Merrylands Vet in Sydney, Australia | Pet service

Merrylands Vet

Locality: Sydney, Australia

Phone: +61 2 9682 1547

Address: 122 Merrylands Road, Merrylands 2160 Sydney, NSW, Australia

Website: http://Merrylandsvet.com.au/

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• Veterinary surgeon

26.01.2022 Wildlife on Country Roads PART 2 - What to do if you find an injured animal What do you do if you see an injured animal, or hit one? Always make sure you are safe and pull off the road in safe place, away from traffic if you can. Remember the animal may be firghtened and could be dangerous. In emergency cases, where the animal’s injuries are obvious, some can be carefully caught and wrapped in a towel, then placed in a well-ventilated, dark and secure box for quiet trans...port to wildlife veterinary hospitals for care.Travelling with gloves, towels and newspaper in the back of your can be a good way to stay prepared. Check animals for injuries or for young in pouches. But, do not approach potentially dangerous animals like snakes, monitor lizards (goannas), bats (flying-foxes or microbats), large macropods (kangaroos or wallabies) or raptors (eagles or hawks). Instead, call WIRES at 13 000 WIRES or 1300 094 737, where aniamls will be safely captured and treated. WIRES can help with any wildlife on the roads no matter how large or small. Finally, if you see a dead aniaml on the road use a towel or newspaper to move the animal off and away from the side of the road, so other animals do not injure themselves investigating.

25.01.2022 Check out Catmosphere Cat Cafe's newest addition... Catflix Cat Cinema! A fun date night, where you could also meet your new fur-ever friend, with their fostering and re-homing services open! We would love to meet and help look after any kitties you have adopted!

25.01.2022 Peter the Rabbit that thinks he's a sheep! Shared from BBC One's 'Secret Life of Farm Animals'

25.01.2022 There are over 450 000 people with low vision or blindness in Australia, and so many of them use and rely on a Guide Dog to help them navigate. It is important to understand how to interact and work around a visually impaired person and their guide dog. According to Guide Dogs Australia one of the most important things is not to distract a Guide Dog. Some other important thing to know are: Don’t make the Guide Dog the centre of attention. Don’t pat, feed or... otherwise distract the dog when it is working. A well-intentioned pat can undo months of training. Don’t grab the person or the dog’s harness. First ask if they need assistance. When providing guiding assistance, walk on the opposite side of the person to the Guide Dog. Make sure your pet dog is on a leash or under control around a Guide Dog. When approaching, it may be polite to let the person know that you have a dog with you. Guide Dogs are legally allowed to accompany their handlers anywhere, including into restaurants and onto all forms of transport, i.e. taxis, buses, trains and planes, so always allow a person with a guide dog to enter a business or facility. See more

25.01.2022 What Is A Heart Murmur? A heart murmur is when abnormal sounds can be heard form the heart through a stethoscope, and the brief answer for this is a turbulent blood flow in the heart. The purpose of all the valves in the heart is to keep the blood flowing evenly in a forward motion, and if a valve does not work properly (e.g. does not open or close fully/properly), this can cause turbulence. The other causes of turbulence are a hole in the heart between the chambers, nar...rowing within a chamber of vessel, thin blood (anaemia) or vibrations of vessels as blood flows past. Heart murmurs can be benign meaning there is no apparent heart disease that explains the murmur. These murmurs are often seen in puppies, and can occur in cats of any age. Benign murmurs are usually soft (rather than loud), and can be intermittent. Murmurs can also be congenital (meaning from birth). Heart murmurs can be dangerous but cannot be treated in itself, but rather the underlying cause of one if there is.

24.01.2022 Cats, Coffee and Books? Who could ask for more! Cats at Otis & Clementines Books and Coffee, live in the shop and can be adopted. Awesome to see people from all over the world re-homing and adopting animals, and working with their local Veterinary Practices to re-home and keep these gorgeous cats and dogs healthy! Tell us how you came to adopt or foster your pet!

24.01.2022 10 Tips for You and Your Pet in Quarantine: Part 8 Advanced indoor enrichment: home made puzzles Two simple puzzles that will entertain your pet: * Box Puzzle: for cats: all you need is a empty box. Enough said. ... * With your dog in another part of the house, arrange empty boxes on the floor and hide treats in some of the boxes. Show your dog the boxes and let your pup use its nose to find the hidden treats. Rearrange the boxes with more treats. * Cupcake Puzzle: Take an empty cupcake baking tray and 12 tennis balls. Place treats or pieces of your dogs kibble into some but not all of the baking trays cups, and cover all of the cups with the tennis balls. Show your dog the tray and see how long it takes for your dog to move the right balls to find the hidden food. Each time you play, change where you place the treats in the baking tray. Please like, comment with photos of your pet engaging in these activities, share with you friends if youve found this post valuable Danny

23.01.2022 What Do I Feed My Senior Cat? Senior cats are more sedentary as they spend their retirement relaxing. Senior cat food is fairly low-fat and contains easily digestible proteins to ease the burden on their aging kidneys. We recommend changing to senior food at 12 years of age to help better protect their kidneys, care for their teeth and maintain their mobility. Quality food comes in wet and dry and we recommend Royal Canin and Hills. ... Older cats often have underlying issues so we recommend blood and urine tests and a dental check to give them a more comfortable daily life.

23.01.2022 10 Tips for You and Your Pet in Quarantine: Part 5 This post if for dogs who live in apartments and who, under normal circumstances, must be walked multiple times a day. Under stricter quarantine rules, dogs in apartments are going to need to do their business inside. ... This is how to teach your dog to potty in your apartment (something you probably spent a long time not to do). 1. Act as if you are going outside. Prep for how you would normally for a walk, like grabbing a leash, bags and treats. Cue to your dog that this is business as usual, even if its in a corner of your living room instead of down the block. 2. Walk your dog to the area where you want them to go during a time when you think they need to potty. It is usually in the morning after exercising, after eating or after a nap. If at first your dog doesnt go, give yourselves a break and return to another area of your apartment to hang out. Then watch for signs that your dog needs to potty and try again. 3. For cleanliness and to protect the area of the floor, you can use newspapers, commercially available pee pads or even fake grass. Please like, comment, share with your friends if youve found this post valuable Danny

22.01.2022 10 Tips for You and Your Pet in Quarantine: Part 4 Now is the time we can develop good dental habits in your pets if you havent already. Flip your pets lip. Have a smell. ... I would recommend brushing your pets teeth with a babys toothbrush. Pets dont enjoy having an object forced in their mouth so it is best to start gentle and slowly increase the time brushing. Anchor the experience with a treat or dinner. I recommend brushing the canines (fang teeth) and molars at the back for 5 seconds each side of the mouth once weekly as an ongoing habit. Dentistry is all about prevention and protects the teeth from loosening later in life, other diseases, anaesthetic risk and expensive vet bills. If you are worried and the smell is strong or you see loose teeth, please call Merrylands Vet at 9682 1547 or email [email protected] or book online https://bit.ly/2V4L8oc and you can book a free dental check if you mention this Facebook post. Please like, comment share with your friends if youve found this post valuable Danny

21.01.2022 Tips for Crate Training Your Dog Crate training for a puppy is an important step in creating a safe and secure personal space for your dog, but also to equip you with the tools to travel with and feel safe leaving home with your pet. Crate training can take time and lots of adjusting to, and if you need more help you should talk to a vet, but here are our top 5 tips for crate training. ... 1. Crates should always be large enough to allow your dog to stretch out flat on their side without being cramped, and sit up without hitting their head. 2. Place the crate in an area where people are around like a kitchen or living room, so not to make them feel isolated. 3. Push the crate up against the wall to provide a greater sense of security and privacy. 4. Establish a crate routine, where you close the puppy in it at regular times in the day and when they are left alone. 5. Do not give the puppy attention while in the crate- any attention shown will cause the puppy to believe that winning or crying is all that is needed for more attention Comment if you have any tips to share for crate training. Share with your friends if youve found this post valuable. The team at Merrylands Vet

20.01.2022 Understanding Your Dogs Body Language: Understanding your dogs body language can be key in getting to know your pet, and being able to read their emotions so you can understand how they are feeling. The man things you should pay attention to are the tail, eyes, facial expressions and body posture. Every dog has a unique way of showing their emotion but here are our top pointers.... 1. A wagging tail doesn’t necessarily mean happiness, but rather emotional arousal so your dog could be excited or frustrated. 2. Weight distribution across the body can be a clue to how a dog is feeling, looking at head position, whether your dog is crouched or paw movements. 3. Looking at indicators from a yawn to lip licking can indicate whether a dog is calm or stressed

20.01.2022 When Do I Feed My Puppy Adult Food? Your puppy's transition to adult food should begin when they approach adult height, but are about 75%-85% of adult size. Their breed type will also help determine when to switch. Small-breed dogs tend to mature physically much sooner than large-breed dogs, so they will move to adult food sooner. Small-breed dogs (e.g. Boston terriers, sausage dogs, French bulldogs etc.) that weigh 10 kilograms or less when fully grown are usually ready to eat adult food at 9 to 12 months of age. Medium-breed dogs (Golden retrievers, Whippets, German shepherds, Labradors etc.) that weigh between 10 and 25 kilograms as adults normally mature at 12 to 14 months of age.

19.01.2022 10 Tips for You and Your Pet in Quarantine: Part 9 Training goes a long way toward stimulating and exercising dogs who were stuck inside. Save one of your dogs daily meals to use as rewards for training sessions. ... Dogs who are used to a lot of physical activity can handle more physically demanding training such as physical tricks like spins, rollovers, sitting pretty or weaving between an owners legs. There are lots of YouTube videos around. 20 minutes of sharp focused attention everyday is more effective than one big block. For cat owners: I like clicker training and have eventually removed the use for it as me and my partner have trained my cat to beg for food and High-5 Please like, comment and show us some of the tricks your pets can do! Share with you friends if youve found this post valuable Danny

19.01.2022 Working from home is definitely made better by our pets, but sometimes they can get in the way. What are your funniest working from home pet stories?

18.01.2022 Spring Time Tips For Pets: PART 4 Pesky critters: The blooming of trees and flowers after winter, despite their beauty brings with them bugs. Make sure your pet is on year round heartworm preventative medication, as well as flea and tick control medication.

18.01.2022 Tick Prevention In The Heat: As the warm weather approaches, it means more walks and time spent outside. Tick prevention and care become more important as time outside means more time for ticks to latch onto your dogs fur and skin. The top places to check your dog for ticks after a walk is in between the toes, around the tail, between the back legs, under the front legs, under the collar, in and around the ears and around the eyes. Ticks can be very dangerous, injecting bact...eria and diseases into the blood stream of the dog, and often symptoms do not turn up for 1-2 weeks, so tick preventative medication and checking for ticks is very important. Dogs can suffer from anaemia, paralysis, Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis as a result of tick bites. If you do find a tick, go and see your vet straight away so that they can remove it safely, and help reverse any effects the tick may have had. See more

17.01.2022 10 Tips for You and Your Pet in Quarantine: Part 1 Dont forget about your pets during these unusual times. I have prepared a 10 part series on how to make the most of the situation. ... What can you do to manage the restrictions? Be prepared with the supplies that your pets might need if they werent able to leave their homes for a couple of weeks. Pet food and litter and cleaning supplies should be at the top of your list for things to stock up. Please like, comment share with your friends if youve found this post valuable Danny

17.01.2022 4 Times Your Puppy Need To Be Taken Out To Toilet Toilet training a puppy is simple but not easy. You need patience. You need ROUTINE. ... Place pee pads everywhere they have been. Take them out 1) in the morning, 2) after breakfast, 3) when you feed them dinner and 4) before sleeping. That way you get to enjoy your dog indoors and it will be worth every accident they make when they are small. Comment if you have any tips for other new puppy owners. Share with your friends if youve found this post valuable The team at Merrylands Vet

17.01.2022 My pet is being passed onto another owner, how can I help the transition? PART 1 Whether its that your dog has outgrown your home or you are moving to a no pets apartment, sometimes we are forced to pass on our pets to another home. You may choose to do this through an animal shelter, but many people chose to pass their pet onto a friend or family member. This transition can be hard on both you and your pet, so here are our top tips for making the process as smooth as possi...ble. 1. Notify your vet that your pet is changing owners, and encourage the new owner to take your pet to their usual vet, for some stability and familiarity. 2. Have prepared and fill out change of ownership forms.

16.01.2022 10 Tips for You and Your Pet in Quarantine: Part 3 If your pet hasnt been to the vet in a while, now is a good time to go and make sure that your pet is up-to-date on all vaccines. We are taking precautions during the lockdowns so the waiting room is empty and are taking bookings only. ... Please call 9682 1547 or book online https://bit.ly/2V4L8oc to make an appointment to see a vet at Merrylands Vet or contact us if unsure about the vaccination due dates Please like, comment share with your friends if youve found this post valuable Danny

16.01.2022 Nutritional Needs For Older Pets: Just like humans, as pets age their nutritional needs change, and its important to change the way you feed your pet to support them for as long and healthy life as they can have. As our dogs age their energy levels reduce, so it is important that they are eating a well-balanced diet that is lower in calories but still has adequate protein and fat to maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the chance of becoming overweight. ... As our cats age, you may notice they become less active and start spending more time indoors. Their metabolisms also slow down, making it harder for them to digest higher levels of protein and fat found in kitten and adult cat diets. Transitioning your cat onto a premium senior diet once they turn seven will be beneficial for managing their overall health. Good quality food for senior pets will help maintain ideal body condition, maintain healthy skin and coat, support digestive health, provide support for ageing joints, support urinary tract health and support healthy teeth and fresh breath.

15.01.2022 10 Tips for You and Your Pet in Quarantine: Part 10 Challenges of isolation: Dogs who are stuck in quarantine with their owners may experience stress and even depression.... We might see an uptick in depressive behaviour like trouble sleeping, losing their appetite, not wanting to play or seeming listless but some dogs might also become more destructive and anxious, exhibiting behaviour like increased reactivity, increased barking or difficulty settling. Increase enrichment and structured playing inside the home will help. Most of the time, dogs want something to do, and when thats taken away, they can struggle. The same goes for their human companions. If your pet is experiencing those symptoms and want to have a discussion and consultation with a vet on methods to treat it, please call Merrylands Vet at 9682 1547 or email [email protected] or book online https://bit.ly/2V4L8oc But you and your pet have each other to comfort and with the tips in the series of posts, you both have some simple and achievable activities to complete. If you have found any of the posts useful, it would be appreciated if you could like, share and comment. Thanks, Danny

15.01.2022 Can My Cat Be Vegan or Vegetarian? Unlike humans and even dogs, cats are obligate carnivores. They cannot get all of the nutrients they need from plant sources. There are also numerous plants that humans happily eat but can be toxic to cats.... The most important nutrient that they need that cannot be sourced from vegan food is taurine. Some synthetic taurine does exist, but its not yet clear whether or not its a sufficient replacement for the real deal. There are some vegan pet food brands, such as Vegan Pet, which are claimed to be vet-approved. However, dont necessarily take their word for it. Its generally not advisable to make your cat eat completely vegetarian or vegan cat food. Cats are vulnerable to permanent and life-threatening organ damage if theyre fed an inappropriate diet. Priorities the health of your fluffy little dependent first. If you are looking for vegan or vegetarian option to be more environmentally conscious are to choose chicken flavors over beef, look for sustainability harvested seafood, switch to a certified organic brand or try kangaroo meat which has much lower carbon emissions than beef.

15.01.2022 9 Signs To Watch Out For During Dental Month Sometimes spotting dental issues can be a little bit tricky as animals tend to hide their pain and discomfort much better then humans do. Smaller dog breeds such as Maltese, Chihuahua and Shih Tzu's are more predisposed to developing dental issues then larger breed dogs. However any animal can have dental issues/disease, so taking steps to help prevent this goes a long way. All you need to do is flip the lip! Some signs of dent...al issues can include but are not limited to; Bad breath Discoloured teeth- moving your animals lips so you can see the back teeth is also a good idea as sometimes there isn't any discolouration of the front teeth Loose teeth Excessive drooling, sometimes blood stained Inflamed gums- redness, swelling, recession or an over growth of the gum can indicate that the tooth underneath isn't happy Dropping of food from the mouth when eating, or reluctant to eat at all, especially hard food Pain when handled around the head Facial swelling Behavioural changes - lethargy, increased aggression. It is important to routinely check your pets mouth to help get on top of dental issues. If you notice an issue, it is better to get it checked sooner rather then later to avoid and pain and discomfort for your pet. Share with your friends if youve found this post valuable The team at Merrylands Vet

15.01.2022 A Crash-Course To Understanding Pet Food Labels Reading a pet food label can be confusing, but it is important to understand what you are getting and not getting for your pet. Here is our crash course to understanding how to read a pet food label! Ingredients: These are listed in descending order by weight, so higher-quality foods will list a specific protein source first. Check the first three ingredients to see whether a specifically named animal-based protein is listed,... like chicken or fish, and not a meat byproduct. This will indicate that the food is of a consistent high quality. Next, look for ingredients that deliver omega fatty acids and dietary fibre to further support skin, coat and intestinal health. Analysis: This shows how many vitamins and nutrients your chosen food actually contains. Higher quality foods contain nutrient-dense formulae consisting of quality protein sources that are highly digestible, wholefood carbohydrate blends, added omega fatty acids, dietary fibre and prebiotics, so look at the guaranteed analysis to learn how much of each is included REMEMBER: The guaranteed analysis wont give exact information; rather it will present a minimum or maximum amount of each vitamin or nutrient. Nutrition Adequacy: The statement will proclaim that the specific dog food is formulated to meet the required nutritional levels established by a recognized industry body, such as the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA). Reputable food brands will include this.

13.01.2022 10 Tips for You and Your Pet in Quarantine: Part 2 Plan to have extra monthly preventive medication for conditions like flea, tick and heartworm, as well as any prescription medication and specialty diets that your pet may need. Most of the stock is produced locally and available. ... Our recommendation at Merrylands Vet is Advocate for Cats topical given monthly and Nexgard Spectra tablets for Dogs given monthly Please like, comment share with your friends if youve found this post valuable Danny

13.01.2022 Our Tips To Lowering Your Carbon Paw-Print All cat owners know that our pets living and eating habits have some impact on the environment, but how can we improve that? Here are our top tips for being an environmentally concious cat owner: Food: You can help kitty be more eco-friendly by favoring certain cat food flavors over others. According to John Robbins, author of The Food Revolution, it takes significantly more resources in terms of land and water to produce one poun...d of beef as compared to a pound of chicken. Look for seafood that is sustainably harvested, such as sardines or mackerel instead of tuna. Switch to a certified organic brand that is produced without synthetic pesticides or genetically modified ingredients, as the organic farming process helps to preserve the integrity of the land and water. Litter: Cut out disposable boxes or liners. You can keep your cat’s box fresh with daily scooping and washing it regularly with mild soap and some water. When you do need to replace the litter box, look for one made from recycled plastic. Transition to an eco friendly litter, composed of renewable or recycled materials. These include litters made from corn, wheat, old newspapers and pine. Toys: Buy toys that are made from natural materials and filled with organic catnip. To reduce waste, choose quality over quantity and choose toys that you’re sure cat will enjoy. Outside Cats: In a study published in Wildlife research Australia, it was found that domestic cats are killing an estimated 230 million native Australian birds, reptiles and mammals every year. It is so important that we take care of our native species, so either make the chose for your pet to be exclusivly indoors, monitor their outside time closely or set up areas in your yard where a cat can play, but where animals are safe. See more

13.01.2022 Spring Time Tips For Pets: PART 2 Buckle Up: While most dogs love to feel the wind on their faces, allowing them to ride in the back of pickup trucks or stick their heads out of moving car windows can be dangerous. Flying debris and insects can cause inner ear or eye injuries and lung infections, and abrupt stop or turns can cause major injury. Pets riding in cars should always be secured in a crate or wearing a seatbelt harness designed especially for them.

13.01.2022 Dogs in the Pool As summer approaches, a cool off in a pool, ocean or lake can be the perfect thing for your dog, but it is important to know how to keep your pet safe. Just like for people, swimming for dogs is a great, low-impact total body workout. Swimming is easy exercise on your pets joints and limbs. Swimming pools can be a fun place to play with the family in the water, or a rehabilitation method for a dog recovering from a procedure. Swimming is an excelle...nt workout for your dogs cardiovascular system, as well. Its a common misconception that all dogs instinctively know how to swim. Some dogs are better equipped to swim based on their physical builds than others, and some dogs have had bad experiences that have made them scared of water in general. The dogs that are born to swim generally have long, strong limbs or many have swimming in their genes and are bred to swim to retrieve ducks and waterfowl for hunting purposes. Breeds with short faces like bulldogs or pugs have trouble keeping their snout out of the water. Smaller dogs may enjoy swimming but it is important to be aware that smaller dogs can get colder faster in chillier pool water or can panic by becoming overwhelmed from being in the pool. Pools can sometimes be hard to get in and out off, so buying a ramp or step might be helpful. Some dogs may prefer the ocean or lake, but they can come with their own dangers. Beaches are often choppy, with high waves and sand banks so make sure you monitor your dog when they swim. Over consumption of sea water sometimes leads to dehydration so make sure to monitor that as well. Make sure you also check whether the beach your visiting is dog friendly. The biggest risk with lakes or rivers is a blue/green algae, which when ingested can cause serious issues, with symptoms like lethargy, vomiting and seizures. Most of all its important to remember to keep you dog safe, but have fun! Cherish the time in the sun with your animals.

12.01.2022 Cat Flu - What to do? PART 1 Cat flu is a highly contagious disease, and is spread mostly from cat to cat contact through saliva and nasal discharge, but also through indirect contact like food bowls, bedding and human hands. Check out our article ‘Recognising cat flu’ to understand symptoms. The main way to prevent cat flu is to have you cat vaccinated against the virus, and kittens should be kept indoors away from other cats before they are fully protected. If you think your cat may have cat flu, you should isolate it from other cats and get in contact with your vet as soon as possible. You should also thoroughly wash and clean all food bowls and bedding.

12.01.2022 We had Minty a mini lop rabbit come visit us at the clinic today for a general health checkup. Baby Zoe also accompanied along and gave Minty massages to help calm him down. This pair are so adorable

12.01.2022 Wildlife on Country Roads PART 1 - How to avoid accidents As we take breaks over the summer for roadtrips and weekends away, remember to keep the animls on and around the road safe. It is estimated that 10 million animals are killed on roads each year in Australia, and the most visible victims of road expansion are larger mammals such as possums, wombats, kangaroos and koalas. However, millions of smaller animals including echidnas, birds, reptiles and frogs are also in...jured or killed each year on our roads. Be aware that large marsupials such as wombats, wallabies and kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk. However, many birds, lizards, snakes and echidnas move during the day. At night, others like frogs, possums, quolls and devils start to roam. Wildlife warning signs are only installed in high danger areas, so always pay attention to them. Try to limit your travel between sunset and sunrise, especially near forested or high wildlife areas. If you must drive, stay within the safe speed limit and slow down in areas with wildlife. Use high beam headlights when safe and watch the sides of the road carefully animals can often be seen ahead before they flee in front of a vehicle. As you approach the animal, return to normal headlights to avoid dazzling them or causing erratic behaviour and slow down.

12.01.2022 Our Top 8 Tips On Brushing Your Pets Teeth Brushing your dogs teeth is an important habit to get into to ensure that there is not plaque and bacteria build up, which can lead to serious infection and/or disease that may require surgical intervention in the future. Here are our top tips for brushing your Furry Friends teeth!: ... Set a routine- a time and place each time you do it that is not stressful for the animal. It is best to start slow. Small one or two minute sessions and your pet should be highly rewarded after each session Have the right tools: an animal tooth brush or a baby toothbrush (both work just as well), dog/cat safe toothpaste and treats. While holding your animal in a safe and comfortable position, apply gently pressure on the gums with your finger to get your pet used to this. Test the tooth paste. Some dogs and cats do better without the toothpaste on the brush. Water is a good alternative that doesn't have a taste. Other ideas to help introduce the toothbrush are to try soaking the bristles in tuna water, or a low sodium stock (chicken or beef) as this is often more tempting then just a plain toothbrush To begin brushing, as you approach there teeth with the brush, angle the bristles so they reach the gum line. Placing them at a 45-degree angle against the teeth will help the bristles massage the gum line and clear away plaque. Use a circular motion and focus on areas where there is plaque. Start at the front of the mouth. Pets are often more accepting of this. End on a treat and be reassuring. We want to make brushing their teeth as stress-free and as fun as possible. Brushing should be done once a week at minimum. Where possible, Start brushing as young as 6 months of age to help keep their adult teeth healthy. We would love to see your Animals perfect smile! Please share some photos to help promote dental month! The team at Merrylands Vet

12.01.2022 Happy Biodiversity Month! In honor of this month being Biodiversity Month, an initiative that aims to advocate for the conservation and protection of Australia's biodiversity, as a Veterinary service it is our job to help keep native animals safe, and share with you how you can do so to. In a study published in Wildlife research Australia, it was found that domestic cats are killing an estimated 230 million native Australian birds, reptiles, and mammals every year. It ...is so important that we take care of our native species, so either make the chose for your pet (usually this is cats) to be exclusively indoors, monitor their outside time closely or set up areas in your yard where a cat can play, but where animals are safe. Set up a bird bath or seed/nut feeder to attract native birds and small mammals to your home, giving them a safe place to wash or rest. With this in mind, dont feed wild animals non animals or human food - its important to keep them wild. Growing native vegetation in your garden can have many positive effects. First, you are helping increase the population of native plants, but you can also be attracting native animals that are used to eating or using that plant. Use animal safe pesticides and fertilizers in your garden, so if native animals are eating from your garden they are safe. Having a worm farm and using worm by products to help your garden is also a great option. Use eco friendly dish washing liquids and washing powder, so that any run off into the ocean cannot harm sea life. If you want to learn more and learn how you can help out Australias animals check out Bush Heritage Australia, Australian Conservation Foundation and Australian Marine Conservation Society.

11.01.2022 Please vote for us for the local business awards! https://thebusinessawards.com.au/busin/51355/Merrylands-Vet

11.01.2022 Passing On A Pet: PART 3 6. Do not set the agreement in stone. The pet and new owner may not get along, or it might not work for a multitude of other reasons. Start off with a trial period to see how they feel living together. 7. Consider if the new owner has other pets. Do they get along? If you are thinking about passing on your pet, and the new owner has pets, start with some face time between the animals so they can get to know each other. ... 8. Be okay with the situation not working out and have a backup plan.

10.01.2022 10 Tips for You and Your Pet in Quarantine: Part 7 If you do not possess a slow feeding food bowl, there are two easy ways to make one at home: * Take the cylinder of a kitchen paper roll and pinch various holes in it. Fill it up with chunks of food and close off both ends. We stimulate the animal mentally to try and get its food and to swallow in smaller bits, which will improve its digestion. Unless it destroys the paper roll. Then it is ineffective. ... * Put a cloth in a box and hide chunks of food between its creases which the pet then will have to find. Please like, comment with items you have created, share with you friends if youve found this post valuable Danny

07.01.2022 Helping A Shy Cat When Company Is Around Some cats have had bad experiences with humans and some are more skittish and quiet animals, but it can be hard when company comes around and cats are shy and closed off. Here is what you can do to encourage your cat to be more comfortable and friendly around new people. 1. Set up a space in the home where the cat can feel safe and secure. This could be a bed, box or cat tree. Somewhere near a window, heater or food bowl. ... 2. When trying to interact with you cat, make your actions as natural and de-stressed as possible. 3. Encourage play between the cat and humans. Play can excite cats and allows them to interact with people while playing. 4. Get cats used to the sound of other human voices, so they are more comfortable and the sound of new people is less intimidating. See more

07.01.2022 Have You Ever Noticed Your Cat Munching on Some Grass? Here's Why! If you have ever wondered why you cat might eat grass from time to time, here are some of the reasons that a bit of grass can help your furry friend. ... To help with stomach upsets. As the enzymes in grass can be too hard for cats to digest, they may throw up after eating it. It is believed that because of this, cats may eat grass to clear their digestive system to clear things they couldnt digest like bone or feathers. The juice from grass contains folic acid (also found in a cats mothers milk), an essential vitamin which aids with digestion, supports cell growth ad helps with the production of haemoglobin. So cats may eat grass to help support their body regrowth and immune system. It can act as a digestive, to help get rid of things that may be stuck or hard to digest. It is perfectly normal for a cat to eat grass. if you notice your cat is eating grass it important to make sure not to use any pesticides or sprays on and around the area as they can be harmful to the cat if ingested. If your cat is an indoor cat there are options for these guys as well! Stores such as Bunnings stock a plant called 'Cat Grass' or 'Dactylis glomerata', This is a safe alternative for our indoor only friends that allows them access to natural digestives without the issues of going outside. Share with your friends if youve found this post valuable! The team at Merrylands Vet

06.01.2022 What You Can Do At Home To Help Prevent Dental Disease There are many preventative measures that are both easy and rewarding for any pet that can be done in the comfort of your own house. Brushing their teeth - please see the previous post for a detail description on how to do this!... Oral dental treat - Products such as Oravet Chew, Greenies or Prozym dental stick are a great way to keep your dog occupied and help improve dental health. Regular mouth and teeth checks either at home or with your Vet. These can be done at annual vaccinations and check up and don't cost any extra. If done at home some things to look for include; discolouration of the tooth, inflamed gums, loose teeth or pain when handling the face. Prescription Dental Diets - Royal Canin and Hills Science Diet have prescription food available for the maintenance of dental health, these are sold at most veterinary clinics or large pet stores Water additives such as Aquadent are an easy alternative that helps prevent the build up of plaque on the tooth's surface. Please read the instructions carefully to ensure this is the right product for your animal. Some products can be only dog or cat based. Dental toys - These are a toy that use mechanical action to help remove and prevent the build up of plaque on the teeth. These toys are especially good for animals that like to chew! They come in a range of sizes and 'flavours' to help entice the animal to chew on them. If you notice an issue with your pet's dental hygiene, Please feel free to give us a call and have a chat with one of our friendly staff members! The team at Merrylands Vet

06.01.2022 What Do I Feed My Kitten? Kittens are very active and need lots of energy to grow and strengthen their bones, teeth, and muscles, so having the right food is very important! Kitten food is high in protein and fat, and helps your kitten grow and build an immune system in their early years.... It is best to start feeding wet kitten food and introducing dry kitten food as your kitten grows. You can also offer some natural foods to provide variety. Natural foods include fresh human-grade raw meat such as diced up raw lamb meat or pieces of raw chicken meat. You should check with your vet first that raw meaty bones are suitable for your particular kitten. We recommend you choose only human-grade raw meat and raw meaty bones because some raw meat products marketed as pet contain preservatives to keep them looking fresh, but these can be detrimental to the kittens health. Ensure clean fresh drinking water is available at all times but do not provide milk as this can cause gastrointestinal upsets. Between four to six months of age, kittens the permanent teeth appear and grow rapidly. Introducing raw meaty bones (such as raw chicken necks and wings) at around 12 weeks of age ensures they are chewing actively around the time their permanent teeth are erupting. The bones should always be raw, as cooked ones can splinter.

06.01.2022 Where are your pets funniest hiding places?

06.01.2022 10 Tips for You and Your Pet in Quarantine: Part 6 Keep them enriched, indoors. You might not be able to keep your dog as physically active while under quarantine, you can still keep your dog mentally exercised. ... Consider getting puzzle toys or treat dispensers to use in the house Feed all meals from food toys which would make mealtime more enriching for your dog. Control its diet and stimulate it with special food bowls Pay special attention to its habits to make sure your dog doesnt gain weight. In this sense, you can turn the feeding hour into a game to encourage the animal. For cats: ones the time you can reduce your cats dry food by 10% if it is overweight. If you have an overweight pet and need a weight goal, please call Merrylands Vet at 9682 1547 or email [email protected] for an approximate target weight based on your pets current weight, gender, breed and age. Please like, comment with photos of your obese animal if you want to fat shame it, share with your friends if youve found this post valuable Danny

05.01.2022 What Do I Feed My Puppy? A puppy's nutrition is important, and is specific to each animal, so getting it right is key. 8-16 Weeks: ... Many breeders will tell you what they have been feeding your dog. Ideally, you will continue with this, and introduce the diet you wish to feed them in small incremental stages over a few weeks until you are feeding your pup your preferred diet completely. The best food to feed is a high quality commercial kibble designed for puppies. Your puppy needs specially formulated puppy food that contains a high percentage of proteins, fats and carbohydrates compared to adult dog foods. Raw diets are not recommended for very young pups as they dont have the immune system development to cope with a high bacterial load. As puppies are growing quickly its important to provide enough food, multiple small meals a day is the best food schedule. Also take not consideration your pups age and breed when choosing food. 16+ Weeks: At this time you can start introducing some raw meaty bones, as this is the time that permanent teeth are erupting. As your puppy gets older, you will want to reduce feeds to twice a day, as they need less. As the puppy gets older its also important to determine whether the amount of food needs to change, usually this will mean large servings of kibble.

05.01.2022 Recognising Cat Flu: Cat flu, known as Feline Herpes Virus 1 (FHV1) and Feline Calicivirus (FVC), is highly contagious and can be severely debilitating. There are 52 different types cat flu, but herpres virus 1 and feline calicivirus are the most common and acount for about 85% of cases. Recognising the symptoms is important in stopping the spread and effects of the disease. Symptoms include: sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, fever, breathing problems, coughing, fatigue and loss of appetite. If you see one or more of these symptoms, see your local vet as soon as possible, to ensure the best outcome for your kitty.

05.01.2022 What Do I Feed My Senior Dog? As your dog grows it requires different ingredients to help maintain a balanced diet. It is especially important for senior dogs to be on the appropriate food. A good quality senior dry diet will have specially designed kibble and ingredients to slow down tartar build up and remove plaque. ... Senior foods are formulated with lower calorie content to maintain a healthy weight. They have active ingredients added that help promote joint health such as green lipped mussel powder. Senior dogs need special fiber blends and prebiotics to support digestion and result in smaller, firmer stools. Skin support is added by adding Omega 3 and 6 and Zinc to foods. 'Doggy dementia' in late senior years shows as memory loss and unusual behaviors. Senior pet food food with added Omega 3 DHA and antioxidants can help support brain function. Advance, Hills and Royal Canin are our recommended brands. Don't forget when changing food, buy a smaller pack and gradually change food over 3 days.

04.01.2022 Apologies everyone, our phone line may experience difficulties, please contact us on 0488 67 50 17. Our email server is playing up too. Please email us on [email protected]

04.01.2022 Spring Time Tips For Pets: PART 1 Spring has sprung, and with the change of season our thoughts turn to spring cleaning and much needed home improvement projects. Before you embark on seasonal chores or outdoor activities, learn about potential springtime hazards for your furry friends. Screen Yourself: Many pet parents welcome the breezy days of spring by opening their windows. Unfortunately, they also unknowingly put their pets at risk- especially cats who are apt to jump or fall through unscreened windows. Be sure to install pet fly-screens in all of your windows.

03.01.2022 We made the finals for the Cumberland Local Business Awards! Winners will be announced in October so watch this space. Thank you so much for your votes and continued support. Our team are so proud to be part of the local community and will continue to provide the best care to your pets.

03.01.2022 Spring Time Tips For Pets: PART 3 Spring Cleaning: Spring cleaning is a time honored tradition in many households, but be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pets way. Almost all cleaning products, even natural ones contain chemicals that may be harmful to pets.The key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage. Check out products like Puracy Multi-Surface Cleaner as a pet safe option.

02.01.2022 Passing On A Pet: PART 2 3. In the weeks leading up to your hand over make note of you and your pets habits. Try and take note of the commands you use if your dog is trained, the rules you have with you dog, whether your dog is in a crate when you are not home, when your dog or cat eats, how they react to certain scenarios. By passing these things onto a new owner, you are making their life and your pets much easier. 4. Keep consistency in food brands or types (e.g. kibble... or canned food) 5. Vet the new owners home. Do they have a big enough yard, a safe fence, do they have un- screened windows?

02.01.2022 Cat Flu - What To Do? PART 2 There is no direct cure for cat flu so treatment aims to relieve clinical signs until the immune system can clear the infection. Supportive treatment can include pain medication, anti-viral medication, eye drops and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infection. Some cats need to be hospitalised and placed on an intravenous drip or given nutritional support if they stop eating and drinking. Once your cat has recovered they will be a life long carrier but will show minimal to no signs and will sometimes ‘shed’ the diseases when they are stressed. Boarding can be a cause of this so be sure to tell your vet or boarders this when you admit your cat.

02.01.2022 Spring means baby birds, and WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service) has a great way to understand how to care for a baby bird you may find.

01.01.2022 How To Be An Environmentally Concious Dog Owner As a pet owner it is important to be aware, and learn how you can help the planet, while also making sure your pet is happy and healthy. Here are our top tips to being an environmentally conscious dog owner! Pooper Scooper: When disposing of your dog’s poo, consider using a biodegradable bag or simply using a pooper scooper to transfer it straight to the bin. When using biodegradable bags, adding them to compost is a better... idea than throwing them away. Just remember not to add that compost to plants you intend to eat. Toys: Instead of buying lots of toys, try upcycling some of your own - you could tie an old T-shirt into a knot. Or buy toys that are biodegradable or recyclable at the end if their life. Food: Switch to food alternatives like chicken, rather than beef and lamb flavours as they have a lower greenhouse gas emission in production. Try sustainable pet brands, or canned food with recyclable cans. See more

24.12.2021 Summer Tips for Rabbit Owners If your pets, such as rabbits, live in an outdoor enclosure its important to monitor and keep them safe over the hot days of summer. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can be very serious if untreated, so here are some tips to keep your rabbits cool. 1. If they are in an outdoor hutch, move it into a shaded place or create some shaded or covered parts of the hutch. ... 2. Add extra bowls or containers of cool water, and change this each day. 3. If you can, move the hutch inside so your bunnies can be in a cool, air conditioned space, or be monitored more easily by you. 4. To keep them extra cool, set up a fan in front of a bowl of cool water or a damp sheet/towel, to cool the air. But make sure the fan is not blowing directly at them. 5. Spray your rabbits ears with cool water, this helps with evaporation. 6. Give your bunnies a trim! Removing excess hair will help cool them down 7. Fill soda bottles with water and freeze them, and put them in your bunnies hutch so they can lean against them to cool down. 8. Marble tiles or slates are brilliant to introduce into a run and keep it cool so your rabbits can lie on if needed. Be careful to ensure the tiles remain in the shade though, as the tiles can become extremely hot if placed in direct sunlight.

10.12.2021 Cooling Stratergies for Summer Keeping your pets cool in the summer heat is important, so here are some of our tips for keeping your pets cool! 1. Put them in a cool bath or hose them down, but avoid ice water. ... 2. Bring you cat or dog inside to stay cool, or find a shady spot in your yard/garden for them to stay 3. Offer water to drink to keep them hydrated. 4. When driving your dog to a vet or home, drive with the air conditioning on and windows down to increase air flow. See more

22.11.2021 Smoke Inhalation: Prevention The best ways to prevent your pet from being impacted by high levels of smoke inhalation are to: 1. Minimise exposure (If possible, bring your animals inside your house. Doors and windows should be closed before a smoke event and kept closed, otherwise smoke and pollutants will enter, creating health risks.)... 2. Avoid excersing animals (Animals should not be exercised outdoors when air quality is poor. If you must take your dog or cat outside to toilet, then this should be done at a time when smoke, dust and pollution is reduced as much as possible and the time outdoors and exercise should be limited to the minimum possible. ) 3. Provide clean and fresh water and take your animal to the vet if you have any concerns.

12.11.2021 Happy 2022! Wishing you all the best for the new year. We are looking forward to helping you and your furry friends this year!

03.11.2021 New Years Fireworks As we celebrate the end of the year and the begining of a new one, we should all keep our pets safe around new years fireworks. Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells. Bring your pest inside and keep windows and doors closed, and find a safe spot for them in the house to wait or hide if they need to, but let them be with you for the night. Take your dog out for a good walk a few hours before the fireworks so they are ready to rest. And for all animals, do not punish them for being fearfull or skittish. Calm them and be attentive to their needs. If you are worried about your pet, talk to your vet about treatment for anxiety or noise phobias.

17.10.2021 Wishing you all a safe and joyful Christmas and festive season, from everyone at Merrylands Vet! Enjoy your post christmas lunch naps and cuddles with pets

27.09.2021 Christmas Food to Avoid While your pets join in on your Christmas festivities, it is imporant to keep them away from some items on the Christmas table. 1. Milk, Cheese and Dairy (The impact dairy can have on your pet can vary. Some dogs can eat it without a problem, whereas others experience acute pain and allergic reactions. Cats cannot ingest any dairy as they’re lactose intolerant.) ... 2. Chocoloate (Chocolate and other caffinated goods are toxic to both cats and dogs.) 3. Grapes and Raisins (They’re highly toxic and not easily processed by animals digestive system. Your dog may start vomiting soon after eating, resulting in dehydration and kidney failure. The level of toxicity for cats is unknown, but vets advise keeping grapes and raisins out of reach.) 4. Cooked Bones (Cooked bones are not suitable for your cat or dog as they can splinter and cause internal damage. Only feed your pet raw meat and bones as there is less chance of injury, and most cats and dogs have a carnivorous diet.) 5. Macadamia nuts (As little as a few macadamia nuts can make your pets ill. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, hyperthermia, muscle tremors and paralysis. Some other types of nuts, including walnuts, can also be toxic to your pets.) Always keep your pets safe and visit your local vet or emergency clinic if you have issues.

16.09.2021 Smoke Inhalation: Symptoms Bush fire season is upon us, so it is extra important to think about keeping your pets safe from smoke inhalation. The smoke and pollution from bushfires can contain a mixture of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, soot, and other organic substances and pollutants like dust; all of which can be harmful. Exposure to high levels of smoke and pollution from bushfires can cause inflammation, increase coagulation of the blood, and impair respiratory and car...diovascular function. Exposure to bushfire smoke and pollution can cause irritation of the eyes, nose or throat in healthy individual animals. Animals with respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma, bronchitis) or cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart failure) are particularly at risk of severe breathing difficulty. Signs ot watch for are difficulty breathing, coughing, eye irritaion, disorientation and weakness.

28.08.2021 Snake Bites - Symptoms & Treatment If your dog is bitten by a snake a range of symtoms can follow. Snake venom carries a large range of different toxins that damage tissues and impair many of the body’s vital functions. These can attack the nervous system, cause significant pain, interfere with the body’s natural clotting mechanisms, cause organ damage, paralyse the dog or interfere with breathing. Common symptoms of a snake bite are lethargy, twitching, loss of bowel contr...ol, vomitting, breathing difficulties, excess salivation, paralysis, or bleeding from location of snake bite. If you see a snake bite your dog, or realise this has happened, do not try and capture or identify the snake. If you see the snake and can identify it without getting close or injurying yorself, that can be helpfull. If you believe yoru dog has been bitten, take them to a vet or vet hospital immediatley. Importantly, when dealing with a dog with a snake bite, do not wash the wound, do not apply a tourniquet and do not apply ice or alcohol or bleed the wound. If you get your dog to a vet, anitvenoms will be used to treat the snake venom in the system, and fluids and oxygen to help rebuild your dogs strength. If antivenom treatment works, recovery can be very successfull, but there can be long lasting effects of venom after the treatment. The most important thing is to get your dog help as fast as you can.

08.08.2021 Snake Bites - Prevention Australia holds a record number of dangerous and venomous snakes, and they can be a great danger to your pets. Despite snakes being around all year long, many thrive in the summer months. The best step to preventing your pet from being bitten is to take precautions in your home. 1. Keep your backyard tidy by clearing undergrowth, filling holes in the ground, mowing the lawn regularly, and clearing away toys and tools, which all make great hiding plac...es for snakes. Keep walkways clear of brush, flowers and shrubs. 2. If you see a snake, take care but not try and chase or frighten the snake. Do not let your dog or cat examine dead snakes, and if you see one, dead or alive, keep you pet inside or away from it. 3. If you live in an area that is prone to snakes, it may be helpful to have a list of common and dangerous snake breads in your area, so you can better identify characteristics or markings when you see one. 4. The way best to prevent you dog being bitten when out, is to have as much obedience traning with your dog as you can. If there is a confrontation between your dog and a snake, you want to make sure that you dog will return to you if called away or otherwise will listen and not go near a snake. 5. Walk your dog on a lead and try and prevent them from digging under logs or rocks, where snakes may hide. See more

01.08.2021 Leaving Dogs in Cars There are great dangers related to leaving your pet in a parked car, especially over the summer months, the main being the chance of heat stroke and exhaustion. Tests conducted by Melbourne’s Metropolitan Ambulance Service on a 29 degree day with the car’s air conditioning having cooled the interior to a comfortable 20 degrees showed it took just 10 minutes for the temperature to more than double to 44 degrees. In a further 10 minutes it had tripled t...o a deadly 60.2 degrees. As with humans, exposure to these types of temperatures can be extremely dangerous. Dogs are particularly at risk as they cool themselves by panting. If the air around them is too hot - particularly if they don’t have access to water - dogs are physically unable to regulate their body temperature. Do not leave your dog locked in your car, even in the shade or with the windows down. It can lead to severe heat stroke, exhaustion and death. If you do see a dog or cat locked in a hot car, you can contact your local police station to help get the pet to safety.

13.07.2021 Looking for a place for your pet over the holidays? Our cat boarding facilities are open over the summer, with a safe and comfortable place for your pet to stay for as little or as long as you need. Cat boarding facilties include multiple cat rooms, where cats can sleep in their own cages, and roam around the room in the day time. This means your cat has the ability to interact with other boarding animals or have a space for themselves. ... Hurry, less than half of the spots remain. For more information on conditions or cost, feel free to contact our practice [email protected] or check our website!