Southdale Veterinary Services

24/04/2025

12/10/2024

With Virbac – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

21/08/2024

Non-spayed female dogs typically go into "heat" or estrus twice a year, starting around 6 - 12 months of age. Smaller breeds may begin as early as 5 months, while larger breeds may start around 14 months.

Each cycle lasts an average of 12 - 21 days, but can range from a few days to four weeks. Bleeding occurs before the female is receptive to males, who will be attracted during the proestrus stage.

Dogs can get pregnant during their first heat cycle, but it is not advisable due to the increased risk of complications. For pet dogs, spaying before the first heat is recommended to prevent accidental pregnancies and reduce the risk of reproductive diseases.

02/08/2024

Cats sniff everything that they come into contact with. The stems and leaves of the catnip plant contain a chemical compound known as nepetalactone. When sniffed, this chemical acts as a stimulant and produces a reaction similar to the ‘high’ experienced by humans who use hallucinogens such as L*D. The way in which a cat reacts to catnip will largely depend on whether she has simply sniffed it, or if she has eaten it. Sniffing catnip produces a stimulant reaction, and your furbaby may react by exhibiting a number of strange, hyperactive behaviours including rolling around, flipping over, chasing her tail, and running around and climbing with no purpose. She may seem simply crazy! The effects of catnip usually lasts between 10 and 15 minutes before wearing off. When catnip is eaten rather than sniffed, the effect is somewhat different. Instead, it actually acts like a sedative, and “mellows out” the feline that consumes it. This can be especially useful for long car rides.

22/07/2024

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26/06/2024

Look. When it come to eyes - small is big, and timing is crucial. This image shows two tumors (Meibomian gland adenomas and papillomas are the most common in dogs).

These can grow very quickly and the surgical removal is far more difficult when they are bigger. So, the message is this,... have a look, a _careful_ look since we get used to seeing the tumour and it becomes normalized in our minds; and if spotted then immediately call and schedule an appointment with the vet.

Will save you and your furry loyal friend discomfort.

If this did help you please post a comment.

26/06/2024

The funniest cat :-)

11/06/2024

As the temperature drops in some parts of Johannesburg, please make sure your pets stay warm:
 If possible bring your pet inside.
 If your pet cannot be brought inside make sure they always have somewhere warm and dry to go. Move their shelter out of the wind and place extra blankets inside.
 All small pets, like hamsters, mice and birds should be kept out of drafts and have extra bedding in their cage and are covered at night.
 Always keep a close eye on pets when they spend time outside in the very cold weather. Cats and small dogs often shelter under cars in the cold and windy weather. Always check before you start your car and drive away.
 It is dangerous to use electric blankets, heat lamps etc. in your pets’ shelter.
 We all know the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car, the same applies to a cold car, think how cold your car is when you first get into it!
 Always make sure that they have fresh food and water daily. Check that water and food has not frozen overnight.
Should you need to find out more on how to look after your pet during the winter, please contact AACL Johannesburg on 011 435 0672

11/06/2024

Rabies is a deadly disease. It can be transmitted to people by an infected animal’s bite, scratch, or lick.

If a person is bitten, scratched or licked by an animal suspected to have rabies (an animal that is unvaccinated, showing odd behaviour or neurological symptoms), the person needs to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek medical attention immediately.

Post-exposure prophylaxis treatment will involve a series of rabies vaccinations and immunoglobulin being injected into the wound (If the skin has been broken).

Rabies affects the brain and is 99,9% fatal once a person or animal shows clinical signs.