Russell Vale Animal Clinic

26/09/2025

What to do when your pet eats something they shouldn't

If your pet has ingested something potentially harmful from the bin, pantry, or elsewhere, swift action is crucial to minimize harm.

Here's a guide on what to do and avoid:

What to do:

1. Be aware of common household dangers:

* Food items: chocolate, cacao, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, and foods with xylitol.
* Rotting garbage
* Toxic plants: lilies, sago palm.
* Some essential oils: undiluted tea tree oil.
* Human medications: paracetamol, ibuprofen, antidepressants.
* Chemicals: rat bait, snail bait, weedkiller, cleaning products.
* Small objects: batteries

2. Detective work:

Quickly figure out exactly what your pet ate. Identify the substance, brand name, and estimate the quantity consumed.

3. Seek veterinary advice:

Contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poisons Helpline immediately for guidance. Don't hesitate to seek advice, even if you're unsure if the substance is harmful.

What not to do:

1. Watch and wait without veterinary advice:

Prompt veterinary care can be life-saving. If the ingestion occurred within the last 1-4 hours, inducing vomiting may be an option. Veterinary professionals can also administer antidotes or provide supportive care.

2. Treat your pet yourself:

Avoid using home remedies. Incorrect treatments can be dangerous. Always seek professional veterinary assessment for your pet's safety.

25/09/2025

URGENT ALERT – We have had it confirmed from a veterinary colleague of a positive Leptospirosis case in Helensburgh.
Many of your doggos may be covered for this, but if in doubt, please check your vaccine certificates – you are looking for a sticker or a mention of either Protech C2i or Nobivac Lepto 2.
If you are unsure, please log into your animalclinic pet portal – (our online booking portal which contains much more) – use the email address we have on our file for you to login in – you should find you and your pet details. On the left it will say “Standards of Care” as well as option of Vaccination Certificate.
If after both of these, you are still unsure, pls txt us– give us your name and your pet’s name. We will email you an updated vaccination certificate with advice on further steps for you.
We always advise sensible common sense approach in terms of controlling as best as you can the food and water supplies for your pet – of course, you may own a “Piper” (our dog), which loves to drink out of puddles, gutters and whatever else just because “it is there”.

25/09/2025

Interesting article on the genetic basis of purring -

Whether you are lucky enough to have a cat companion or must merely live this experience vicariously through cat videos, Felis catus is a familiar and comforting presence in our daily lives. Unlike most other feline species, cats exhibit sociality, can live in groups, and communicate both with other...

25/09/2025

🧼 Does your pet have itchy or inflamed skin, particularly as the weather begins to warm? Prescription or medicated shampoos can help manage allergic skin disease and soothe irritation.

There are lots of different types of shampoos depending on your pet’s particular needs. Ask us if a medicated wash could benefit your pet’s skin health. 🐶

23/09/2025

The marketing gurus say we should do a staff member focus each month - so I thought I would share a photo of our beautiful sleepy receptionist, Pumpkin (the ginger cat).Pumpkin is now 10 and a half years old.

Pumpkin loves to pretend she likes you, and then gives you a bit of a nibble (bite) , and sleeping ( her two favourite spots include the castle in the waiting room, on my laptop in my office, or on the funny curve on the cushion on our lounge in the back room.

I also forgot - she also loves to sleep in areas of the carpark, and refuse to move if you want to park there, and she has been know to do the tyre inspection whilst you are visiting.

23/09/2025

🦶 Licking or redness between your dog’s toes can be caused by allergies, grass seeds, injuries or infections. In Spring, we see an increase in both allergic skin disease as well as injuries caused by penetrating grass seeds.

Dogs with particularly hairy feet and toes tend to be at increased risk. Persistent irritation to your pet’s skin should be checked by a vet without delay, as early treatment can prevent worse outcomes. ✅

22/09/2025

"Just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service I received today. The doctor and the receptionist was really helpful and really gave me amazing information." says Verusca on Google

★★★★★ Just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service I received today. The doctor and the receptionist was really helpful and really gave me amazing information.

21/09/2025

Did you know your dog has an individual nose print, much like our one of a kind fingerprint?

19/09/2025

What we are seeing alot of lately

1. Ear infections - OMG

There was a day where all but two appointments were for ear infections.

It is a frustrating problem, and sadly, the most common recurring problem in pets (second to dental disease)

Tips - Keeps ears dry - Do NOT pluck - trimming is allowed, plucking is NOT - Regular maintenance is needed in all pets - sometimes as simple as a wipe out with a mix of apple cider vinegar with cooled boiled water 50:50.

Keeping the ears dry can make a big difference - however sadly, the most common cause of recurring ear infections are allergies - which can be managed but not cured.

I often talk about "flip the lip" for dental care, but you should also "Flip the ear flap" at the same time if you have a high risk breed ( aka all dogs).



2. Diarrhea - BIG OMG

And is frustrating to both pet and owner. We have seen an increase in cases testing positive with Giardia, with the occasional hook worm, and we have diagnosed a few pets with IBD or pancreatic insufficiency. Each case is individual, but we need to work through the process to get the right answer and solution. No quick fixes in many cases.

Tips for the acute case- Highly digestible bland food (cottage cheese and rice for the dogs, plain chicken or fish for the cats for a few days only) with fresh water PLUS Pro-kolin (available online, through us and other vet hospitals).

If the diarrhea lasts longer than 3 days, a vet consult is needed with a f***l sample, which may then progress to advanced blood and f***l tests, as well as dietary trials.

18/09/2025

🐍 Snakes are more active in warm weather, and with the rising temperatures we’ve seen lately, you can be sure they are now getting out and about.

Keep your home safe from snakes by trimming grass short, clearing debris away from your property, and supervising pets outside - particularly in known snake spots such as wood piles. If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. 🚨

17/09/2025

"Thanks Dr Liz ! Positive experience & very
informative. Given printed information on each visit." says Sandra on Google

★★★★★ Thanks Dr Liz ! Positive experience & very informative. Given printed information on each visit.