Leptospirosis Outbreak

Recently there has been a confirmed Leptospirosis case in the suburb Speers Point.

Leptospirosis is a deadly disease spread by rats/mice.  Leptospirosis is a highly contagious zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread to people.

Some steps you can take to protect your dog are:

- Stay Away from rat infested areas.

- Don't allow them to drink from water puddles or eat unknown objects. 

- Avoid swimming in ponds/lakes.

-Get the Leptospirosis vaccination. 

Although we have not yet seen cases at our hospitals, we have the leptospirosis vaccination available now at our hospitals. 

If your dog has never had the leptospirosis vaccination before then its recommended to have a booster 2 weeks later. 

Please contact us on our website www.lakevet.com.au or alternatively you can phone 49459677 Belmont or 49436066 Charlestown to make an appointment. 

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Chocolate Toxicity

Easter is a time that most of us look forward to, allowing us guilt free consumption of lots of CHOCOLATE.  Our pets, particularly dogs have a sweet tooth for chocolate. Ingestion of chocolate for our pets can be life-threatening.        

Clinical signs include:                  

:hyperactivity                                             

:anxiousness                

:vomiting                                                      

:diarrhoea                                                    

 :abnormal heart rhythms.                                    

These cases require veterinary care immediately to remove the toxin and manage the patient. If your pet does eat any amount of chocolate, ring us straight away. This will allow us to assess and induce vomiting if necessary and give your pet supportive care.

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Easter Hamper are back!

Free ticket with every purchase.

*Instore only

Drawn: Wednesday 13th April

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Osteoarthritis and Your Pet

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease causes pain, loss of mobility and decreased quality of life. Arthritis is a common condition in dogs and cats (Yes cats! They are just better at hiding it).

Symptoms include:

• Inability to jump and play
• Difficulty going up or down stairs
• Difficulty rising or stiff after rest
• Difficulty toileting and /or using the litter tray
• Trouble grooming or poor coat condition
• Aggressive behaviour when touched, approached or moved due to pain
• Change of rest locations
• Cats- withdrawn and quiet

Thankfully there are many options available to help your pet maintain better quality of life and enjoy life again. Prevention is also important and therefore it is vital to keep your pet slim and trim. Extra weight causes more strain on joints and overweight animals are less active which leads to muscle wastage. Please call for a consultation with one of our weight management nurses, who can tailor a program for your pet.

Medications like anti-inflammatories and a course of pentosan (4 weekly injections) can be very effective at controlling the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Supplements like 4cyte (consists of glucosamine, chondroitin, NZ green lipped mussel and epitalis- a natural anti-inflammatory from pine cones) and turmeric can be very helpful to joint health.

Please ask us about a new medication registered for pain management which can be used in addition to anti- inflammatories keeping your pet's kidneys safer. If you have any concerns about your pets mobility please

Book online https://www.lakevet.com.au/book-online-charlestown-vet/ or ring 49436066 and https://www.lakevet.com.au/book-online-belmont-vet/ or ring 49459677 to see one of our friendly veterinarians to help your pet feel more comfortable.

4CYTE EPIITALIS Forte Gel for Cats is a premium daily feed supplement for the treatment of acute joint disease, injury and pain. 

Royal Canin Vet Diet Canine Mobility C2P+ 2kg

 A complete dry food formulated to maintain mobility and joint health in dogs with osteoarthritis.

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Australia Day Public Holiday Hours

Tuesday 25.1.22
OPEN 8AM-6PM

Wednesday 26.1.22
CLOSED

Thursday 27.1.22
OPEN 8AM-6PM

For all emergencies please contact
Newcastle Animal Emergency Centre

4957 7106

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Festive season and Toxic foods

Take care with your beloved pets over the festive season with treats. Ham and pork are too fatty for our dogs and will make them sick. Chocolate can be very toxic to your pet and it is best to keep it out of reach. Sultanas, Macadamia nuts, and grapes are best avoided.

Pet friendly treats based on caribou are a safe equivalent to chocolate.

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Christmas And New Years Hours

We wish all our clients and furry friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years.

Our Christmas opening hours are:

Friday  24th December OPEN                 8.00am – 5.00pm

Saturday  25th December         CLOSED

Monday 27th December             CLOSED

Tuesday 28th December         CLOSED

Wednesday 29th December OPEN                8.00am - 6.00pm

Our New Years Eve Hours:

Friday 31st December OPEN                 8.00am – 5.00pm

Saturday 1st January 2022 CLOSED

Monday 3rd January 2022 CLOSED

Tuesday 4th January 2022 OPEN                 8.00am – 6.00pm

For all emergencies please contact

Newcastle Animal Emergency Centre 4957 7106

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Tick Season

Paralysis Ticks are out and about. Tick paralysis can be deadly to your family pets!

We recommend Nexgard monthly chews for dogs and Bravecto spot 3 monthly on for cats.

It is best to clear your yard of low lying bushes and long grass.

Daily tick searches are required to ensure any ticks are removed straight away.

Blue Tongue Lizards and Possums can bring ticks into your yard.

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Welcome back into the clinic, we have missed you.

To ensure your safety, our new system of bringing your pet into the hospitals is detailed below.

Phone the clinic that you want to book an appointment with. The friendly receptionist will advise you of the new appointment protocol as consultations have changed slightly. Alternatively you can book online https://www.lakevet.com.au/

• Please sanitise hands on arrival.
• Please scan the QR code on arrival.
• We kindly ask you to wear a mask in the clinic.
• Kindly show reception proof of double vaccination.
• One person per appointment in the hospital.
• Please practice social distancing when inside the clinic following the room limits.
• Carpark consults are still available for high-risk owners or unvaccinated owners.

If you have been UNWELL or showing any FLU SYMPTOMS, we ask that you do not visit the clinic. You can either have a friend bring your pet in or give us a call and discuss other alternatives with us, such as phone/video consultations and emailing photos.

We are taking these measures to keep you safe and ensure our team remains infection free.

Thank you for understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.

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Christmas Hamper are back!!

Join in our Christmas Hampers free raffle when you bring you pet in between 17^th November and 14^th December for your chance to win a pamper pack with many goodies for you and your pet at each hospital.

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Online pet insurance claims

We are constantly trying to make processing insurance claims simpler.

We now have many insurance companies allowing online claims to speed up the time for your payment with some starting to allow for you to only pay the gap on large surgeries.

Game changer-Woolworths have now changed the landscape of pet insurance. They are offering a 10% discount on one shop a month if you take up their pet insurance. This equates to free pet insurance for younger pets that have owners that shop smartly. It also means piece of mind for owners when their pet is sick with 80% of the bill paid for.

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Does my dog need medical treatment for its itch?

When your dog suffers, your whole family can suffer too. If your dog’s itching is caused by a medical condition, we have many strategies that can help.

Here are some clues that your dog may need medical treatment:

• Excessive licking, chewing, biting or scratching
• Excessive rolling, rubbing or scooting
• Foot chewing
• Hair loss
• Recurrent ear problems
• Changes in the skin, like sores or darkened color
• Redness of the skin
• Body odour

These signs can be triggered by many allergens like fleas, the environment (dust mites, moulds, pollens, etc), food and skin contact.

Many diagnostic options are available:

• diet trials
• allergy skin or blood testing
• skin tape or scrape investigation

If any of these signs are evident in your pet, please contact us to book a consult to help diagnose your pets itch.

Alternatives to cortisone we recommend for seasonal itch to help your dog, with less side effects are:

• Apoquel tablets

• Monthly cytopoint injections

Click on the link to fill out the skin questionnaire.

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Behaviour classes

Our senior puppy classes are a great extension class after puppy preschool. The classes start for puppies from 4 months of age. The classes run outdoors for 5 weeks on Sundays. The classes are intimate in size being limited to 6 pups allowing for a group learning experience mixed with individual one on one tips. The next class is on 9^th January 2022 at our Belmont clinic. To book into this class please call 49436066 or 49459677.

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Senior Health Month in August

Did you know that if your pet is over 7 years old they are called seniors?                                       

The Lake Veterinary Hospitals are running our Senior Health Examination Program in August. 
You may notice some of the following signs:
• Foul smelling breath
• Not wanting to walk as far
• Trouble getting up
• Reluctance to jump up
• Drinking excessively
• Deafness
• Vision impairment
• Weight loss
• Coughing                  

What is included?
• Consultation
• Blood screening to check body function
• Urine testing
• Arthritis checks
• Eyesight and hearing checks
• Nail trim
• Dental examination
• Heart health checks
• Diet analysis                                                      

All of this has been packaged, for a total cost of  230 (saving you up to $80).
Please call to book your pet in for their senior preventative health examination.
We look forward to seeing you and your pet soon.

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How do I keep my dog’s teeth clean?

Brushing your dog's (or cat's) teeth is the best way to keep their pearly whites in tip top shape! Brushing can be performed using a tooth brush (either a baby brush or a pet specific brush) and flavoured paste or Oxyfresh gel. Sometimes this can be a bit overwhelming to start with, so a good starting point for training your dog or cat to accept brushing is using a piece of gauze to gently rub the teeth.

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Dental Month is here.

During the month of June we are offering buy one get one free of our Royal Canin Dental food, a free bottle of Oxyfresh dental water additive and bonus oravet chews with any box purchase with any dental procedure performed. It is a good time to have a look in your pet's mouth and check their teeth or smell their breath. We find regular checking keeps our pet's teeth happy helping avoid extractions.

If you have any concerns please book now for a free nurse dental check-up.

Many owners wonder what happens when their pet has a dental performed. You can have a look on our website www.lakevet.com.au at Sammi's dental procedure to see the different stages. We aim for a stress free experience and passionate care for your pet. Digital dental xrays are available if required to help assess any sore teeth.  Book an appointment online Charlestown https://www.lakevet.com.au/book-online-charlestown-vet/ and Belmont https://www.lakevet.com.au/book-online-belmont-vet/

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Rat Sac and Snail Bait alert

In the current rat and mouse plague, extra care needs to be taken to help protect our birds of prey, natives and pets from accidentally ingesting rat sac. The brodifacoums are 2nd generation rodenticides that last in our pets body for up to 6 weeks and cause fatalities within a few days if left untreated. The antidote is vitamin K.

The Multiguard Iron EDTA snail bait is harmful to your pet and is not pet friendly. Alternative natural remedies for snails and slugs include used ground coffee granules around your vegetable patch.

It is critical you seek veterinary attention if there is any risk of ingestion immediately to induce vomiting. Mouse and rat traps are the best way to catch the rodents rather than baits. If baits are used they should be secured to an object (to avoid them being moved), be in a concealed space (roof cavity) and have them inaccessible to wild life.

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Products

4CYTE EPIITALIS Forte Gel for Cats 

A premium daily feed supplement for the treatment of acute joint disease, injury and pain. 

Royal Canin Vet Diet Canine Mobility C2P+ 2kg

 A complete dry food formulated to maintain mobility and joint health in dogs with osteoarthritis.

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Cats Get Arthritis Too

Studies show that arthritis in cats is far more common than owners expect, with many elderly cats showing radiographic evidence of arthritis in the limb joints. Many of us don't recognise the symptoms in our feline companions as we just simply think they slow down and get tired as they get older.

One of the very early signs is that the cat stops jumping up on benches, and sometimes not even onto beds anymore, and just 'slows down'. Typically, as the disease progresses, the cat stops grooming along it's back and base of the tail because it is uncomfortable to reach there. Eventually cats become very grumpy and immobile.

Other signs include:

• An inability to jump up and play as they once did
• Change of resting locations
• Difficulty going up or down stairs
• Difficulty using the litter tray
• Difficulty going in or out of the cat flap
• Becoming stiff after resting
• Difficulty grooming, poor coat condition
• Not accessing the food bowl as often, possibly weight loss
• Less exercise, not using scratching post, overgrown nails
• Less interaction with other pets or owners
• Aggressive behaviour when being approached, touched or moved (due to pain).

Management of arthritis in cats

Medications like the anti-inflammatory liquid meloxicam and a course of pentosan which is 4 weekly injections can be very effective at controlling the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Never give human painkillers, such as aspirin, nurofen and paracetamol as these can be very lethal to cats. If you have any concerns about your cats mobility please make an appointment to see one of our friendly veterinarians and help your cat feel more comfortable. Keeping litter trays closer to your cat’s main living area is helpful along with ensuring the tray is easily accessible by not being too deep.

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Easter Hampers are back!

Happy Easter to everyone.

Easter hampers are back, full of goodies with free entry to anyone visiting our hospitals. These will bring a smile to 3 lucky winners at Easter. Hamper drawn on the 1st April

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Chocolate Toxicity

Easter is a time that most of us look forward to, allowing us guilt free consumption of lots of CHOCOLATE.                                                      

Our pets, particularly dogs have a sweet tooth for chocolate. Ingestion of chocolate for our pets can be life-threatening.                                               

Clinical signs include: hyperactivity,anxiousness,vomiting, diarrhoea and  abnormal heart rhythms.                                    

These cases require veterinary care immediately to remove the toxin and manage the patient. If your pet does eat any amount of chocolate, ring us straight away. This will allow us to assess and induce vomiting if necessary and give your pet supportive care. 

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Ears

During this time of the year we are seeing increasing number of ear infections due to the humidity and allergies.

At the Lake Veterinary Hospital we believe preventive care is the best tool to stop causes advancing to infection and causing discomfort to your furry friends.

We recommend weekly ear cleaning with a gentle ear cleaner like Paws Gentle Ear cleaner. Medication can sometimes be necessary.

Tips to prevent ear infections:

• Weekly ear cleaning
• Drying ears and using ear cleaner after swimming and baths 

Please note that many ear infections are secondary to allergies and the underlying allergy need to be addressed to get a resolution or better management.

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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update

Attention all our valued clients:

With the current COVID-19 situation in Australia, we wanted to reassure all our clients we are committed to providing ongoing health care for your pets. It’s time to be a family. All of us.

If we can help you and your pets in any way, we will, and if we can’t, we will find someone to help. Pick up the phone and call us. We are not going anywhere. We have put in measures to ensure continuity of service for you and your pets.

Welcome back into the clinic, We have missed you.

Phone the clinic that you want to book an appointment with. The friendly receptionist will advise you of the new appointment protocol as consultations have changed slightly. Alternatively you can book online https://www.lakevet.com.au/

• Please sanitise hands on arrival.
• We kindly ask you to wear a mask in the consult room.
• Kindly show reception proof of double vaccination.
• One person per pet in the clinic.
• Please practice social distancing when inside the clinic.

If you have been to any HOTSPOTS, UNWELL or showing any FLU SYMPTOMS or high risk we ask that you do not visit the clinic. You can either have a friend bring your pet in or give us a call and discuss other alternatives with us, such as phone/video consultations and emailing photos.

We are taking these measures to keep you safe and ensure our team remains infection free.

Thank you for understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.

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Australia Day Hours

Australia Day Public Holiday Hours

Monday 25.1.21
OPEN 8AM-6PM

Tuesday 26.1.21
CLOSED

Wednesday 27.1.21
OPEN 8AM-6PM

For all emergencies please contact
Newcastle Animal Emergency Centre

4957 7106

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Christmas Hamper Winners 2020

Congratulations to our 2020 Christmas Hamper Winners

Belmont Christmas Hamper Winner Cleveland

Charlestown Christmas Hamper winners Jax & Cooper

Swansea Christmas Hamper winners Rufus & Tex

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Stress Free Pets

Introducing Zylkene.

Zylkene is an orally taken medication containing a concentration of milk protein acting like a natural valium to help your pet cope with stressful situations.

It can be used short term to help your pet friend often starting1-2 days before a predicted stressful event or change in environment. Some animals may need earlier administration (5-7 days).

For long term use, start giving Zylkene for one month then reassess your pet. The supplement is best used with a training program to help your pet learn that they are ok.

Zylkene can also be helpful:

• Vet visits
• Moving House
• Introducing a new pet
• Separation anxiety
• Introducing a New Baby
• Fireworks
• Travel
• Boarding
• Thunderstorms

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Noise Phobias

Summer in Australia can be noisy: thunderstorms, fireworks and parties are just some of the events that can trigger noise sensitivities in dogs. Although it may not be possible to avoid the noises.

There are some simple ideas for helping your dog to cope during a noisy situation:

· Expose puppies to different noises from a young age and make sure the noises are always associated with something pleasant such as a dog treat. Using Adaptil while encountering a potentially scary sound will help your pup avoid negative associations with the noise.

· Providing a crate in a quiet room filled with toys and hidden treats allows your dog to retreat to a safe place when they feel threatened and helps them cope with the stress created by the loud noises. An Adaptil Diffuser can be placed close by to improve their sense of security.

· Never punish your dog for any behaviour that comes as a result of their anxiety - punishment may make their anxiety worse and has a negative impact on your relationship with your dog.

· Masking the loud noise with a noise your dog can tolerate (such as classical music) can make a big difference.

· Engage your dog in a game to distract them.

Please keep your pets safe & secure during the fireworks.

 Make sure they are wearing collars with tags and that there microchip details are up to date! To check if your pets details are up to date, click the link.www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au

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New Years Eve Hours

Thursday 31^st December      Open                    8am-5:00pm

Friday 1^st January             CLOSED

Saturday 2^nd January             Open 8am- 12:00pm

For all emergencies please contact

Newcastle Animal Emergency Centre

4957 7106

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Festive Food for Pets

The temptation during the Christmas season is to give our pets left over’s as a perceived treat for them to share with us.
In many cases this may be without any consequence except a satisfied pet but we do often see gastrointestinal upsets associated with feeding seasoned, fatty or salty foods - this sounds like everything we have Christmas day!
Vomiting and diarrhoea are often symptoms seen but these may progress to a more serious condition such as pancreatitis, which requires hospitalisation and intensive care.
Please be careful when including that four legged family member in sharing your Christmas meal.
Of course, to spoil their fun more, we should also avoid sharing our chocolates.

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Christmas Pet Photo Competition Time!!

Email your Christmas Pet Photo to lakevet@lakevet.com.au or comment of our facebook page www.facebook.com/lakevet/

Prizes includes soft toys, flea/tick products, food and more. 

We cannot wait to see all your pets Christmas photos!

Start posting everyone

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Heat Stress

Here are some helpful tips for summer:

-Clipping and brushing your pet is a good
idea.
-It is essential that your pets have
adequate shade to rest in at this time of
year. Provide a shady spot on the eastern
side of your home with plenty of water - Unlimited supply of full water bowls
placed in shady areas.
- A clam shell pool in a shady spot is a
great summer treat for a hot dog
- Never leave dogs in cars unattended. -Jog or walk with your dog early in the
morning or in the cool of the evening
when the temperature has dropped.
Short nosed breeds of dogs, such as Bull Dogs,Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Pugs and Pekingese, are very susceptible to heat stress.
Obese and geriatric dogs and cats are at risk too, as well as pets with respiratory disease.
If your pet is affected please contact us immediately and cool the animal by placing it in a room temperature (not iced) water bath or by
hosing it. Place the wet animal in front of the fan and apply ice packs to its head. Treatment needs to be intensive and prompt. Heat stress is a major
concern over summer. Please be careful with your pets!!!

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Christmas Hamper

Join in our Christmas Hampers free raffle when you bring your pet in between 9^th November and 14^th December for your chance to win a pamper pack with many goodies for you and your pet at each hospital.

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Funnel Web Spiders

Warning please be aware that Funnel Web spiders are out and about!

During this time it is best to wear closed in shoes all the time when in the yard and wear gloves while gardening.
If you find one that you can safely capture you can take it to:

*Animal Referral Emergency Centre (At all times)

*John Hunter Hospital (Monday- Friday)

*Reptile park at Gosford (At all times)

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Tick Season

 Paralysis Ticks are out and about. Tick paralysis can be deadly to your family pets!

We recommend Nexgard monthly chews for dogs and Bravecto spot 3 monthly on for cats.

It is best to clear your yard of low lying bushes and long grass.

Daily tick searches are required to ensure any ticks are removed straight away.

Blue Tongue Lizards and Possums can bring ticks into your yard.

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Eco Hero Kyan Payten

Kyan loves raptors in particular wedge-tailed eagles. He has painted a few and now has turned his attention to helping raise money for injured wildlife. He is supporting the Higher Ground Raptor Centre that rehabilitates birds and then releases them into the wild. Congratulations on receiving a special mention in National Geographic for Kids above.

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Charlestown Reception Makeover

Whilst your pets have been still coming into the clinic, our Charlestown Reception area has had a makeover. We have new chairs, reception desk and flooring.  We look forward to having you back into the hospital to share it with you and your pet.

See a preview below of Luna on the scales admiring the new space.

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Behaviour

At The Lake Veterinary Hospitals, we value your pet’s good behaviour. We encourage good manners from an early age (8-14weeks) with our puppy pre-school classes or one-on-one private lessons. We supplement these classes with a Senior Puppy class for dogs from 4 months of age until 12 months.

 We also conduct Behavioural consults and training with our Behaviour vet Anthony Payten and Delta Trainer Phoebe Wallace to help any vices or anxieties. We recommend filling out a questionnaire from our website before a consultation. Ring Charlestown 49436066 or Belmont 49459677 to book.

Our next Junior Puppy school is on the 4th January 2021 and Next Senior Puppy class commences on 14th January 2021.

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