Newton Veterinary Centre

27/02/2025

What's better than cuddles with a kitten? Cuddles with two kittens, of course!

Oscar and Felix came in for desexing this week, and Nurse Narelle gave them lots of love and attention during their stay.

We appreciate it can be worrisome leaving your pets with us for a whole day. At Newton Vet Centre, we do our absolute best to make them feel loved and safe whilst they are in our care.

28/01/2025

🐾 Puppy Health Basics 🐾

We recommend a course of 3 vaccinations for all young pups. 🐶

What does it cover? The C5 course covers five core diseases: parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and two strains of kennel cough. 💉

Parvovirus is by far the most concerning of these diseases. 'Parvo' is a nasty virus that can survive for over 6 months in the environment, meaning your pet doesn't need to go anywhere near another dog to contract it. It causes severe gastroenteritis, which is often fatal. Vaccination is extremely effective in preventing this disease. 🦠

We recommend calling to discuss a vaccination schedule for your new pup before you even pick them up! One of our friendly Vets will perform a full check up, administer vaccinations and create a personalised wellness plan for your loved one. 🏥

Book an appointment today to ensure a healthy start!

Photo description for the visually impaired: a golden puppy is in shot, fairly close to the camera. He has floppy ears that are darker than the rest of his fur. He is looking off to the side as if contemplating something. He wears a red collar, and out of focus in the background is an aqua coloured water bowl.

26/01/2025

🐶 Meet Miss Mila 🐶

Mila came in to see us last month for desexing.

She seemed quite relaxed after her procedure, and we loved her little bow! 🎀

We monitor our post-operative patients carefully to ensure they are receiving adequate pain relief, making them as comfortable as possible.

Image description for the visually impaired: a small cute white dog is lying on a blue towel. One leg is tucked under her and the other reveals a pink bandage which is covering her IV line. She is beautifully groomed with a pink bow on top of her head. She looks at the camera, a little sleepily.

22/01/2025

📚 Back To School Blues 📚

School goes back next week! For some pets, the quiet may be a relief. But for others, who have adjusted to having humans around more often, it may cause some anxiety. 😟

What does this look like? Excessive vocalisation (crying or barking), pacing, and destructive behaviours are the most common manifestations. 🐕

What to do? Start by slowly trying to adjust your pets routine. This week would be a good time to practice some alone time, with some enrichment like a stuffed kong or frozen treat (more on enrichment next week!). It doesn't have to be for long, but might help the adjustment when school starts next week.

Leaving them with something that has your scent, like a worn t-shirt, may help. Leaving talk radio on very quietly can help with the adjustment too. Synthetic calming pheromones can also be of use. 👕

Should your pet be demonstrating signs of separation anxiety that is proving difficult to control, we are here to help! One of our experienced veterinarians can discuss your concerns in detail and come up with a management plan to help reduce their anxiety. 👩‍⚕️

Picture description for the vision impaired: a close up of the head of an Irish Setter in profile. She is lying on a soft bed, looking to the right of the shot. She has soft looking red hair, and her ears are covered in wavier hair. Perhaps she is a little sad and missing her humans.

20/01/2025

Myth Busting Mondays
'My dog is scooting, he must have worms!' 🪱
Is something we hear often in the clinic.
Whilst intestinal worms are one possible cause of scooting in dogs, the most common cause is an a**l gland issue!

Sometimes dogs a**l glands need emptying manually, or sometimes they get blocked and actually form an abscess. 😷

It's best to have a veterinary professional check it for you. Phone 8365 5010 or visit our website to book an appointment.

Photo description for the visually impaired: a cocker spaniel puppy sits in front of the camera on the beach. They are wearing a red collar and looking up, likely at someone standing behind the camera.

23/09/2024

🐾 Is Your Dog Showing Signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction? 🐾

As our furry friends age, they may experience changes in behaviour that can be concerning. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), often referred to as doggy dementia, affects many senior dogs.

🔍 Signs of CCD:
Disorientation or confusion (getting lost in familiar places, barking, or staring at nothing)
Changes in sleep patterns (restlessness at night)
Decreased interest in play or social interaction
House-soiling accidents
Increased anxiety, pacing or aggression

If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to talk to your vet. Early diagnosis can help manage symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life. 🥰

📅 Let’s ensure your furry companion stays happy and healthy! Schedule an appointment with us today to discuss any concerns and explore potential treatments.

Photo description for the visually impaired: a close up of a shaggy black dogs face, he is greying on the muzzle. His is looking straight at the camera with a gentle expression.

19/09/2024

🐱 Fear Free Visits! 🐱 Part 2

5) Decrease external stimuli. Cover the carrier with a towel prior to leaving the house and leave this in place until you are safely in the consult room. Soft classical music in the car can help decrease stress levels (for you and your pet 😉). 🎵

6) Try a calming pheromone. There are several products available to spray on your towel and within the carrier (prior to placing kitty) that can decrease stress levels. 😌

7) Support blanket- place a piece of clothing or bedding in the carrier that has your scent. 👕

8) Keep the carrier up high. Cats feel safest when high off the ground. Our waiting room has dedicated tables and benches for placing cat carriers rather than the floor. ⬆️

9) Remember that if we suggest coming back another day for examining or treating your beloved pet, it is only because we want whats best for their safety and mental health. We appreciate another trip is another stressor, but sometimes we need to modify our medications or techniques to safely and calmly treat them.❤️

Remember these tips for a purrfect visit.

Image description for the visually impaired: a white cat is lying on a table hanging her paws off the edge. She is looking very relaxed with her eyes closed as a hand gives her chin a scratch.

18/09/2024

🐱 Fear Free Visits! 🐱

We know that taking your cat to the vet can be a stressful experience for all concerned. Cats generally dislike routine change, so you can imagine how upsetting being placed in a carrier and driven in the car can be! Not to mention a physical examination and a needle!
Not to worry! Newton Vet Centre is here to help with some handy tips for reducing your cat's stress.

1) Plan ahead. Let us know when you book your appointment if you or your cat are feeling anxious about your appointment. 🕑

2) Enquire if anti-anxiety medication is appropriate prior to your visit. 💊

3) Give yourself plenty of time. If we have given you medication to administer, it needs 2 hours for full effect so you need to be prepared to administer up to 3 hours prior in case kitty doesn't take the medication as expected. ⏳️

4) Desensitise to the carrier! Cats are clever and will know when the carrier comes out that a car trip is on the cards. Leaving your carrier out and open in a safe space at all times can help desensitise your cat to this trigger. 📦

Stay tuned for part 2!

Photo description for the visually impaired: a long haired orange tabby car is lying on his side. His eyes are pointing towards the camera but they are softly closed. His paw rests daintily on his cheek.

13/09/2024

🪻 Spring Has Sprung 🪻

And with it comes pesky grass seeds.

What are they? Grasses send off arrow shaped seeds, which are picked up by the wind to start a new plant elsewhere. When they land on the ground, they burrow into the soil before germinating. 🌿

The problem? They will burrow into wherever they land. With dogs that includes skin (paws most frequently), ears, noses, mouths and even eyes! 👀

They can cause infection, discomfort and can be difficult for the veterinarian to find.

The solution? During spring and summer, search your dog's coat after each walk and remove any foreign material, especially between toes and near the ears. Curly coated breeds are particularly prone. 🐩

This week we removed three grass seeds from a beloved dogs ear ca**ls! If you are ever suspicious of a seed, please phone us to book an appointment.

09/09/2024

🐾Meet the Team Monday!🐾

Please welcome Dr. Suzie to our team! Dr. Suzie joined us last month from a busy specialist and emergency hospital! She brings a wealth of experience and is particularly knowledgeable when it comes to emergency and critical care. She even has advanced qualifications in this field. 🩺

However, Suzie is straight back into the swing of General Practice and is enjoying being able to help you, our clients, with every aspect of pet preventative healthcare. 🐶

Suzie enjoys exercising and keeping fit. She recently completed a full distance Ironman Triathlon. When she's not exercising, she enjoys spending time at home with her partner Jade, daughter Lexi and two dogs Phoebe and Wompa.

Dr. Suzie is available for appointments Monday - Thursday.

Appointments can be made over the phone or via our website www.newtonvetcentre.com.au

05/09/2024

🐾 **Is Your Dog Slowing Down? It Could Be Arthritis!** 🐾

Does your dog seem stiff, struggle to get up, or avoid stairs and long walks? These could be signs of arthritis, a common condition in aging dogs. But don’t worry—the team at Newton Vet Centre can help keep your furry friend moving comfortably! 🐕✨

We offer comprehensive arthritis management plans, including medication, joint supplements, and lifestyle advice tailored to your dog’s needs. Let us help reduce your dog’s pain and improve their quality of life! 💙

Book a consultation with us today and lets get your dog moving freely again. 🩺

Image description for the visually impaired: an aged, large, floppy-eared dog is lying down facing the camera. His muzzle is greying, and he looks a bit tired.

Newton Vet Centre is committed to providing quality, friendly care for your pet.

02/09/2024

Is your dog constantly licking their paws? Often over time, the hair discolours and becomes pink or red. It's rarely a behavioural issue—chances are, they're dealing with an itch! 🐾
It is very common to see seasonal allergies presenting as paw licking and excessive scratching. Spring is here, and often, pollens and grasses are the cause. 🌲🪻🌻
The good news? We can help! Our veterinarians are skilled in diagnosing and treating the causes behind those pesky itches, bringing relief to your furry friend. Book an appointment with us today, and let's get your dog back to feeling their best! 🐶

Image description for the visually impaired: a white fluffy dog sits with a paw in the air. The hair of the paw and around the muzzle are a bit discoloured compared to the rest of the coat. He is looking beyond the camera with his mouth open, perhaps hoping someone will give him a treat.

30/08/2024

This little cutie is Finn! He came in and spent a day with us recently for desexing.
He was a very good boy and enjoyed all the attention.

Desexing is a hot topic of late. As with all medical procedures, there are potential pros and cons.

Ultimately as animal guardians, we need to make an informed decision, that is personalised for each pet.

Our veterinarians are up to date with scientific literature and can help you make this decision. Considerations often include age, breed and health status. We can run through all of this with you in a standard consultation. You can book an appointment online or over the phone.

Image description for the visually impaired: a small fluffy yellow pomeranian stands on an examination table looking right at the camera (a good model if ever we've seen one). A small bandage is on his foreleg. Behind him a nurse is supporting him and smiling

28/08/2024

Pet Behaviour Spotlight: Anxiety in Dogs 🐶😟

Is your dog acting anxious or stressed? Pacing, excessive barking, hiding, aggression, destructive behaviours, poor appetite and disturbed sleep are all common signs. Don’t let them suffer—our team can help with effective treatments and training tips to calm their nerves and increase their overall happiness.

Schedule a behaviour consultation with Dr. Conor today! Book over the phone, in person or online.

Photo description for the visually impaired: a small, yellow, long haired dog is showing typical signs of anxiety. Her ears are pinned back, and her eyes widened, which reveal the whites clearly.

26/08/2024

Myth-Busting Monday 🐱💡

Myth: Cats are low-maintenance and don’t need regular vet visits. 🐾

Reality: Cats are masters at hiding illness! Regular check-ups help us catch issues early, and sometimes, treatment started earlier will significantly increase the lifespan of your pet. If your cat hasn't had a check up in the last year, book a consultation today! Appointments can be made over the phone, in person, or via our website.

What are your cat's unique quirks? Share in the comments!

Image description for the visually impaired: a brown and white tabby cat sits on a wooden dining table in a kitchen. With her eyes somewhat narrowed, she seems to be asking 'where is my food, human?'

23/08/2024

Let's talk about 'Kennel Cough' 😷

This is a misleading name for an infectious cough in dogs. Your dog doesn't need to go anywhere near a kennel to catch the cough! Any brief contact with other dogs (eg. through a fence, or greeting on a walk) can spread the disease.

Kennel Cough (sometimes called Canine Cough) is caused by a suite of bacteria and viruses. The best defence we have against this currently is our yearly vaccination, which covers two common causes of Kennel Cough. 💉🦠

Is your furry friend up to date with their vaccinations? If you are unsure, please give us a call on 8365 5010 and one of our friendly nursing staff will be able to assist you, and book you in if required. We also have online booking through our website.🐕🐶🐾

Image description for the visually impaired: a light brown and white chihuahua stands on a table in a veterinary clinic. Two hands are visible gently holding him. Behind him sits an ultrasound machine. He looks quizzically past the camera, perhaps wondering if he'll have to endure a needle today.

21/08/2024

🦷🐾 **Is Your Pet's Smile Healthy?** 🐾🦷

Just like us, pets need regular dental care to stay happy and healthy! 🐶🐱 Did you know that over 80% of dogs and cats show signs of dental disease by age 3? 😮 Plaque buildup, bad breath, and even tooth loss can happen if left untreated! Cats and dogs will often show no obvious signs despite having oral pain.

At Newton Vet Centre, we offer comprehensive dental assessments to ensure your furry friend’s teeth stay in top shape. A healthy mouth means a healthier pet, so book an appointment today for a full dental check-up! 🩺✨
One of our friendly veterinarians will perform a full body check over and make a personalised plan for your pet. Let's keep those tails wagging and smiles bright! 🐾

Picture description for the vision impaired: photo of a happy White Shepherd dog with a relaxed, open mouth expression, revealing healthy teeth.

30/06/2024

Meet Sammy! Sammy came in for a puppy vaccination this week. Sammy is no ordinary puppy. He is a Guide Dog in training. We are proud to be partnered with Guide Dogs to provide health care for these important animals, who go on to make a life changing difference for the people they are matched with.