Warning to pet owners
ByBy Karen Thorne
Sept. 26, 2012, 4:30 p.m.
PET owners should prepare for one of the worst tick seasons ever.
Dogs NSW warns that Sydney's mild weather has failed to curb the population of the paralysis tick, a small parasite that can cause death in cats and dogs if left untreated.
Simon Ilkin of Kirrawee Veterinary Hospital said the number of tick cases had increased this year.
"Last year we were seeing one to two animals with ticks a week," Dr Ilkin said.
"This year we have one a day.
"Ninety per cent of ticks are found at the head and neck area of your pet."
Dr Ilkin said using tick control products and regularly checking animals for ticks was crucial for prevention.
Owners should check the inside of a pet's ears, mouth, nose and eyelids.
Dr Ilkin recommends pet owners take their dog or cat to the vet immediately if they see a tick, notice a change in their meow or bark, or if their pet is wobbly on their back legs. Paralysis ticks inject a toxin that paralyses muscles from the legs up and if it reaches the respiratory muscles the animal cannot breathe. Tick season usually lasts from now until March.
“Hospital of Excellence Accreditation” awarded to the Kirrawee Veterinary Hospital.
The Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association [ASAVA] has awarded the Kirrawee Veterinary Hospital a “Hospital of Excellence Accreditation” in recognition of the very high standard of diagnostic, surgical, laboratory and nursing facilities at your pet’s Hospital.
This award means that your pet’s hospital will strive to provide your pet with the highest standard of medical and surgical patient care in hospital facilities that even your own doctor would be proud of.
Only three other veterinary hospitals in New South Wales have been awarded this honour and one of these is the Sydney University Veterinary Hospital.
Our aim is to keep your pet a healthy and happy member of your family.
Give your pet a smile for life!
Under the Companion Animals Act, all owners of cats and dogs must take two steps to provide lifetime protection for their pet friend.
Step 1 - Microchip your pet. Phone Kirrawee Vets on 95216422.
Step 2 – Lifetime registration can be done with your local council.
Once microchipped and registered, your pet is protected for life. If your pet is lost, hurt or stolen your friend can be identified and you can be contacted.