Russell Vale Animal Clinic

22/10/2026

Recurrent lameness (limping) or stiffness is a common problem in dogs, 🐕 and many owners are unsure when to have their pet assessed, particularly if the problem improves without treatment after a few days.

Recurrent lameness in dogs may be caused by conditions including:
- hip dysplasia
- cruciate ligament disease
- osteoarthritis
- luxating patellas (loose kneecaps) 🦴

We’d advise a veterinary check-up if your dog limps for more than 24 hours or experiences lameness in the same leg more than once, even if it improves between episodes. Seek prompt care if they cannot bear weight, appear very painful or seem otherwise unwell. 🩺

20/10/2026

Unfortunately, some pet food marketing can be a little misleading! 🏷️

It’s common for commercial dog foods to be labelled as a particular flavour, such as chicken, beef or lamb. Many owners then presume that this is the only animal protein present in the diet.

However, a careful read of the ingredients list may reveal several different animal proteins. 🔍 This can be particularly important when choosing food for a dog with a suspected food allergy or intolerance, or when completing a veterinary elimination diet.
If you need dietary advice or a gut health assessment for your pet, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our nutrition-savvy team! 🩺

15/10/2026

Holding nose 😷 If your dog passes wind frequently, can anything be done to help tame their tummy?

Dogs may pass more wind when they have a short- or long-term intestinal upset. 💨 Common triggers include dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t), food intolerances and infectious causes, such as viral, bacterial or protozoal gastroenteritis.

If your dog has persistent or excessive flatulence, abnormal stools, vomiting, poor appetite or weight loss, it’s best to have them assessed by our knowledgeable vets, who can get to the bottom of the issue! 🩺

13/10/2026

If your pet is unwell with a poor appetite, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, how can we help keep them hydrated? 💧

Our experienced vets can assess your pet’s level of dehydration and administer appropriate fluid therapy, such as:
• Subcutaneous fluids: sterile fluids administered under the loose skin, where they are absorbed gradually over several hours. These may be suitable for mild dehydration in an otherwise stable pet.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids: fluids administered directly into a vein. These are generally used for moderate to severe dehydration, ongoing fluid losses or pets requiring closer monitoring, and usually require a hospital stay. 🏥

If you suspect your pet is unwell and becoming dehydrated, please contact our caring team promptly for advice. 🩺

08/10/2026

Did you know that cats often have a low thirst drive? 🐱

Wild cats obtain much of their moisture from eating prey, and healthy feline kidneys can concentrate urine efficiently.

This means that domestic cats, especially those eating mainly dry food, may benefit from a little extra help staying hydrated. Have a chat with our friendly vets about kitty hydration options, including:
💧 feeding part of your cat’s diet as tinned or wet food
💧 providing a feline drinking fountain ⛲
💧 offering moist hydration aids, such as lickable treats, hydration supplements or pet-safe broths made without onion, garlic or excess salt

06/10/2026

"Just the absolute best, so friendly and go out of their way to help." says John on Google

★★★★★ Just the absolute best, so friendly and go out of their way to help.

06/10/2026

“Can I cook my pet’s meals instead of feeding them a commercial diet?”

While we understand the desire to treat your pet to a little home-cooked love, 🍲 it can be difficult to ensure that a homemade diet provides the correct balance of macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) required for long-term health. This is particularly important for growing puppies and kittens. 🐾

For this reason, we recommend either:
🍽️ providing most of your pet’s food through a high-quality, complete and balanced commercial diet, with small amounts of healthy home-cooked extras, or
🍽️ consulting our team about a referral to a veterinary nutritionist who can formulate a complete and balanced home-cooked recipe for your pet

Happy cooking! 👩‍🍳

05/10/2026

With H5 bird flu detected in wildlife across several Australian states, you may be wondering whether your pets are at risk. 🐦

Bird flu mainly affects birds. Although the risk to cats and dogs remains low, close contact with infected wildlife, including eating an infected bird, may result in infection.

Keep cats indoors or in secure enclosures, and dogs on a lead around beaches, wetlands and other wildlife areas. Prevent pets from hunting, scavenging or approaching sick or dead wildlife. 🐾

Concerned about possible exposure? Contact our team for advice.

01/10/2026

Did you know that adding an appropriate amount of plain, unflavoured psyllium husk may provide gastrointestinal health benefits for some dogs and cats? 🌾

Psyllium husk is a soluble fibre that adds bulk to stools, holds water in the gut, supports beneficial gut bacteria and helps keep gut contents moving.

For these reasons, it may help to: 💩
✅ reduce signs of large-bowel diarrhoea and inflammation (colitis)
✅ support regular bowel movements
✅ assist with normal a**l gland emptying during defecation

Have a chat with our team before adding psyllium to your pet’s diet, as the appropriate amount depends on their individual needs. 🩺

26/09/2026

"My dog is scared of the vet, but she likes this place. Very helpful and professional." says Ezy on Google

★★★★★ My dog is scared of the vet, but she likes this place. Very helpful and professional.