Why socialisation sets up your dog for life

Many people aren't always aware that the most critical time in your dog's life is in during their first four months. Socialisation at this time with other dogs (both big and small) is one of the most important ingredients for a well behaved and sociable dog. Here are some things to consider:

Puppies have brains like sponges
The more they are introduced to during this period, the better. If they learn how to behave around other canines it will help make future outings and park visits much more pleasant!

Puppy school is the first event you should put on your dog's social calendar
Puppies will develop confidence and will learn how to interact with each other. This is a safe environment for socialisation as all puppies must be up to date with their vaccinations.

Puppyhood is also a good time to introduce your dog to different noises and experiences
Think about the vacuum, traffic, multiple car trips as well as longer stints at home alone. We can recommend some great boredom busters to keep your puppy stimulated while you head out. You want your dog to learn to be happy during 'alone time'.

Of course, good behaviour and training doesn't stop at the age of four months! It is crucial to continue with positive reinforcement and to reward your dog for good behaviour.

When it comes to pet behaviour, always ask us for the best advice.

Anzac Day Opening Hours

We will be closed on Monday 25th April for the Anzac Day public holiday.

For emergencies, contact the Animal Emergency Centre on 8362 1722, 102 Magill Road, Norwood.

Attention Rabbit Owners

There is a new strain of Rabbit Calicivirus spreading in Australia that has now been seen in the Adelaide Hills.

The virus is called Rabbit Haemorrhagic Viral Disease Type 2 (RHDV2). It can affect rabbits of all ages. This new virus strain is distinct from RHDV1, which was released in Australia in 1996 for the control of wild rabbits.

RHDV2 was first reported in France in 2010 and has been found in several other European countries. It is not known how it reached Australian shores after it was first discovered in Canberra in May 2015.

The current vaccine in Australia for rabbit calicivirus (Cylap) is not fully protective against RHDV2. An updated vaccine is being developed in Europe. In the meantime, keeping your pet rabbits’ vaccinations up to date is recommended to provide the maximum possible protection against this new strain.

All RHDV strains can spread easily by contact between infected rabbits (via faeces, urine, saliva, nasal and eye secretions and mating) and objects including hay, food, clothing, shoes, people, cages, equipment, dust, insects, wild birds and rodents.

Here is what we recommend rabbit owners do:

• Vaccinate your adult rabbit every 6 months with the vaccine currently available in Australia.
• Vaccinate kittens at 4 weeks, then at 8 weeks, and again at 12 weeks or later.
• Unvaccinated adults or overdue adults, vaccinate twice one month apart, then every 6 months.
• Prevent contact between domestic and wild rabbits.
• Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to rabbits if there is a risk of contamination from wild rabbits.
• Protect your rabbit's exposure to insects either by keeping them inside or using fly screens.

The new vaccination schedule is off label, meaning we are using the vaccination outside of the labelled recommendations. However, these new recommendations have been made by rabbit vets across Australia based on the best information we currently have.

If you have a pet rabbit and are concerned their vaccinations may not be up to date or you have any questions about this new virus please give the clinic a call.