Barb's Bits

In a few weeks, Ian and I will have the wonderful pleasure of attending my nephew's wedding.  Weddings are such a beautiful thing. Full of promises, new beginnings, hope and love. As witnesses, we become a party to their vows, providing a shoulder in the hard times, and a co- celebrator in the happy ones. And in watching two people make their public commitment to each other, it always causes ian and I to reflect on our own vows and promises, the family that has grown from it, and the love that we have been blessed with.

The Christmas/New Year period is a great time to reflect on those things - love, family, our promises and the life we are living.While it can be intense and often emotionally challenging, it can also allow us the chance for forgiveness, reconciliation and acceptance. All of us here wish you and your furry family a very wonderful holiday season full of the joy and peace, to allow you to recharge for the year ahead. Merry Christmas!

Yes, we are coming into the holiday season again, and we would like you to be aware that Hub Vets will be closed for all the public holidays, plus the Saturday immediately after Christmas. We sincerely hope that you do not require veterinary services over this time, but in case you do, our hours are this:

Our usual business hours are 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 12 noon Saturday, and closed Sunday.

We will be closed for the whole day on Thursday 25th, Friday 26 and Saturday 27th of December, as well as Thursday January 1st. On all other days, we will be open as per our usual business hours.

If you require emergency veterinary attention, please do not hesitate to call us on 8270 5155, as our answering service will be able to direct you to the emergency services that are available.

How do you keep your pooch cool this summer? Try some of these easy ideas:

Kongsicle 

Grab a regular Kong toy, seal it at the small end with peanut butter then fill with weak liquid chicken-stock. Freeze it overnight and voila - you have a doggy icy-pole!

Slippery Brick

Half fill an ice-cream container with water and freeze - place a number of broken up treats (liver and kangaroo chews work well) then fill to the top with water and freeze again. You'll have a giant flavoured ice-block that will provide hours of cool entertainment.

Wading pool

Half fill a children's wading pool with water and float in it a few of your dog's favourite toys. 

OR...you could always host a pooch pool party! Click here to see what we are talking about.

Warm summer nights and NYE celebrations almost always involve fireworks at some point. You may enjoy this spectacular light show but for your poor pooch the noise is excruciatingly loud and nerve wrecking.  

Follow these top tips to help your dog get through this stressful event:

• Keep your dog indoors during fireworks
• Put him in a room with a television or radio turned up 
• If possible have a family member stay with him during the fireworks
• Keep all windows closed and all exits secure
• Provide a small, dark and safe place for him to retreat to - a blanket over a coffee table works well
• Don't inadvertently reward anxious behaviour - otherwise your dog's pattern of behaviour is reinforced
• Make sure your dog is wearing an identification tag and is microchipped - just in case he does escape 

If your dog suffers from severe anxiety speak to us about prescribing a mild sedative to help your dog. This medication MUST be given well before the fireworks get started to be effective, so it's a good idea to check with your local council when fireworks are scheduled in your area.

Speak to one of our friendly staff for more information.

This year we have had an amazing array of pet heroes this year, some of whom are sadly no longer with us.  However, we felt we couldn't go past Lucifer as our Pet Hero of the Year. 

Lucifer was hit by a car outside the dog park on Manning Road, and suffered a dislocated elbow, two dislocated hips and a broken bone in his leg as well. His dislocated elbow was fixed with screws, and healed pretty well. One dislocated hip could be held in place with a toggle. The other hip had a toggle and the broken bone screwed and wired, but eventually had to have the head of the hip completely removed (femoral head arthroplasty). Over all, Lucifer has endured 4 operations and months of treatment, and while he will never be the dog he was, he is mobile, enjoying life, and still the faithful and protective guardian of his family.

Lucifer wins a hamper of great pet care products valued at over $200, including Activyl flea control, Glyde nutritional joint support supplements, and a polo shirt for his dad. Merry Christmas Lucifer and family, and stay off the road!