Christmas Opening Hours

From all of the team we would like to wish you and your pets a safe and Happy Christmas and New Year!

During the holiday period we will be open as follows:
Wednesday 23rd December - 8am-7pm
Thursday 24th December - 8am-5pm
Friday 25th December - CLOSED
Saturday 26th December - CLOSED
Sunday 27th December - CLOSED
Monday 28th December - CLOSED
Tuesday 29th December - 8am-7pm
Wednesday 30th December - 8am-7pm
Thursday 31st December - 8am-5pm
Friday 1st January - CLOSED
Saturday 2nd January - 8am-4pm

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

An update on rabbit calicivirus in Australia

Dr Gregory Wright
DVM, BSc.

Calicivirus or Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1) is a highly infectious and often fatal disease that affects wild and domestic rabbits. In 1996 the virus was released in Australia to control the feral rabbit population, and was highly effective. Prior to release of the virus, and as a requirement to do so, a vaccine became available to protect our domestic rabbit population.

As some of you may be aware there is a planned release of a variant of the calicivirus called K5, which is planned for autumn 2016. The original strain released in 1996 has become less effective over time and it is hoped that the K5 variant will boost the impact of current rabbit control methods. Prior to being used in wild rabbit control the NSW Department of Primary Industries examined the current vaccine for its effectiveness against this new strain. Thankfully all the rabbits vaccinated with the current vaccination survived infection with K5.

Our recommendations are in line with that of the Australian Veterinary Association; they recommended that domestic rabbits are vaccinated at 12 weeks of age, and then given a health check and booster annually. In the face of an outbreak it is recommended that kittens be vaccinated at 4 weeks, followed by a booster at 12 weeks and yearly vaccinations.

For more information see the petsmart website

Kidney Disease is Thirsty Work

If your pet is thirstier than usual it could be a sign of kidney disease. Sometimes the increase in thirst can be subtle but if you find yourself filling up the water bowl more regularly, or notice your pet drinking from the shower or toilet, you should arrange a check up with us.

Don't Be Tempted...

It might be tempting to feed your pet human scraps as a treat but you may be doing them harm and causing excessive weight gain.

Keep this calorie translator in mind when you are having trouble saying ‘no’ to those adorable eyes!

For a 10kg dog:
> One biscuit = 1 hamburger for a human
> 30g piece of cheese = 1.5 hamburgers for a human
> One hot dog = 2.5 hamburgers for a human

For a 5kg cat:
> One potato chip = ½ a hamburger for a human
> 30g piece cheese = 2.5 hamburgers for a human
> A glass of milk = 3 hamburgers for a human!

Drop in at any time and we'll weigh your pet. We'll also advise you on treats that are suitable for your pet and are light on calories.