Animal Referral Hospital - Essendon

21/07/2025

*** ARE YOU & YOUR DOGS 'THE SAME' PERSONALITY? ***
We all treat our dogs as family right?... but how 'similar' are we when it comes to emotions and the way we act, react and interact with each other?

A great read!....

Research on perceived similarities between people and their dogs aims to understand whether such perceptions are accurate and how they affect the relationship between people and their dogs.

20/07/2025

*** WHAT SORT OF FOOD IS BEST FOR OLDER PETS? ***
As they age, all pets - just like humans - should have their diets 'adjusted' to ensure they receive all the right vitamins, & nutrients to help maintain a healthy functioning body into their senior years. While it's easy to think... "Oh he loves what I give him/her every day" - that's fine... but is it really good for their overall health as they get older?
A great blog that answers some very important questions...

Senior dogs have different health care requirements to that of a puppy or adult dog. Learn how best to care for them from the experts at Greencross Vets.

19/07/2025

*** CAN CATS REALLY BOND WITH US? ***
Most people think of dogs as creatures that bond closely with us but that cats will do whatever a cat wants to do. Well it seems that cats can and will bond with us just as much as dogs do according to new research.
This is a great read and will no doubt confirm what many of you cat owners out there already know.

We'd love your comments & any photos of you & your kitty 'bonding' :-)

Many think of dogs as loyal, love-filled companions, and cats as cute beasts that tolerate us - but we might have to rethink that a little.

18/07/2025

*** IS YOUR DOG REALLY HAPPY? ***
According to Prof. Paul McGreevy - who is professor of animal behaviour and animal welfare science at Sydney Uni - "just as humans do, dogs all have their own personalities and learned preferences and so can differ dramatically in how they approach life and what they take from it."

So how can we know if our dogs are REALLY happy?...

There are many ways in which we can misjudge dogs by assuming that they are little furry humans. Here are ten common misconceptions that stem from assigning human values and needs to dogs, write Paul McGreevy and Melissa Starling.

17/07/2025

*** IT'S FRIDAY... LOOKS LIKE DOGGY WANTS OUT! 🙂 ***
How do your dogs let you know they want to go outside?? This one's pretty creative right?

Meantime here at ARH Essendon Fields we hope you and your furry four-legged buddy have a great Friday and even better weekend. Of course if you need us just call (03)9379 0700 or for any other location go to https://www.emergencyvet.com.au/

16/07/2025

*** WILL YOUR DOG COPE OK AT HOME AFTER THE HOLIDAYS? ***
With the school holidays almost at an end, anyone who has been away with their dogs for the last couple of weeks enjoying some 'family time' will often worry about how they'll deal with life back home 'all alone'.

Check out this blog for some of the things we can all do to make sure they are happy and stress free...

Helping Your Dog Adjust to Life After the Holidays: Expert Tips to Prevent Behavioural Issues . Australia's Award Winning Pet Insurance. We care about your pets' health and well-being - Pet Insurance Australia

15/07/2025

*** HAS YOUR DOG GOT AN EAR INFECTION? ***
Many types of infectious bacteria, fungi, parasites, and foreign materials may cause inflammation and infection in the outer, middle, or inner ears.

A few symptoms of an ear infection include:
+ Ears appear red/inflamed, and a black/brown or yellow/green discharge may be seen
+ Strong odour
+ Constant ear scratching or shaking of the head
+ Swelling around the ear
+ Whimpering due to discomfort

As always if you suspect there is ANYTHING wrong with your pets, make sure to see your own vet ASAP.

Ear infections can cause extreme discomfort for pets and further health problems can occur if left untreated. Know what to look out for.

14/07/2025

*** HOW MUCH SLEEP DO OUR DOGS REALLY NEED? ***
Just like in humans, dogs that have not had enough quality sleep are more likely to be “edgy”, and reactive, irritable, or grumpy. These dogs will also not have had the benefit of the deep sleep that allows them to process the information of the day.

Dogs that have continued poor sleep, may also suffer from longer term issues as the body has not had time to rest and repair itself as well – these dogs will often have gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, and poor immune response. Improving sleep, can help improve these & other concerns.

A great article thanks to All Pets Education & Training...

Sleep is something that is often not considered for our pets. But sleep is very important, and it needs to be quality sleep for the dogs to have the benefits of it, just like us. So how much...

13/07/2025

*** TIPS TO HELP OUR PETS COPE WITH WINTER! ***
While we might not get a lot of snow here in Melbourne, it can get pretty chilly right?
So do our pets feel the cold like we do... Ohhh yes! - They sure do.

As winter sets in, pet owners may find themselves concerned about keeping their animals safe during this chilly season. Does the dog need to wear a jacket or coat? Should the rabbit come into the house? Is it still safe for the cat to go outdoors Fortunately, caring for dogs, cats, and other pets during winter is easier than you might think.

Getting dogs, cats and other pets safely through the winter season is easier than you might think. Read more in our guide for pet owners!

12/07/2025

*** FOUR REASONS WE FEEL SO GOOD WITH OUR PETS! ***
There's something about pet owners that often sets us apart from non-pet owners.
And yes, they can be a little...ummm 'annoying' at times right?... but the big picture is what makes us love them as much as they love us?

Another great blog thanks to Pet Insurance Australia

Did you know that your furred or feathered friend is good for your health? Our beloved animals have helped us heal, repair and recuperate.

11/07/2025

*** SHOULD WE GIVE BONES TO DOGS? ***
WHile probably all of us have given our dogs a bone or two to choose, there are risks that include:
+ Obstructions in the digestive system
+ Foreign bodies getting stuck in the mouth, throat, oesophagus or stomach
+ Cracking teeth
+ Choking hazards
+ Bacterial infection
+ Constipation

A very informative article and feel free to share with other doh loving friends!

Discover the truth about giving a bone to your furry friend. Read our blog post to learn about the potential risks and safe alternatives for your dog's health.

10/07/2025

*** IT'S FRIDAY... ENJOY THE WALK! 🙂 ***
Here at ARH Essendon Fields we hope you and your furry four-legged buddy have a happy Friday whether 'going for a walk' or not 🙂

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