Described below are some common but serious health conditions, if your pet is demonstrating any of the symptoms outlined, please seek veterinary attention.

Reluctance to eat
If your pet has not eaten for 2 or more days, they are sick and require immediate veterinary attention.

Blocked Bladder
Sometimes a male cat is unable to pass urine and if this condition persists it is fatal within 48 hours.
Symptoms include:

• straining to toilet
• scratching in his litter but failing to toilet or passing small amounts of urine
• vocalising
• not eating
• passing blood in urine
• urinating inappropriately (having 'accidents')
• withdrawn, hiding or unresponsive

Common Signs of Health Problems in Older Pets

1. Sustained or sudden weight loss
2. Increased water intake
3. Increased food intake accompanied by weight loss
4. Insatiable appetite, always demanding food
5. Increased urination (frequency or volume)
6. Incontinence (loss of bladder control)
7. Mobility issues (symptoms include: stiff limbs, joint pain, difficulty in grooming/matted coat)
8. Behavioural changes

For cats of 10 years and older or dogs of 7 years and older we recommend a health check every 6 months. An annual health check is usually sufficient for younger animals.

Flea Treatments
Flea treatments found at veterinary clinics have a higher safety margin than those available at the supermarket, as well as providing flea control for several weeks after treatment as opposed to lasting only 3 days. Flea treatments recommended by veterinarians also are more effective because they control fleas not only on your pet, but in their immediate environment such beds and carpet.

What not to feed your pets

Raw/undercooked meat and offal:
These are a major cause of salmonella and campylobacter infections in our pets AND OWNERS.  We regularly see cases of vomiting/diarrhoea in raw-fed patients.  We have also seen permanent neurological damage or death due to Toxoplasmosis or Listeria poisoning from commercially available raw pet foods.

Chocolate:
Causes vomiting/diarrhoea, seizures and death.

Grapes and Raisins:
Can cause kidney failure.

Bread dough:
Causes alcohol poisoning.

Macadamia nuts:
Even small amounts cause paralysis in the hind limbs.

Raw Salmon and Trout:
Are infected with parasites.

Onions and Garlic:
Cause breakdown of red blood cells and anemia.

Cooked bones:
Are brittle and can splinter when chewed - causing damage to gut lining or a blockage if swallowed.

Sugar free gum/sweets containing xylitol:
Can cause liver failure in dogs, and life-threatening drop in blood sugar levels for both dogs and cats.

Turkey/chicken skin and meat off-cuts:
Spikes in dietary fat are the most common causes of pancreatitis in dogs.