Spring 2015
Pet Newsletter
Spring
Specials
Cnr Carlton Cres & Kamo Road, Whangarei 4351924. www.kamovets.co.nz
Protect your pet in a disaster
If a disaster strikes today would you have
a plan to save yourself and your pet?
Dentastix
7 pack for just
$ 4.99!
Nutro Dog
Food 13.6 kg
Receive $ 20
off in
September
The checklist for a disaster plan should
include:
The problem: A disaster can strike
anytime and anywhere… The lives of your
family and your furry friends can be put in
danger. The decision to stay safe may
require evacuation or ‘staying put’.

Food – diet that your pet is used to

Water – enough for 5 days

Medicines – preferable in a
waterproof container
The solution: Have a disaster plan
including your pet(s). Plan ahead and
have a strategy to save precious time in a
disaster and to be prepared.

Veterinary information – e.g. Vet’s
name and phone number, your
pet’s vaccination status and health
issues in a waterproof
bag/container

First Aid Kit – you never know if you
need it

Miscellaneous: Bedding/blanket;
identification e.g. photo, microchip
and registration number;
collar/harness and lead, spare keys
at the neighbours/hiding place – so
someone is be able to check on
your pets if you are not at home
when the disaster strikes.
As a pet owner it is your responsibility to
take all reasonable steps to ensure that
the physical, health and behavioural
needs of your pet(s) are met.
For handy hints and to make a disaster plan
for your pet go to
www.protectyourpet.org.nz
While stocks last
Opening Hours:
Monday 8 am – 6 pm
Tuesday 8 am – 6 pm
Wednesday 8 am – 7 pm
Thursday 8 am – 6 pm
Friday 8 am - 4.45 pm
Saturday 9 am – 1 pm
Vet on call 24 hours
For after hours call us
on 4351924
How to protect your dog from the heat
With spring in the air the temperatures are bound to rise over the next few weeks…. Dogs can
overheat very quickly as they can’t sweat. Body temperature regulation in dogs is only
controlled by panting.
To prevent heat-related illnesses here are some simple ways of looking after your furry friend
during the hotter part of the day…
 Make sure your dog has access to shade at all times
 Never leave your dog in a car even if it is ‘for just 5 minutes’
 Ensure you always have water handy for your pet
 Take your walks early morning or evening when the temperature has cooled
 Keep very young (< 6 months), older dogs and overweight dogs out of the sun
Signs of overheating are: lethargy; unresponsive; disoriented; bright red gums, tongue and
eyes, excessive panting; high body temperature; noisy breathing; rapid heart rate, muscle
tremors, unsteady on their feet; vomiting, seizures and collapse.
If you see the above signs in your dog or in someone else’s dogs please let them know and
give us a call immediately. On your way to the clinic you can keep your dog cool by placing wet
towels over them and offer them cool water/ice to drink or chew on the way to the clinic.
If only they could speak!!!!!
As a pet owner it is very important
that you recognize when your furry
friend is feeling under the weather!
Being aware if something is not
quite right is extremely important as
it will affect how soon your pet
receives the care they need. It all
comes down to what is normal for
your pet and what is not.
It is always better to deal with
symptoms sooner rather than later!
The following list will help you know
what to look out for:
General wellbeing: Is your pet
moving normally? If not, are they in
pain? Do they have an obvious
injury? Are they drinking/eating
normal amounts (some small
variances may occur during
hotter/colder weather)? All
changes should be investigated
especially if your pet has stopped
eating or drinking.
Toilet habits: Sometimes this
can be hard to assess but
changes in quantity and
consistency of their faeces and
urine can point to a problem.
Remember that dietary changes
should be introduced slowly.
General demeanor: Does your
furry friend look forward to their
daily exercise and food? Do they
seem happy or depressed?
Have they changed their habits
e.g. a cat with arthritis will not
jump up/down higher places? Is
your pet happy to be picked up?
The more information you can
give our vets during consultation
the easier it is to make a
diagnosis for your furry friend.
Therefore get to know what your
pet’s normal behaviour is so you
recognize the not so normal.
Any concerns please give the
clinic a call and talk to one of our
knowledgeable staff members.
How are your pet’s pearly whites?
During September and October we are running a dental
special:
Book your furry friend in for a dental and blood test and
receive 15 % off the blood test, free Greenies and go in the
draw to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3!!!!
Our vet Sandra’s furry friends – clockwise from top Flash, Elroy
(the dog) and Nemesis. Enjoying each other’s company!!!!!
Medical terminology
Here are a few words that one of our vets might use in consult:
 Periodontal disease – Disease that affects supporting tissue of
teeth e.g. gums, ligaments and bone in the mouth
 Gingivitis – inflammation of the gums
 Suture – another word for stitches
 Trachea – Wind pipe running from the back of the throat down the
neck to the lungs
 Lipoma – a benign tumour of mainly fatty cells
 Benign – a tumour that is not usually life threatening, the opposite
of malignant
 Tumour – abnormal tissue growth which may be benign or
malignant
 Malignant – Describes tumours which have rapidly multiplying cells
that invade and destroy the tissues from which they originate and
may spread to other sites of the body
 Neoplasia – new growth, a term used for cancer or any type of
condition with abnormal cell production