Toad Poisoning

Toads have poison glands on the top of the head that will "spit" at the dog (seldom cats) that try and bite them. The toxin is extremely irritant and causes initially a lot of dribbling and if enough is contacted then the dog can get tremors and go into convulsions.

First Aid - if your dog can stand, then immediately wash the mouth out and wipe a moist flanel over the gums to remove as much toxin as possible. If they are conscious, can walk well and happy - then just observe them for the next 3 hours. However if they cannot rise or have tremors or convulsions then they need veterinary attention ASAP.

Ticks and Tick Paralysis

Fortunately we have very few instances of the the Paralysis Tick on the peninsula. However if you take your dog or cat off the peninsula pretty much anywhere in South East QLD, then you should have a tick prevention treatment applied (eg frontline). We never rely only on the preventions alone!!! You should always go over the skin thoroughly of your pet by feel to pick up any ticks. Daily is best for the period you are away and a week afterwards.

Female ticks fill up with blood before laying eggs and release the poison that progressively paralyses the pet.

Signs of Tick Paralysis--Early signs include slight wobbly walking or collapse, a change of voice, big pupils and "huffy" breathing. These can progress within hours to more severe paralysis where the pet is unable to rise.

With any signs of paralysis you should seek immediate veterinary attention.

There are 2 types of ticks that can get on dogs and cats - they are very difficult to tell apart so ring us if you think you have one.

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Heat Stress

If you have moved from down south especially your pet may have trouble with our summers and the heat and humidity. On hot and very hot days it is advisable only to walk early morning and late afternoon, and during the day a paddle pool is a great idea. Some of our clients will spray water from a spray bottle over the pets coat (cats don't like this!).

Signs of heat stress include collapse, laboured breathing and sometimes diarrhoea. It essential to cool of the pet with a hose and contact the vet. Dogs with heavy coats and if overweight are much more prone to heat stress.

Remember never to leave a dog unattended in a locked car as the temperature can reach over 60 degrees Celsius in minutes of closing the car up.

Heartworm Disease

Heartworms are carried by mosquitoes from dog to dog and dog to cats and can grow to 6 inches long. They get in and strangle the heart and main artery to the lungs and cause damage within the lungs as well.

There are many great prevention medications available now which stop the worms ever growing upinside the body. If your dog is over 6 months of age and has never been on prevention then he/she will neeed to be tested before starting the prevention.

A yearly injection is the easiest to do and monthly medications are also available. All dogs and cats in south east QLD should be on heartworm prevention.