Frontline animal experts say pet-owners need to be wary of ticks, cane toads and snakes despite winter being a “quiet season” for the lethal animals.
Senior veterinary nurse at Animal Emergency Services (AES) Underwood, Emily Walchshofer, said ticks and cane toads were less present in the winter because of a lack of rain, while snakes like to brumate in cold weather.
“… but they’re out all year round,” she said.
“And we’ve seen quite a few cases recently.”
She said the Underwood clinic would often see up to 30 patients a night, many of which were prompted by ticks, cane toads and snakes.
Ms Walchshofer said another common cause was pets consuming things they shouldn’t.
“That can include dogs eating chocolate, tampons, or condoms,” she said.
She said it was important for pet owners to know there are emergency services like the Underwood clinic that provide help to pets, which she said was surprising because people view their dogs as children.
“Times have changed and people think of their pets very differently now – it’s not just a dog anymore,” Ms Walchshofer said.
“People treat them as good as they treat their kids.
“They would do anything for them.”
Her colleague, the clinic’s client care representative Niki Ohlwein, agreed.
“It’s important to make sure people are aware that there is somewhere they can go at a random point in the night to get help,” Ms Ohlwein said.
“Often when people call up, and find out what we do, they’re relieved.”
Ms Walchshofer said people were often surprised to learn AES existed, and that many pet complications were a result of ignorance.
“There are lots of instances that could be easily avoided,” she said.
“It sometimes comes down to education surrounding pet care.
“Most of the time we know the owners love their animals and would do anything for them, but a lack of education is a big thing.
“But, of course, we don’t jugdge – we just want to help the pets.”
Ms Walchshofer said there were a few steps pet-owners could take to optimise pet-health.
“If owners are ever worried about whether they should bring their pet in, do it sooner rather than later – even it it’s just to have ease of mind,” she said.
“If they’re ever worried, give the clinic a call and we can give some advice.
“That’s why we’re here – we want to help the owner and the patient as best as we can.”
She said owners should also follow their local vet on social media for “tips and tricks” to prevent emergencies from happening.
