described as "just old age" can now be treated. This can mean a longer life, but more importantly it means a better quality of life for our beloved pets.
The type and amount of food that you give your pet should also change as they get older. Foods for older animals need to be low in fat and high in fibre, and they need to contain highly digestible energy sources. There are several excellent "senior" varieties of commercial food available, such as Hill’s Science Diet.
One of the most common problems associated with aged dogs is a growing lethargy and lack of interest in life in general. This decline in quality of life can impact everyone in the family. It used to be considered inevitable and untreatable. However a better understanding of the changes that occur in the ageing dog’s brain has led to the description of a disorder known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) and the development of a new treatment.
CDS occurs when there is a reduced supply of blood and oxygen to the brain, which adversely affects nerve function. This is common in older dogs, and the chemical changes that cause this have been identified. A simple once-a-day tablet can counter these effects and greatly improve the quality of life for many older dogs.
Other signs of CDS include: reduced appetite, disturbed sleep patterns, persistent barking, confusion and disorientation, irritability, loss of house training and reduced social interaction with people and other dogs.
If your dog is showing any of these signs, please ask us for advice. We can perform an examination, check for other problems and advise if Fitergol could help.
These are just a few of the problems affecting older pets. Regular checkups are important to monitor things such as heart disease, liver and kidney function. It’s also important to carefully monitor any lumps that appear on your pet’s skin, and have them checked out. The aim should always be to maintain your pet’s quality of life.
Inevitably, most pet owners will need to deal with the loss of their beloved pet. It may be worthwhile asking us about the options regarding euthanasia, burial and cremation if you feel this time is approaching.
Related articles: Arthritis (below)
Arthritis is one of the most common problems affecting older dogs. It usually develops slowly and causes chronic pain, but your dog will probably not tell you that he/she is in pain, so how do you know?
Look for any of these signs:
Arthritis occurs when the joints deteriorate. The cartilage, which acts as a shock absorber inside the joint, becomes worn and rough, sometimes allowing the bones themselves to rub together. The synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints, becomes thin and watery – like old oil in your car’s engine. These changes together create friction and pain inside the joint.
Treatment is available, and some would say that the treatment for canine arthritis is even better than what is available for humans. So, what can you do about it?