Aberfoyle Hub Veterinary Clinic
Hub Professional Centre
Aberfoyle Park, SA, 5159

nurses@hubvet.com.au
www.hubvet.com.au
Phone: 08 8270 5155

Barb's Bits

It can be really hard, caught up in the everyday melee of living, to remember the sweet things in life. In our house, Ellen is sitting Uni exams, Tom is sitting Year 12 exams, and Abby is working hard to make the Australian u19 lacrosse World Cup team! Next door, Bob (Ian's dad) needs help for his daily activities, while Marlene needs help to not go crazy!

When we take time out to read the news, we are likely to hear about the propaganda beheading of someone's son/brother/partner; of children orphaned by Ebola; or of loved ones buried under mud or volcanic ash as rescuers frantically tear their fingernails out trying to free them. Sweet things? What are they?

For me, it's the sun's warmth seeping right into my bones. It's having my children lounge over me (still!) while we watch a show together. It's seeing my dog leap in fits of anticipatory  joy as I take her meal outside. It's having a beautiful ball of fluffy cat on my lap, and claiming "kitty rule!". Sweet things. Simple things. All easy to overlook, but also easy to find. I just have to look harder!

What sweet things will you find today?

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Contents of this newsletter

01  Lab cam

02  Have you heard why vaccination is so important?

03  A friendly reminder

04  Oscar’s extraordinary gift

05  Fight the flab

06  Pet Hero for the Month - Boomer

01 Lab cam

Check out Walter the labrador on YouTube - have you ever seen a dog as excited about his morning swim as this pooch? 

 

02 Have you heard why vaccination is so important?
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Vaccinating your pet is one of the most important things you can do to ensure they lead a healthy life.

Here are five reasons:

1. Vaccinations protect against preventable diseases.
Many diseases are completely avoidable through the correct use of vaccinations.

2. Vaccinations protect not just your pet, but your neighbour's pet.
It's called "herd immunity". If enough animals are vaccinated, the disease can't get a hold in the pet community, and the risk of disease is reduced for everyone!

3. Vaccinations save money.
They are substantially less expensive than the cost of treatment for the diseases they protect against.

4. Vaccinations allow you to board your pet.
What would happen if you had a family emergency and boarding was the only option? If you board your dog or cat he must be up to date with his vaccinations. 

5. Vaccination allow visits to the vet hospital.
If your pet has to stay in hospital he should be vaccinated - unvaccinated animals are kept in isolation and incur an extra fee. If your pet is sick, his immune system may be already be compromised so you want to know he is protected.

Your pet’s health, lifestyle and where you live may affect which vaccinations are necessary – we will determine the correct vaccination program for your pet.

If you have any questions about vaccinations ask us for the most up to date information. 

03 A friendly reminder
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Is your pet boarding over the Christmas holidays?

If your pet isn’t up to date with his vaccinations, NOW is the time to get things in order as a booster vaccination may be required in a month's time.

Most facilities require cats to have a minimum of a F3 vaccination and dogs a C5 vaccination. 

Don’t forget to take your pet’s vaccination certificate with you when you admit your pet for boarding. Worming and flea control must also be given prior to admission.

We are more than happy to discuss what your pet needs so call us today to prevent any extra Christmas stress!

04 Oscar’s extraordinary gift

Oscar the cat arrived at a nursing home in the USA when he was just a little kitten. The nursing home decided to adopt him but they never expected he would have such an extraordinary gift.

This mysterious cat seems to be able to predict when patients are about to die. When he notices that someone is in their final hours, he will stay by their side, providing comfort.

This incredible behaviour notifies the nurses that help is needed and it’s so accurate that they usually contact the patients' families so they can be prepared.

This may seem a morbid story, but we think it’s truly a remarkable tale of a cat helping people when they’re most in need.

Watch Oscar's story here

 

05 Fight the flab
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There's a great saying, "if your dog is overweight, you’re not getting enough exercise."

Physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight for your dog but what YOU put in your dog’s mouth is just as important.

Treats and snacks can stack on the kilos and food is an easy way to show love. As vets and vet nurses, we can sympathise with how hard it can be to say no to those adorable eyes!

But sadly you may be killing your dog with kindness. Many people do not realise that their pet is overweight and are not aware of the potential health dangers associated with canine couch potatoes.

Obesity puts our pets at risk of many of the same problems that human obesity causes, including heart disease, respiratory disorders, osteoarthritis, and diabetes.

Bring your dog (or cat!) in for a body weight check with us and we will work out their ideal weight. Join our Hubba Blubba Slimmers Club, and you will get freebies, discounts, and all the nurse help you need to get your pet back in shape!

There are plenty of diets available to help your pet lose weight, including an exciting new diet that works with your pet's metabolism. Ask us for more information.

06 Pet Hero for the Month - Boomer
Brandi and Boomer NOvember

Boomer is a 12 year old border collie cross who won our Pet Hero this month. He had a lump growing on his eyelid, his teeth were starting to get a bit yucky, and he is only going to get older, so his mum took the opportunity to address those issues now while Boomer is still healthy and happy. He came in for the day and underwent both a dental scale and polish, and a new cryotherapy technique for eye lump removal. Boomer couldn't be allowed to go through it on his own - his sister Brandi came in for the day to lend her moral support too!

Boomer and Brandi are seen here modelling two Canteen bandannas. All animals that came in for the month of October received a bandanna (well, after WE got them, that is), and in tending to their needs, the owners helped to raise funds for a great cause, because $5 from every procedure was donated to Canteen and their support for kids affected by cancer. I guess that makes everyone a hero!