Animal Referral Hospital - Essendon

13/03/2026

*** COULD YOUR DOG BE A DONOR? ***
We’re searching for dogs who are:
• Healthy adults (12 months+)
• No chronic tummy, skin, or behaviour issues
• On a commercial dog food diet (no raw or home-cooked diets)
• No antibiotics in the past 6 months
• No anti-inflammatories or acid-reducers in the last 3 months
• Not overweight
• Up-to-date with vaccinations, and regular flea/worming
• No long-term medications

What Do Donors Need to Do?
On your dog’s first visit, we’ll:
• Do a free health check
• Run intestinal parasite tests
• Test a poo sample

Once your dog is officially a Super Pooper, they’ll donate one sample per month (with occasional extras if needed).

What’s In It for Me (and My Dog)?
• Free health check and parasite screening every 6 months
• A free bag of your dog’s current food when you join
• A little thank-you treat every 6th donation — because superheroes deserve rewards!

12/03/2026

*** ANOTHER FRIDAY THE 13th... SHOULD WE BE AFRAID? ***
We had one in February, now another one! What is going on??

Of course black cats and Friday the 13th have a long history of superstions but should we really be afraid?... Some interesting history in the article thanks to Adelaide Haunted Horizons website...

FRIDAY 13th SUPERSTITION Friday 13th superstition... do you stay in bed and pull the covers over your head and refuse to face the world? Have you changed your travel itinerary because your flight coincided with this dreaded date? Are you convinced that something bad is going to happen to you…

11/03/2026

*** GOT AN OLDER PET - HOW'S IT GOING? ***
As our very own Dr. Simon Kudnig says... "Age is not a disease!"
But there are some things most pets will suffer as they age. The two most common problems are arthritis and eye conditions. The good news is that many of these issues can be alleviated with veterinary assistance.

Arthritis is a painful degenerative disease that causes inflammation and pain in affected joints. The pain can cause many of the signs / symptoms associated with the disease.

These signs include:
* Limping
* Licking, biting or chewing a specific area
* Stiffness after exercising
* Muscle Atrophy or decrease in muscle mass due to inactivity
* Difficultly moving
* Irritability or change in behaviour while being handled

As always, make sure you seek veterinary advice
If you notice any of these changes in your pet, old or young, veterinary advice is paramount to ensure that your loved pet is not in any undue stress and pain.

Golden Oldies . Australia's Award Winning Pet Insurance. We care about your pets' health and well-being - Pet Insurance Australia

10/03/2026

*** GOT AN 'OVER-REACTIVE' DOG? ***
While it can be fun (say) at the park, many dogs get excited jumping on visitors or young children which can be very dangerous especially with larger breeds. So what's the answer? How can you start to train them NOT to jump randomly?

Some good advice in this story...

Training your dog not to jump when they're excited to see people is simple. Find out easy ways to get the best behaviour from your dog here.

09/03/2026

*** CATS Vs KIDS - ARE THEY REALLY SAFE? ***
Put a young child and a cat together and you’ve got the makings of a pretty cute photo, right? A giggling toddler, a fluffy feline with big eyes—it sounds like Instagram gold right. But from the cat’s perspective... how is REALLY feeling?

Even though they can be a little unpredicatbel at times, cats thrive on, quiet corners, and the simple pleasure of 'ruling their kingdom' with grace and dignity. Kids... especially young 'toddlers', can be like little whirlwinds on two legs, full of curiosity, sticky fingers, and an endless supply of sudden squeals.

Young kids!... To a cat, this is less “adorable playmate” and more “tiny, unpredictable chaos machine.”

It’s not that cats and toddlers can’t live together harmoniously. They absolutely can—and often do—but the early days can be… let’s just say interesting. A toddler may see a soft, furry creature that simply must be cuddled, squeezed, or decorated with toy crowns. Meanwhile, the cat is wondering what it did in a past life to deserve such indignity. Many a feline has learned the hard way that toddlers don’t yet grasp the concept of “personal space.”

Yet, despite the swats, the hisses, and the occasional toddler tears, something remarkable often happens. Cats slowly adapt, finding high shelves, under-the-bed hideouts, and escape routes only they can navigate. Toddlers eventually learn, through trial and error (and sometimes a scratch or two!), that cats prefer gentle pats to full-body hugs. Somewhere in that push-and-pull, respect begins to form.

And then one day you catch them together on the couch—the toddler carefully stroking fur, the cat purring softly, both finally comfortable in each other’s company. That’s when you realize that while cats vs. toddlers may sound like a battle, it can actually turn into a pretty great friendship.

Of course as always, make sure you keep an eye on both of them... just in case!

08/03/2026

*** YAYYY... IT'S A LONG-WEEKEND! ***
🐾 Got any long-weekend plans? We’ve got you covered 🐾
Here at ARH-Essendon Fields we’re open 24/7 throughout the long weekend for all pet emergencies - because accidents don’t take holidays.
For our Healthy Pets Plus (HPP) members, emergency consultations are included in your membership, giving you added peace of mind if the unexpected happens.

If your pet needs urgent care, our team is here day or night.
*Please check the Terms & Conditions of your membership.

07/03/2026

*** ANOTHER SUNDAY FUN-DAY! ***
Oldie but still a goody eh?....
Apparently there can be 'love' between dogs & cats... apparently! 🙂
Meantime don't forget that should you need us this or any other weekend we are here for you 24/7 at ARH Essendon Fields - Phone: (03) 9379 0700

06/03/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️ CONGRATULATIONS EVIE! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This sweet Husky has just finished her first chemotherapy protocol for leukaemia, and we couldn’t be more proud of her calm, co-operative spirit! 💪🏼😎
More treats & healing ahead for Miss Evie. 🩷

05/03/2026

*** IT'S FRIDAY... ENJOY! 🙂 ***
Well here at ARH Essendon Fields we hope you and your furry four-legged buddy have a happy Friday whether 'going for a ride' or not :-)
Of course if you need us just call (03)9379 0700 or for any other location go to www.arhvets.com

04/03/2026

*** LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE! ***
Just like us, dogs need a good sleep too right... But why?

A very interesting blog thanks to Pet Insurance Australia, which explores the reasons dogs - just like us - need a good night's sleep!

Sleep Awareness Month – What About The Dog? . Australia's Award Winning Pet Insurance. We care about your pets' health and well-being - Pet Insurance Australia

03/03/2026

*** HOW & WHY DOGS SHOULD FEEL OK IN A CRATE! ***
Many people think putting a dog in a crate is 'cruel' ... but there are plenty of good reasons they should feel comfortable including being at the vets - sometimes overnight! or even travelling. Some good tips on how to help your dog get used to a crate.

Reading Time: 3 minutesShare onYou’ve just brought your new dog or puppy home. It’s been a big day and it’s time to give everyone a break. After all, there’s dinner to prepare for the humans, laundry to do, errands to run, and your favorite TV show comes on at 8, but don’t forget about tha...

02/03/2026

*** WHY IS MY CAT SO THIRSTY ALL THE TIME? ***
It's not just hot weather that makes animals thirsty... it may be due to an often overlooked disease. As always please go and see your Vet if you ever think something isn't quite right. Some good info in this article thanks to Greencross Vets.

Chronic renal failure or kidney disease is a common condition seen in cats where over time, the function of the kidneys deteriorates.