For many of us, fireworks are a festive highlight. However, for our pets, these loud and unpredictable sounds can be overwhelming and frightening. With a bit of preparation and some simple strategies, you can help your pet stay calm and comfortable during fireworks season. Here’s how.

Christmas is a time for treats and big family meals, but many holiday foods can be dangerous for our pets. Here’s a guide to the foods you should keep away from your dog during the festive season, so you can ensure their Christmas is merry—and safe!

As the weather warms up and flowers bloom, both pets and their owners enjoy spending more time outdoors. However, with the beauty of spring and summer comes the increased activity of bees and other stinging insects. While bees are vital for the ecosystem, they can pose a danger to curious pets who may get a little too close. A bee sting may cause pain, swelling, and, in some cases, serious allergic reactions. So, how do you keep your pet safe from bee stings, and what should you do if they get stung? Here’s everything you need to know about pets and bee stings: Why Do Pets Get Stung? Pets, especially dogs, tend to be curious creatures. They often chase after buzzing insects or paw at them out of curiosity. This behaviour puts them at risk of getting stung, particularly on the face, paws, or mouth. Cats are usually more cautious, but even they can be victims of bee stings if they play with or disturb a bee. Signs Your Pet Has Been Stung by a Bee Pets can’t tell us they’ve been stung, but there are several signs to watch for, including: Sudden yelping or pawing at the face or mouth Swelling, redness, or hives at the sting site Biting or licking the area where they’ve been stung Drooling or difficulty swallowing (if stung in the mouth or throat) Limping if they were stung on the paw General discomfort or restlessness When to See Us Most bee stings will heal on their own with minimal care. However, you should seek veterinary attention if: Your pet has been stung multiple times. The sting is near their eyes, mouth, or throat. They show signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of the face, difficulty breathing). They continue to show pain, limping, or discomfort after 24 hours. Preventing Bee Stings in Pets While you can’t always prevent your pet from encountering bees, here are a few tips to reduce the risk: Supervise outdoor play: Keep an eye on your pet when they’re outside, especially around flowering plants where bees may be active. Avoid areas with high bee activity: Steer clear of places with lots of flowers, gardens, or clover patches when walking your dog. Teach “leave it”: Training your dog to ignore buzzing insects can help prevent them from chasing or pawing at bees. Keep food covered: Bees are attracted to sweet treats, so avoid leaving food uncovered during outdoor picnics or barbecues where your pet might explore. Bee stings are an unfortunate part of outdoor life, but with some preparation and knowledge, you can help your pet avoid the worst. Always monitor your furry friend when they’re exploring outdoors, and if they do get stung, know the steps to take to keep them comfortable and safe. Remember, if your pet shows signs of an allergic reaction or gets stung multiple times, seek veterinary care immediately. With a little care and caution, your pet can enjoy the outdoors safely this spring and summer!

With the arrival of Spring and the rise in temperatures, it's important to prepare your furry companion for the potential health challenges that come with the season. Parasites like ticks and fleas become more active, and exposure to grass seeds, allergens and biting insects increases. A proactive Spring Wellness Checkup can help ensure your pet is in optimal health and ready to enjoy all the outdoor excitement the season brings. Here’s why a Spring Health Check is a must for your pet: 1. Ticks, Fleas, and Parasite Prevention As temperatures rise, ticks and fleas become more active, posing a serious threat to your pet’s health. These parasites can carry diseases like Lyme disease and tapeworm, which can affect both pets and humans. A wellness exam will allow your veterinarian to: Check for signs of tick and flea infestations. Recommend year-round prevention through topical treatments, oral medications, or even the new injectable options for annual protection. Discuss deworming schedules to ensure your pet stays parasite-free, especially after spending more time outside. Tip: Protecting your pet from ticks and fleas is key to preventing serious illnesses. Talk to your vet about the best option for your pet’s life stage and lifestyle. 2. Vaccination Updates Spring brings more outdoor exposure to other animals, increasing the risk of diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and kennel cough. If your pet’s vaccinations are due for renewal, now is the perfect time to update them. We will: Review your pet’s vaccination schedule and ensure they are up to date on core vaccines. Discuss non-core vaccines, such as the leptospirosis vaccine, which is recommended for pets who spend time outdoors in rural or wooded areas. Vaccines are essential for preventing serious diseases, especially as your pet comes into contact with more animals during walks, playdates, or visits to the park. 3. Allergy Awareness and Management Spring is beautiful, but it can be tough for pets with seasonal allergies. Pollen, grass, and even insect bites can trigger allergies, leading to itchy skin, watery eyes, or constant licking. During your pet’s spring wellness exam, we can: Identify signs of seasonal allergies and recommend treatments such as antihistamines, special shampoos, or dietary changes to ease symptoms. Offer advice on preventing allergic reactions, including avoiding certain outdoor areas during peak pollen times and using allergy-friendly products at home. Allergies can affect your pet’s comfort, so it’s important to catch them early and manage them effectively. 4. Nutrition and Weight Management Many pets tend to gain weight during the winter months due to reduced physical activity. Spring is a great time to assess your pet’s diet and activity level to ensure they’re in top shape. Get in touch with us to: Evaluate your pet’s weight and recommend a suitable diet if they’ve put on a few extra pounds. Provide nutritional advice tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and activity level to support healthy weight loss or maintenance. Suggest enrichment activities to keep your pet active and engaged, from outdoor play to interactive toys. Proper nutrition and regular exercise are key to keeping your pet healthy year-round. Schedule Your Pet’s Spring Wellness Exam Today Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start — for both you and your pet. By scheduling a spring health check, you’re giving your pet the best chance to thrive during the warmer months. From flea and tick prevention to vaccinations, allergy management, and beyond, a wellness exam ensures your pet is healthy, protected, and ready to enjoy the great outdoors. Don’t wait — book your pet’s spring wellness exam today and keep them safe and happy all season long

We share some essential dental health tips to keep your pet’s smile bright and their health in top shape.

As winter fades and spring approaches, it's the perfect time to give your pet a grooming refresh.

Joint health is crucial for pets of all ages and breeds, as it plays a key role in their mobility, comfort and overall quality of life. One of the most common joint issues that pets face is arthritis, a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.

Just like us, our furry friends crave a mix of physical and mental workouts. While outdoor adventures are unbeatable, we know it can be hard to keep up with daily walks as the days get shorter or in poor weather conditions. Luckily there are plenty of indoor tricks to keep your dog active and engaged. Food Puzzles, Lick Mats or Dispensing Toys Beat the boredom with mentally stimulating and entertaining items that challenge them to work for their treats. Treat dispensing products provide exercise and can be especially effective for dogs with separation anxiety. Just be mindful of their calorie intake which varies by age, size, lifestyle and breed. Training Exercises Enhance your dog's skills and strengthen your bond with regular training exercises. Practising basic obedience commands like sit, down, shake, come and stay keep them sharp and well-behaved. Teach them new tricks like spin for rollover for extra athleticism they can show off to their friends at the dog park! Playing Hide and Seek Engage your dog's natural instincts and bring out your inner child with a fun game of hide and seek. Have your dog “stay” and start by hiding in an easy location and call your dog to you. When they find you, praise them enthusiastically. Then ramp up the difficulty by choosing harder hiding places. Give hints if they’re struggling so they don’t get frustrated and lose interest. Treat Scavenger Hunt Keep your dog active and entertained as they search for hidden goodies. Create a scavenger hunt around your home using a variety of your dog’s favourite objects such as toys or treats – the smellier the better! Let your dog sniff the object before you hide it and give the command “find it”. To make it more challenging by hiding items in another room. Scent Work Tap into your dog's powerful sense of smell with scent work activities, which provide mental stimulation and a rewarding challenge. Create a scent trail to unleash their inner dog-tective skills with a series of boxes or containers with toys hidden inside. Have your dog follow the trail with their super-powered nose. Indoor Obstacle Course Set up an indoor obstacle course using household items to keep your dog physically active and entertained. You can make a course out of the things in your house such as books, pillows, broom handles, paper towel rolls, boxes or stools to create courses and mazes. Arrange a Playdate Arrange a playdate with a fellow dog owner to provide your pet with social interaction and fun, even in winter. Invite a trusted friend’s dog or arrange for them to visit a doggy daycare centre for some fun social time. Doggy Spa Day Treat your dog to a relaxing doggy spa day complete with a warm bath, grooming and some extra pampering to keep them cosy and happy. Depending on your dog’s preferences you can select a host of treatments such as their favourite dog shampoo, a relaxing massage, a head-to-toe brush and nail clipping. And remember, your friendly Yass Valley Veterinary team are here to provide expert advice if you would like to discuss enrichment ideas or products, or if you have any behavioural concerns. Let the indoor adventures begin!