Animal Referral Hospital - Essendon

26/09/2025

*** YAYY... TODAY'S THE DAY! ***
At last it’s Grand Final time! Whether you’re heading to the big game, watching at home or enjoying the festivities - just a reminder: we’re open 24/7 all weekend here at ARH-Essendon Fields to care for your pets. Good luck to both teams - may the best win!

25/09/2025

*** GRAND FINAL WEEKEND IS ALMOST HERE! ***
🎉 We just wanted to remind you that while you’re cheering for your team tomorrow, remember we’re open 24/7 for all your pet needs here at ARH-Essendon Fields - no matter the time or the game. Wishing both Grand Final teams the best of luck tomorrow! 🏉 Looking forward to a great match!

24/09/2025

*** HAVE YOU GOT A PREFERENCE? ***
Or do you have both?... and what's life like 'between them?! :-)

If you’re still a bit of a fence sitter, then hopefully, this article - thanks to Pet Insurance AU - will push you in the right direction. When considering getting a pet for the first time, and you can’t choose between a cat or a dog, we suggest you read through these opinions. Consider every point and then decide. Oh and feel free to share with any friends thinking about getting a new pet - dog or cat!

There has been an endless unspoken friendly war between cat and dog owners for years. How and where it began is a mystery.

23/09/2025

*** POLICE DOG ROCCO SAFELY BACK HOME! ***
Late on Monday night, a brave Melbourne Police Dog named Rocco and his handler were involved in a frightening accident on the Tullamarine Freeway when their vehicle was struck from behind.

The impact was so severe that Rocco was thrown from the police van and rushed to ARH Essendon for emergency care. Our team quickly treated him and were relieved to find his injuries were not life-threatening.

Today, we’re so happy to share that both Rocco and his handler are back home, recovering together.

Rocco, you’ve shown incredible courage — and we’re all sending you lots of love and wishes for a speedy recovery.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CPy1AFHJK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

23/09/2025

*** MELBOURNE VENEMOUS SNAKE WARNING! ***
Don't be fooled by the 'steamy hot one day, bone dry the next followed by hail weather' that we often see here in Melbourne because it's that time of year when snakes are starting to come out and about even in our own backyards and here at ARH Essendon we've already seen more cases than we usually do.

So it's very important that all pet owners know what to look for and what to do in case you notice any of the following symptoms - likewise you should check with your own Doctor for the same reason if you or a child are ever bitten.

SYMPTOMS OF SNAKE BITE:
The effect of a snake bite may appear anywhere from 1 to 24 hours after the actual bite.
Here's just some of the things to be aware of thanks to the RSPCA - http://bit.ly/RSPCA_SnakeBites
+ Sudden weakness followed by collapse
+ Shaking or twitching of the muscles and difficulty blinking
+ Vomiting
+ Loss of bladder and bowel control
+ Dilated pupils
+ Paralysis
+ Blood in urine
As always DON'T DELAY... get to your own vet ASAP or call us here at ARH Essendon 24/7 0n (03)9379 0700 - 72 Hargrave Ave Essendon Fields, VIC 3041

22/09/2025

*** CAN OUR PETS REALLY SAVE LIVES? ***
Absolutely!... 🐾

Our blood donation program helps give critically ill pets a second chance. If your furry friend meets the donation criteria, we’d love to hear from you!

Please reach out to our team to learn more about how your pet can make a difference or email: essendon-blood-donors@arhvets.com 🐶🐱

21/09/2025

*** DO WE NEED TO RE-THINK HOW WE USE DOG PARKS! ***
With the recent sad news a small dog being killed by off-leash 'larger dogs' and its owner also attacked, we thought we would check-in with renowned Aussie dog trainer Steve Austin on his thoughts about what is safe and what is not in so called 'Off-Leash Dog Parks'!

Dog parks sound like a dream, don’t they? A safe, open space where our four-legged friends can run free, play with others, and burn off all that extra energy. But according to renowned Aussie dog trainer Steve Austin, there’s a side to off-leash parks that many owners don’t consider—one that can sometimes lead to long-term issues for both dogs and people.

* The Myth of the Perfect Playdate *
Many of us assume that because our dog is friendly, all the other dogs at the park will be too. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Some dogs entering these spaces may be anxious, under-socialised, or even aggressive. When a nervous dog suddenly finds itself surrounded by a pack of eager greeters, panic can set in—sometimes with teeth.

* Control Is Non-Negotiable *
One of Austin’s golden rules is simple: you should only ever let your dog off-leash if you have 100% control. That means your dog must come when called and stay when told. Without those two essentials, you’re rolling the dice—not just with your dog’s safety, but with everyone else’s. Tricks like paw-shakes and roll-overs are cute, but recall and stay are lifesavers.

* One Bad Experience Can Set Your Dog Back *
It only takes one negative encounter for a dog to form a lasting fear or aggression trigger. A bite, a chase, or even a scare can undo months of training and confidence-building. Desensitisation training can help, but prevention is far easier than repair.

* The Safer Side of Socialising *
The best way to socialise your dog? Start small and controlled. On-lead introductions with trusted friends’ dogs work better than diving into a chaotic park environment. If you do use a dog park, consider larger open areas—like time-restricted beach zones—where your dog has the option to walk away if things get overwhelming.

* Safety Isn’t Just About Dogs *
There’s also the human side to think about. Sadly, attacks do happen—sometimes people themselves get bitten when trying to separate dogs. Poorly lit parks at night can even attract human troublemakers. So it’s not just about canine safety, but yours too.

* The Bottom Line *
Dog parks aren’t “bad”—they can be fantastic for well-trained dogs who enjoy socialising. But as Steve Austin reminds us, they’re not a free-for-all. Respect the space, respect other dogs, and most importantly, know your own dog’s limits.

If you can master recall and stay, and you take the time to size up the situation before unclipping that lead, you and your pup will both be better off.

21/09/2025

*** PLANNING A TRIP THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS? ***
Not every pet is a natural traveller according to travelling Vet Nurse, Kylie Kavanah, Surgery Veterinary Nurse Manager at Sydney’s Animal Referral Hospital (and proud Staffordshire Bull Terrier owner and show-dog enthusiast)! - So how do we make car trips safe, stress-free, and maybe even fun for our four-legged companions? Here's some great tips from Kylie...

* Getting Started – Puppies & First Trips
Most puppies will get car sick the first few times they travel. Drooling, a little vomit—yep, it happens. But don’t stress! With repeated short trips, they usually adjust. Think of it as building up their “travel muscles.”

* Crates & Seatbelts – Safety First
Kylie recommends crate training from day one. A crate is not a punishment—it’s your pet’s own safe little den, perfect for car trips, sleeping, or when you’ve got visitors and need them settled.
• Smaller dogs: harness seatbelts or crates in the car
• Larger dogs: crates, or secure them in the back with a barrier
Remember, the law requires pets to be restrained in vehicles, and it’s for their safety as well as yours.

* Travel Prep – Empty Stomachs & Empty Bladders
One golden rule before a road trip? Don’t feed your dog just before you leave. A full tummy plus motion sickness equals a very unpleasant clean-up. Also, make sure your dog has had the chance to “empty out” before getting in the car—less stress for everyone.

* Helping Nervous Travellers
Some dogs never quite fall in love with car rides. For them, Kylie suggests slow and steady desensitisation:
• Start with short trips around the block
• Make the destination fun (a walk, a treat, or a play)
• Gradually extend the trip length
For pets that get genuinely distressed or motion sick, talk to your vet. Anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medication may help make the journey smoother.

* Same Rules for All Breeds
Whether you’ve got a toy poodle or a Great Dane, the essentials are the same: safety, comfort, and patience. Big or small, every dog deserves the same travel care.

* Final Thought
Travelling with pets can be incredibly rewarding. With a little preparation—crate training, safety checks, and gradual exposure—your pet can learn to love the journey as much as the destination.

So, pack the car, bring the treats, and hit the road with your best mate. Adventure awaits! 🐾🚗

19/09/2025

*** GOT AN ITCHY KITTY?.... WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP? ***
There are many skin conditions that may affect our feline companions, ranging from cuts and wounds to itchy, dry skin, lumps and hair loss. Cat skin problems can be quite distressing for a cat and their owners.

Check out this very informative article thanks to Greencross Vets and learn how to spot common cat skin conditions, what causes them, and how you can help your cat if they experience any of these issues.

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/CatSkinProblems

19/09/2025

*** JUST A REMINDER WE ARE HERE 24/7 EVERY DAY! ***
We hope you had a good Friday and that your weekend will be relaxing despite the high chance of showers and colder temps!.... If you need us urgently just come straight in to 72 Hargrave Ave, Essendon Fields ideally phoning first (03) 9379 0700

18/09/2025

*** ANOTHER BIT OF FURRY FAMILY FRIDAY FUN! ***
Can you ever imagine this happening!... 🤩

Meanwhile here at ARH Essendon Fields we hope you and your furry four-legged buddys (dogs or cats!) have a happy Friday and also manage to get a bit of 'you-time' together.

Of course if you need us just call (03)9379 0700 or for any other location go to https://www.emergencyvet.com.au/