Just Like Christmas...
Admin Team
You really don't know what to expect next when working as a receptionist at Yass Valley Veterinary. Deann knows this all too well after being presented with a mysterious box on one of her shifts.
Yass Valley Veterinary is committed to the health and well being of all types of animals.
Most people don’t know that the practice is very diverse when it comes to the range of injured wildlife that is brought in. The vets have a broad knowledge when it comes to wildlife and most times are torn between head and heart when making the right decision to the welfare of the animal.
I, as one of the receptionists for the practice are the front-line staff. I have learnt when a member of the public is carrying a cardboard box through the front door. Anything is possible.
Just like Christmas…. you don’t know what to expect inside the box and your anticipation grows while they describe to you in detail where they picked this animal up from and asking you ‘do you think the vet can save this one”? In the back of your mind you are already thinking do I want to open this box? is it going to scratch, flap, squeak or bite!
The exciting part of my job is that every day I get to learn something new. On this particular day a kind gentleman came in carrying a box he said to me “it’s alright I have already called Wires the wildlife rescue team and one of their members are on their way to collect it”…I asked him “what type of animal have you picked up’? As I was reaching across to accept the box, he replied “a baby bat!” Well I know you are supposed to love all creatures great and small. but I do have some hesitation when it comes to bats. The only thing I knew about them was that you are not supposed to touch them! To my amazement there was a bat rescue carer that was willing to pick this little baby up, take it home and place it in an incubator for a couple of months until the weather warmed up. What I learnt that day was that bats cannot move their wings in winter and there are some very kind people who give up their time helping to save our beautiful wildlife even a bat.
The best part of my job is that you go home at the end of the day with a lot of self-satisfaction knowing that you have made a difference to someone else’s day.
Spring brings longer days and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with your pet. While the warmer weather is exciting, it also brings seasonal hazards that can put curious dogs and cats at risk. Across New South Wales, spring means increased snake activity, parasites, blooming plants and seasonal allergens. Knowing what to look out for can help keep your pet safe. At Yass Valley Veterinary , we’re passionate about preventative care and helping pets stay healthy all year round. Why Spring Can Be Risky for Pets Warmer weather encourages pets to spend more time outdoors, but it also creates ideal conditions for seasonal hazards. As temperatures rise, snakes become more active, parasites increase, and gardens fill with plants and products that may be harmful to pets. Even pollen and grasses can trigger allergies in some animals. Protecting your pet during spring can help: Reduce the risk of snake bites Prevent parasite infestations Avoid accidental poisoning Keep skin and ears healthy Enjoy safer outdoor adventures Common Backyard Hazards to Watch For Many spring hazards are easy to overlook until they become a problem. Common risks include: Snakes in long grass, bushland and gardens Ticks, fleas and worms Seasonal allergies caused by pollen and grasses Toxic plants, fertilisers, herbicides and snail baits Grass seeds and other hazards hidden in long grass If you notice your pet becoming unwell after spending time outdoors, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. How to Keep Your Pet Safe This Spring Simple preventative measures can significantly reduce your pet’s risk. Some easy ways to protect your pet include: Keep parasite prevention up to date. Avoid long grass where snakes may be hiding. Check your pet after walks for ticks, grass seeds or injuries. Keep toxic plants and garden chemicals out of reach. Supervise pets while they’re exploring the backyard. Contact your veterinarian if your pet appears unwell. Even small changes can make a big difference to your pet’s health and safety. When to Seek Veterinary Care Prompt treatment is essential if your pet has been exposed to a seasonal hazard. Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet: May have been bitten by a snake Has eaten a toxic plant or garden chemical Shows signs of weakness or collapse Has difficulty breathing Vomits repeatedly Develops severe swelling or allergic reactions Early treatment often leads to the best possible outcome. Prevention is the Best Protection Many spring emergencies can be prevented with regular health checks and year-round preventative care. During your pet’s annual examination, your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate parasite prevention, discuss seasonal risks in your area and help you prepare for a safe spring. A little preparation now can help keep your pet happy and healthy throughout the season. FAQs: Hidden Dangers in Your Backyard This Spring Can pets get seasonal allergies? Yes. Pollen and grasses commonly cause itchy skin, ear infections and irritated paws in both dogs and cats. What should I do if I suspect a snake bite? Keep your pet calm and seek emergency veterinary attention immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. How often should I use parasite prevention? Follow your veterinarian’s recommendation based on your pet’s lifestyle and the parasites common in your local area. Are garden products dangerous for pets? Yes. Fertilisers, herbicides and snail baits can all be toxic if ingested, so they should always be stored safely and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. How can I make my backyard safer this spring? Keep grass short, remove toxic plants where possible, maintain parasite prevention, supervise outdoor play and regularly check your pet after spending time outside. Keep Your Pet Safe This Spring with East Doncaster Vet Hospital Spring is one of the best times of year to get outdoors with your pet, but it’s also important to stay aware of the seasonal hazards that come with warmer weather. Whether you need advice on parasite prevention, seasonal allergies or spring safety, our experienced veterinary team is here to help. Contact Yass Valley Veterinary today to book a health check and help your pet enjoy a safe and healthy spring.
Learn how to keep your dog or cat's teeth healthy with simple dental care tips and preventative advice.
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
