
A dog bite wound should be discussed with a vet promptly, even when the skin opening looks small. Teeth can push bacteria and debris under the skin, while crushing and pulling forces may damage tissue beyond the visible puncture. Bites to the chest, abdomen, neck, eye or a joint are particularly concerning, as are heavy […]
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A luxating patella is a kneecap that moves out of its normal groove. In dogs, it can cause a characteristic skip: the dog briefly lifts a back leg, takes several steps on three legs and then walks normally again. Some dogs show few signs, while others develop frequent lameness, pain, an abnormal gait or arthritis […]
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A rescue cat’s first vet visit should establish what is known, identify what is missing and create a plan without assuming that every unknown requires every test immediately. Bring the adoption, vaccination, desexing, microchip and treatment records supplied by the shelter, foster carer or previous owner. Keep the cat securely indoors and transport them in […]
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Puppy school in Keysborough is a structured introduction to learning, handling and safe social experiences during an important stage of development. A good class helps owners teach attention, recall foundations, calm greetings, settling and comfortable handling. It should also explain sleep, toilet habits, chewing, body language and how to prevent common problems rather than waiting […]
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Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can damage a dog’s kidneys and liver and can also infect people. Dogs may be exposed through urine from infected animals or through contaminated water, wet soil and vegetation. Risk varies with geography, wildlife and rodent exposure, travel and lifestyle, so vaccination is discussed individually rather than assumed for […]
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Cat constipation means passing stool infrequently, with difficulty or not at all. A constipated cat may strain in the litter tray, produce small hard pieces, vocalise or stop eating. However, repeated straining can also mean a urinary blockage, particularly in a male cat, and that can become life-threatening quickly. For cat constipation, Keysborough owners should […]
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A dog licking one paw suddenly after a walk may have a grass seed, splinter, cut, nail injury or sting. A dog persistently licking several paws may be itchy from an allergy, parasites or a skin infection. The pattern is useful, but it cannot identify the cause with certainty. For a dog licking paws, Melbourne […]
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A microchip gives a dog or cat a permanent identification number, but the chip only helps reunite you when the registry details are accurate. It is not a GPS tracker; it does not replace council registration, and changing your address with the council does not necessarily update the separate microchip registry. At Keysborough Veterinary Practice, […]
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If your cat is losing hair in a clear patch, the fur has usually been damaged, shed because the skin is inflamed, or removed through licking. The pattern gives us clues, but it does not reliably identify the cause on its own. Fleas, allergy, ringworm, mites, pain, infection and overgrooming can look surprisingly similar. We […]
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Rainwater does not usually infect a dog’s skin by itself. The more common problem is what happens after a dog stays wet: the skin becomes warm and damp, rubbing increases, and bacteria or yeast already present on the skin can multiply. Mud, allergies, parasites, small scratches and dense coats can add to the irritation. At […]
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A cat limping is not always dramatic. Some cats hold a paw up; others simply hesitate before jumping, use the stairs differently or spend more time asleep. Because cats tend to hide pain, a small change in movement can be the most useful clue an owner sees. We take limping seriously without assuming the worst. […]
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When an owner tells us, “My dog is drinking more water,” our first question is usually whether this is a true change. A warm afternoon, a longer walk or a meal of dry food can make a dog temporarily thirstier. A water bowl that suddenly needs constant refilling, especially when paired with more urination, is […]
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A lower-stress vet visit begins before your dog enters the clinic. Tell the team what happened at previous appointments, identify the triggers you know and ask how they want you to arrive. The plan may involve a quieter waiting arrangement, favourite food, a different handling approach or pre-visit medicine prescribed for that dog. Keysborough Veterinary […]
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A dog orthopaedic consultation assesses bones, joints, muscles and movement. The vet will ask how the problem began, watch the dog move, examine the affected area and decide whether imaging or other tests are needed. Treatment may involve rest, medicine, rehabilitation, surgery or referral, depending on the diagnosis and the individual dog. Keysborough Veterinary Practice […]
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A veterinary phone appointment can help with selected follow-up discussions, medicine questions, progress reviews and deciding the next appropriate step. It cannot replace a physical examination when the vet needs to see, feel, listen to or test your pet. Keysborough Veterinary Practice offers phone appointments, but suitability depends on the animal, the concern and the […]
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Pet diagnostics begin with a veterinary examination and a clear account of what has changed. Blood or urine tests, X-rays and ultrasound may then help the vet narrow the possible causes, assess severity or plan treatment. Not every sick pet needs every test, and a machine does not replace the vet’s clinical judgement. At Keysborough […]
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Most dogs benefit from regular exercise, but not every walk is a good idea. Knowing when not to walk your dog is just as important as knowing when to take them out. In Australia, weather, age, health and recovery time can all change whether a walk is sensible or too much. A walk should support […]
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Cats are good at hiding illness, which is why common cat health problems are often missed until they become harder to manage. A cat that is quieter than usual, eating less, hiding more or suddenly avoiding the litter box may be trying to tell you something. That is why noticing small changes early matters so […]
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Cats with respiratory illness may sneeze, develop runny eyes or nose, lose interest in food and become quieter than usual. People often call this cat flu or influenza, but several different infections can cause similar signs, so a diagnosis cannot be made from symptoms alone. If your cat is struggling to breathe, collapsed, very weak, […]
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Most dogs living in Melbourne do not receive a routine rabies injection. Rabies is not established in Australia, so the question usually comes up because a dog is travelling overseas, entering Australia from another country, or has a specific exposure concern. The requirements depend on the country, route, timing and documents involved. If you are […]
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