Category Archives: general

How old is my pet in human years?

Our Pet Age Calculator will tell you. Turns out it’s not as simple as just multiplying a cat or dog’s age by 7! Pets can age differently depending on their species, breed, and size. Input your pet’s calendar age below and find out their relative age and life stage, anywhere from a fresh-faced Puppy or Kitten to a “golden oldie” Geriatric.

Your guide to senior check-ups

Hi paw parent, just like you, pets want to live a long and happy life. With proper health care management, older pets can live their lives to their full potential, which may be well over the equivalent of 100 human years! The key to giving them a longer, healthier time with you can be pretty simple, it’s all about detecting problems early. Half yearly check-ups and thorough physical examinations are recommended for Senior pets. As are lots of pats and cuddles, but you already knew that bit!

Spring Safety Reminders

With the change in season comes a few new safety topics for pet owners to be aware of. In this article we will be covering four Spring and Summer related health topics;
  • Grass Seeds
  • Heat Stress
  • Snake Safety
  • Paralysis Ticks

Grass Seeds

Unfortunately with the beautiful spring weather and rapid growth of vegetation comes grass seeds. These seeds have a sharp tip and barbed end, allowing them to puncture skin easily and even migrate through the body. At Hall Vet Surgery we often see patients who have these little suckers in their paws, ears, eyes, nostrils and even genitals, ouch!

The best way to avoid grass seeds is to avoid long grass, keep grass on your own property mowed and don’t allow your pet to run through long grass on walks. If your pet has long fur, trimming their fur (especially their paws) can also dramatically reduce their chances of ending up with grass seeds embedded in their skin.

For more information and a list of symptoms to keep an eye out for, see: Grass Seeds Information.

Heat Stress

Heat Stress is extremely dangerous for our pets, in severe cases it can cause irreversible damage to internal organs and can even be fatal. Unlike us, our pets are unable to sweat and are less efficient in cooling themselves down. As pets rely on panting as their primary way of eliminating excess body heat, brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are much more at risk due to their inability to breath and pant as efficiently. Pets who are overweight, have heart disease, are very young or very old are also at increased risk.

Ensuring your pet ALWAYS has access to water, shade and a well ventilated area is the number one way to prevent heat stress. Exercising your pet at cooler times in the day and not allowing them to over exert themselves is also extremely important.

For more tips and tricks see: Preventing Heatstroke.

Snake Safety

As snakes hibernate during the colder months the vast majority of snake bites take place in Spring and Summer. Snakes are commonly found in areas with long grass, rocks and other hiding holes, often near a fresh water source such as a creek or dam.

It is important to remember that most snakes will try to avoid you and your pets. However, whilst we humans may simply walk away from a snake, our pet’s are inquisitive, armed with natural hunting instincts and when given the chance, will harass snakes often resulting in snake bites.

The best ways to prevent snake bites are:

  • Avoid areas with grass any longer than ankle height
  • Always keep your dog on lead when walking, do not let your dog investigate off path/in long grass
  • Keep your backyard tidy, mowed and remove any rubbish that would make a nice hiding spot for a snake
  • Consider building a cat enclosure for cats that like to venture outdoors

Symptoms to look out for:

  • Vomiting
  • Sudden weakness
  • Collapse (can seem to ‘recover’ shortly after)
  • Twitching of the muscles
  • Hyper-salivation
  • Dilated pupils non-responsive to light
  • Blood in urine
  • Paralysis

What to do if you think your pet may have been bitten by a snake:
If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake you should keep them as quiet/still as possible whilst seeking immediate veterinary attention. Snake bite envenomation is life-threatening, the sooner your pet is treated the better their chances of survival.

Unless you are certain the snake is dead do not put yourself at risk trying to identify it. Never attempt to catch or harm a snake. Additional information on prevention and treatment of snake bites can be found, here.

Paralysis Ticks

Many Canberra residents like to head to the coast during the Spring and Summer months and often enjoy bringing their furry family members along for the ride. It is absolutely imperative that your pets receive tick prevention before you head to the coast, even if they’re not coming with you, as ticks can even hitch a ride back with you and attach to your pet at home!

Paralysis ticks are capable of killing an animal within 3-4 days of attaching if they have not received tick prevention prior. Thankfully most paralysis tick patients who receive veterinary treatment will recover, but using preventatives is a far safer and cost effective option.

There are lots of convenient and cost effective prevention options on the market nowadays, from chews to topical treatments, one to six months coverage and options that cover for fleas and ticks alone or fleas, ticks, intestinal worms and heartworm all in one.

Early signs of tick paralysis include:

  • Tiredness or lethargy
  • Staggering, wobbliness or loss of coordination
  • Trouble standing, sitting or raising from a laying position
  • Vomiting or gagging
  • Harsh breathing sounds or breathing difficulty
  • Change in the sound of their bark or meow

If your pet is showing any of the above symptoms after they, or you, have been to the coast we recommend seeking veterinary attention immediately. The sooner your pet receives treatment, the better there chance of survival.

If you find a tick on your pet and their are no symptoms that they may be unwell, we still recommend booking in for a consultation. It is helpful for us to be able to identify the tick under the microscope and have a discussion about what to look out for as symptoms can develop even after the paralysis tick is removed.

FOR FURTHER ADVICE ON SUITABLE TICK PREVENTION PRODUCTS FOR YOUR PETS, OR ANY OF THE ABOVE TOPICS, PLEASE CALL OUR FRIENDLY CUSTOMER CARE TEAM ON (02) 6230 2223.

We’re Hiring – Full Time Veterinary Receptionist

Are you an experienced veterinary receptionist who’s looking for a change of scenery or a newbie who’s eager to start their career in the veterinary industry?

Hall Vet Surgery and Vets at Amaroo are looking for a loud and proud ‘People Person’ to join our crew! Our customer care team are passionate about providing customer service excellence at every opportunity and making a difference in the moments that matter.

ABOUT US

Located in the picturesque Hall Village, Hall Veterinary Surgery has spent the last 30+ years embedding itself as a practice of choice for many Canberrans and their furry friends. In 2018, we brought our celebrated ‘friendly country care’ to a second convenient location via our new branch practice, Vets at Amaroo. Together, we are a team of diverse minds that are united by the same common goal and passion, delivering gold standard care to pets and their people.

ABOUT THE ROLE

  • Shared role across both the Hall and Amaroo branches
  • 38 hours per week with additional 1 in 4 Saturday mornings
  • Fast paced, challenging and rewarding role
  • Supportive team environment that embraces continued learning
  • Starting wage $20-$26/hour dependent on age and relevant experience

ABOUT THE PERKS

  • Enjoy a great work life balance with a standard 4 day working week
  • Saturday morning shifts on a rotating roster of 1 in 4
  • Free parking available at both clinic locations
  • Above award pay rates & paid parental leave
  • Take advantage of our staff discount scheme for your own animals
  • Go home feeling fulfilled knowing that you made a real difference to someones day in helping to keep their pets healthy and well!
  • Need we mention the puppy and kitten cuddles!?

ABOUT YOU

Our ideal candidate;

  • Has prior experience in a customer service role
  • Finds satisfaction in helping clients when they need it most
  • Is excited by the opportunity to push themselves, learn and grow
  • Is resilient, enjoys a challenge and shows initiative
  • Possesses a high level of emotional intelligence & self awareness
  • Is a team player, dedicated to working together to succeed
  • Is passionate about animals and is excited to pave out a career in a veterinary profession

APPLICATIONS

If this sounds like the job for you we’d love to hear from you! Email a one page cover letter outlining why you’re the best person for the role and your up to date CV to April Maney – april@hallvet.com.au

Trainee veterinary nurses will be considered for this position, however cannot be guaranteed a nursing placement in the near future.

Applications for this role close at 11:59pm Sunday 15th May. Interviews will be held Saturday 21st of May.

We’re Hiring – Full Time or Part Time Qualified Vet Nurse

ABOUT US:

Hall Veterinary Surgery has been part of the Hall community for 30 years. We are located on the outskirts of Canberra in a village atmosphere surrounded by nature with a great coffee shop just down the road. We recently opened our second clinic in Amaroo, approximately a 10-minute drive from Hall. Opening our Amaroo practice has given us the scope to do more of what we all love doing, providing exceptional veterinary care to our patients and clients.

All of our staff take pride in maintaining a high standard of care for every pet (and their people!). Both of our hospitals are well equipped with up-to-date monitoring technology (BP, ETCO2, ECG, SPO2) and our nurses have exceptional knowledge in these areas.

Keen to expand your knowledge and hands on experience? We believe in excelling our nurses and utilising them to their full potential!
Our nurses are trained and trusted in performing:

  • Blood collection and catheterisation
  • Intubation and induction of anaesthesia
  • Dental scale & polishes
  • Scrubbing in to major abdominal surgeries and orthopaedics
  • Assisting in administering chemotherapy
  • Capturing radiographs and assisting in ultrasonography
  • Performing specific nurse consultations

Want to know more? Let some of our current nurses tell you in their own words!

THE PERKS:

  • Family-like culture and atmosphere
  • 4 day working week
  • Rotating Saturday roster – only one Saturday morning a month!
  • Free and close proximity parking at both clinics
  • Paid parental leave
  • Staff discounts for your own fur babies

ABOUT YOU:

  • Cert IV qualified
  • Experience working with companion animals
  • Full time or part time
  • Someone who works well within a diverse team
  • Also able to show initiative and work well individually

If this sounds like you and you are ready for a change of scenery we’d love to hear from you! Please send a one page cover letter telling us about yourself and why you’re the best person for the role, and your resume including availability to:
Keely Scotland – keely@hallvet.com.au

COVID-19 Updates March 2022

MASKS

In accordance with the ACT Government, masks are no longer required for entry to our premises. However, if it helps you to feel more comfortable you are more than welcome to wear one.

THE CONSULTATION AND ADMISSION PROCESS

If your pet is friendly (with humans & other animals) and happy to wait in the waiting room you are no longer required to call before entering.

If you pet is more comfortable waiting outside or in the car, please call to let us know you’ve arrives and we’ll go from there.

Please limit those attending your appointment to just those that MUST be there.

THE FOOD AND MEDICATION COLLECTION PROCESS

You are no longer required to call before entering the practice so long as there if sufficient space in the waiting room for you to socially distance. During peak periods you may be required to wait outside briefly until someone exits the waiting room.

From all of us at Hall Vet Surgery,
Thank you for your ongoing understanding and support.

Christmas & New Years Opening Hours

We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Years.
Hall Vet Surgery’s opening hours over the Christmas period are as follows:

  • Friday 24th December: 8:00am – 3:30pm
  • Saturday 25th December: CLOSED
  • Sunday 26th December: CLOSED
  • Monday 27th December: CLOSED
  • Tuesday 28th December: CLOSED
  • Wednesday 29th December: 8:00am – 6:30pm
  • Thursday 30th December: 8:00am – 6:30pm
  • Friday 31st December: 8:00am – 3:30pm
  • Saturday 1st January: CLOSED
  • Sunday 2nd January: CLOSED
  • Monday 3rd January: CLOSED
  • Tuesday 4th January: 8:00am – 6:30pm

For urgent veterinary attention whilst we are closed, please phone Canberra Veterinary Emergency Services in Gungahlin on 6225 7257, or Animal Referral Hospital Canberra in Pialligo on 6280 6344.

We’re Hiring – Casual Kennel Hand Position Available Now

Hall Vet Surgery and Vets at Amaroo have an exciting opportunity for a Kennel Hand to join our team.

We are two well-equipped small animal practices located in North Canberra, who strive to deliver the best care to each and every patient and have lots of fun along the way.

We are looking for someone who is proactive, shows great initiative and understands the importance of prioritising tasks. Whilst experience in the veterinary industry isn’t necessary for this role, we are ideally looking for someone who has a keen interest in animals. Although this is not a trainee nurse position, it is a great pathway into furthering your career in the industry down the track. A great sense of humour and a love for snacks are also essential for this role!

Kennel Hand responsibilities include;
  • Feed and bathe animals as directed by senior nurses
  • Cleaning cages, runs and wards
  • General cleaning duties around the hospital
  • Re stocking hospital consumables
  • Assist nurses in restraining animals

Current hours available are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3pm – 7pm with the potential to pick up more hours during the busier summer days, as well as some Saturdays (7:30am – 1pm).

If you think you are the amazing person we are looking for please send your resume and cover letter to:
Mikaela Mercuri
mikaela@hallvet.com.au

Rabbit Vaccine Shortage October 2021

Hall Vet Surgery has been advised that the Cylap Rabbit Vaccine is out of stock Australia wide, with more supply expected to arrive in early 2022. In the meantime, we would like to pass on some information that could help to keep your rabbit safe.

What is Rabbit Calicivirus?

Rabbit Calicivirus (also known as rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD) is caused by the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), a type of calicivirus which is fatal in non-immune rabbits. There are currently three pathogenic strains of this virus in wild rabbit populations in Australia, vaccination offers protection from some but not all of the strains.

How is Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus spread?

  • Contact with infected rabbits (surviving rabbits can continue to shed RHDV for at least a month after they recover)
  • Fomites (objects) including contaminated food
  • Insects (flies, fleas and mosquitos)
  • Birds and mammals that eat infected rabbit carcasses may excrete infectious viruses in faeces

How can I reduce the risk of RHDV infection?

RHDV can remain in the environment for an extended period and can be transmitted on objects and via some insects. The following precautions can reduce the risk of infection:

  • Keep your pet rabbit indoors
  • Rabbit-proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits
  • Regularly decontaminate equipment and materials including cages, hutches, bowls etc, with either 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide
  • Do not pick food (such as grass or vegetables) for your rabbit from outside of your yard
  • Limit contact between and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits
  • Decontaminate hands, shoes and clothing after handling other than your own rabbits
  • Control fleas
  • Control insects (especially flies) as much as possible both indoors and outdoors
  • Remove uneaten food on a daily basis.
More information on RHVD can be found here. Otherwise, feel free to give us a call on (02) 6230 2223.