Sweat, Dirt, Beach Umbrellas and Borrowed Hats
Admin Team
There are many uses for beach Umbrellas. But really you only want to use them while you are lazing around in the sun at the beach, Right? Well that wasn't quite the case for our vet nurse Luke and vet Dr Stuart. But we are sure they wished it was.
Because cow poop, dirt, excessive heat and aggravated cows is why they actually needed one.
My most challenging day as a vet nurse.
It was the middle of summer and on this particular day I was rostered on to work with Dr Stuart.
I should have known that working with Stuart, chances were we weren't likely to stay in the clinic and I was right.
Just after lunch we were scheduled to preg test some cows. My first thought was "It's going to be hot"🥵. My second thought was "I forgot my hat". Now if you’ve seen me around, you will know that I don’t have much hair on my head, so a hat is a must!
Luckily Stuart had an extra hat in his car, and although it was a bit small for my head I was thankful for it anyway.
So, I got my overalls on and we left the clinic. We arrived about 1pm and just before we got out of the car, we checked the temperature. It read 38°C and that wasn’t even the hottest part of the day. We got out of the car and said hello to the farmer, who to our dismay was on his own. We got to work unloading everything from the car and walked it down to the yards. As we got closer to the yards we saw them - the cows.
I can’t remember if there were 300 or 400 but by the end of the day it felt like there were thousands.
We began our set up and luckily Stuart was smart enough to pack a large beach umbrella 🏖with him to keep him out of the sun. It was time to begin!
I was on the crush, the farmer was pushing the cows down the race, and Stuart was doing his thing at the business end of the cows. Now these cows were THE MOST STUBBORN cows I have ever dealt with😡. They just wouldn’t move and then they would just bolt at the crush to escape. The farmer told me for every cow I missed I owed him a beer at the pub. Unfortunately for the farmer he had to buy his own drinks because I didn’t miss a single cow.
A few cows in and Dr Harry and nurse Emily showed up to give us a hand, but they only stayed for about an hour before they had to head back to the clinic for consults. The day felt like it was getting hotter and hotter. Then about halfway through the cows we lost the farmer. He had collapsed from the heat. So we all took a well deserved break in the shed to cool down and replenish our fluids. The farmer didn’t look in a good way, so Stuart made the decision to send him home. However, because the cows were still in the yards and agitated by the heat Stuart and I decided to keep on going so the cows could go free again and cool down.
So we carried on, this time just the two of us. Stuart was on the crush and checking the cows and I was pushing them down the race. The way the yards and race were set up we could only do about five cows at a time. So I had to separate five cows out of the group into a yard and then down the race. As I mentioned earlier, these were some stubborn cows! And to make a hard job harder, some cows had already had calves, so we had to separate the calves from the cows into another yard.
The day didn’t get any cooler, our water supplies were depleting, dehydration and frustration were setting in and the cows were only get more and more stubborn and agitated. There were a few choice words yelled at the cows, especially from Stuart🤬. After what felt like 6 years 125 days 19 hours and 24 minutes we finally got the last cow into the crush and ... DONE!
We let the cows out of the yard, packed everything back into the car and literally collapsed into the car. We were sore, covered in cow manure, dirt, sweat and super dehydrated but the clock showed it was almost 6pm (which means home time... Hooray 🥳).
That was definitely the most physically challenging day I have had at Yass Valley Veterinary but I enjoyed every minute of it.
Welcoming a new furry family member is an exciting time for the whole family. Whether it’s a playful puppy, a curious kitten, or another small companion, January is the perfect time to focus on establishing routines and ensuring your pet’s health and happiness. If you’re a new pet owner, these tips will help you create a loving and safe environment for your newest family member. Schedule a Veterinary Check-Up Even if your new pet has received vaccinations, a full veterinary check-up is essential. Our team can: · Confirm vaccinations and schedule future ones · Conduct health screenings for common conditions · Provide advice on diet, exercise, and preventive care Booking a vet visit early ensures your pet starts the year healthy and prevents potential health issues down the line. Create a Safe and Comfortable Space New pets need time to adjust to their new home. Set up a quiet, cozy area where your pet can feel safe. Include: · A soft bed or crate · Toys and chew items · Food and water bowls in an accessible location This dedicated space helps your pet settle in and reduces anxiety during the first few weeks. Establish a Consistent Routine Pets thrive on routine. Try to: · Feed at the same times each day · Schedule regular walks or play sessions · Set consistent potty-training schedules for puppies or kittens A consistent routine helps your pet feel secure and promotes good behaviour. Invest in Proper Nutrition High-quality, species-appropriate food is vital for your pet’s growth and wellbeing. Consult your vet about: · The right type of food for age, breed, and size · Portion sizes and feeding frequency · Supplements or special dietary needs, if necessary Proper nutrition sets the foundation for a long and healthy life. Socialise and Train Early Early socialisation is key to raising a well-adjusted pet. Introduce your pet gradually to: · Other people and pets · Different environments, sounds, and experiences Training, even basic commands, should start early. Positive reinforcement techniques work best for teaching good habits. Grooming and Hygiene Regular grooming keeps your pet comfortable and healthy. Depending on your pet, you may need to: · Brush their coat regularly · Trim nails and clean ears · Bathe when necessary Our friendly team can advise on a grooming routine suited to your pet’s breed and needs. Monitor Health and Behaviour New pets may hide signs of stress or illness. Keep an eye out for: · Changes in appetite or water intake · Lethargy or unusual behaviour · Signs of discomfort or pain Early detection of health issues allows for prompt treatment and prevents complications. Enjoy this exciting time! Welcoming a new pet into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. By scheduling veterinary visits, establishing routines, providing proper nutrition, and offering love and attention, you’ll set your new pet up for a healthy, happy life. Remember, every pet is unique, so consulting your veterinarian regularly ensures your furry friend thrives in the year ahead. If you’ve recently welcomed a new pet into your home, book a check-up with our veterinary team today! We’re here to provide expert advice, vaccinations, and care to help your furry family member start the year off right.
If your pet has an emergency during the Christmas holidays, stay calm and contact your nearest emergency vet. Learn key first aid and safety tips from Yass Valley Veterinary.
Trips to the vet are essential for your pet’s health, but for many dogs and cats, they can also be stressful. Anxiety at the vet is common, from strange smells and new people to past experiences; it’s no surprise pets sometimes feel nervous. At Yass Valley Veterinary , we’re dedicated to making vet visits calmer, safer, and more positive for both pets and their owners. Book a Low-Stress Appointment Why Pets Get Anxious at the Vet If your dog is scared of the vet or your cat gets stressed in their carrier, you’re not alone. Common reasons pets feel anxious at the vet include: New sights, smells, and sounds Previous negative or painful experiences Separation from their owner during treatment Other animals in the waiting room Understanding these triggers is the first step to helping your pet feel safe. Signs of Pet Anxiety at the Vet Both dogs and cats show stress in different ways. Keep an eye out for these behaviours: Dogs: panting, pacing, whining, shaking, excessive drooling, tucked tail Cats: hiding, vocalising, flattened ears, refusing to leave the carrier, excessive grooming If your pet shows these signs, mention it to your vet so we can adjust our approach. Tips to Calm Your Pet Before a Vet Visit There are simple steps you can take at home to reduce your pet’s anxiety before coming to the vet: Get the carrier ready early: leave it out at home with blankets, toys, and treats. Practice car trips: short rides help dogs and cats feel more comfortable on the way. Stay calm yourself: pets pick up on their owner’s stress. Use calming products: pheromone sprays, treats, or supplements may help (ask us for recommendations). Reward positive behaviour: treats and praise go a long way in reinforcing calmness. Tip: Ask us about adding a wellness check during your appointment so your pet gets used to positive visits, not just when they’re unwell. How We Make Vet Visits Stress-Free At Yass Valley Veterinary , we use gentle, pet-friendly approaches to create a low-stress vet experience: · Calm, reassuring handling techniques · Treats and positive reinforcement during exams · Time to let your pet settle before starting procedures · Cat-friendly spaces and quiet waiting areas where possible For pets with severe anxiety, we may recommend pre-visit medication to make the trip less stressful. FAQs About Pet Anxiety at the Vet 1. How can I calm my dog before a vet visit? Take your dog for a walk, bring favourite treats or toys, and stay calm yourself. Ask us about safe calming supplements or medication if needed. 2. What’s the best way to transport a nervous cat? Use a sturdy carrier lined with familiar bedding. Covering the carrier with a light towel can help reduce visual stress. Leave the carrier out at home so it feels familiar, not just a “vet box. 3. Should I give my pet medication before a vet visit? Only under vet advice. We may prescribe safe, short-term anxiety medication if your pet struggles with extreme stress. 4. Can I stay with my pet during their exam? In most cases, yes. Many pets are more relaxed when their owner stays nearby. 5. What if my pet is too stressed for the appointment? We can reschedule, adjust handling, or recommend calming aids. Our team’s priority is always your pet’s comfort and safety. Book a Stress-Free Vet Visit in Yass & Murrumbateman At Yass Valley Veterinary , we know that every pet is different. That’s why we tailor our approach to your pet’s needs, whether it’s an anxious dog or a nervous cat. Our goal is to make vet visits as calm and positive as possible. 📞 Call us on 02 6226 4444 or Book Now online to schedule a gentle, stress-free appointment.
