Does your pet scratch, lick, or chew themselves excessively? Itchy skin is a very common problem in dogs and cats, particularly at this time of year in Darwin with the onset of the wet season.

There are many different causes of itchy skin in pets, and it is important to try to work out what the cause is, so that we can determine how best to help them. It is no fun for them to be constantly…

What should I do if my dog gets scratched or bitten by a bat?

Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) has received media attention again recently, with a bat in Katherine testing positive for this disease. If bats are left alone and not touched, there is very minimal risk from bats, however getting dogs to do this is not always easy…..

ABLV is closely related to Rabies virus,…

What is itKennel Cough?

Kennel cough isan infectious bronchitis of dogs characterized by a harsh, hacking cough thatmost people describe as sounding like “something stuck in my dog’s throat.” Itis very contagious, and can be picked up anywhere, not just in a kennel.Infection is more likely when lots of dogs are together eg. kennels or doggyday care, hence the name kennel…

Periodontal disease is a very common condition in dogs and cats, with 80% of pets over the age of 3 affected to some degree.

Periodontal disease means disease around the outside of the tooth. The tooth sits in a socket, and is held there by periodontal ligaments. Periodontal disease takes place inside the socket the tooth sits in.
Bacteria…

Canine Leptospirosis is a fact of life in the Top End. It is a disease that is entrenched as one of our wet season dramas, not because it is common, but because it is almost always fatal.

With the wet season now here, it is important to make sure that your dog is up to date with their Leptospirosis vaccinations. Two vaccinations 3-6 weeks apart are required initially (puppies have this at…