Hibiscus Coast Veterinary Hospital

25/04/2026

How did you score in the Kitchen Raid? 🍎🕵️‍♀️

The results are in! While some human snacks are "gold-medal" treats, others are hidden dangers that can lead to serious vet visits.

How many did you get right?
17-20: Pet Nutrition Expert! 🎓
13-16: Safe Snacker! 🦴
12 or less: Time for a kitchen refresh! 🍎

⚠️ Important note:
Paracetamol may be used for some dogs but only under veterinary guidance. 🐶
For cats, it’s an absolute NO. 🚫🐱

When in doubt, always check with your vet before giving any medication.

24/04/2026

What’s safe and what’s not for our pets?

Not all “healthy” human snacks are created equal in the eyes of our pets. While carrots are a gold medal snack for our fur babies, grapes can be incredibly dangerous.

So here is your challenge. How many of these did you know were toxic? Tell us in the comments 👇

Tomorrow, we’ll share which foods fall into the safe zone, which are in the toxic zone, and which ones you should be cautious with.

P.S. If your pet ever sneaks a 'forbidden snack,' call us immediately.

27/03/2026

Helping Your Pet Feel Calm at the Vet

Vet visits don’t have to be scary.

Here’s how you can help before your appointment:

• Bring high-value treats
• Use a familiar blanket or bedding
• Keep cat carriers out at home (not just before visits) let them acclimate first
• Practice short car trips that don’t end at the vet
• Ask us about pre-visit calming support if needed

13/03/2026

Dogs don’t misbehave out of spite.
They escalate when we miss the early stress signs.

Early stress signs look like:
• Lip licking
• Yawning when not tired
• Whale eye (seeing the whites)
• Sudden sniffing or freezing
• Turning away
• Paw lifting

If you spot these signs here are tips how to de-escalate:

Stop what’s happening (don’t keep approaching or asking for cues)
Increase distance from whatever’s worrying them
Redirect to something simple they know well (like “touch” or “sit”)
Reinforce calm choices immediately
Offer an exit — give them the option to move away

The goal is helping their nervous system settle.

When dogs feel trapped, stress rises.
When dogs feel they have choice, stress drops.

06/03/2026

Creating a Stress-Free Home for Your Cat

Is your cat secretly stressed?

Cats thrive on predictability and safe spaces. Here’s how you can create a calmer home environment:

• Provide elevated spaces (cat trees, shelves)
• Offer hiding spots (boxes are perfect!)
• Keep litter trays clean and in quiet areas
• Feed and play at consistent times
• Have scratching posts available to all cats in the household
• Use pheromone diffusers if needed
• Avoid forcing interactions & let them choose

A calm home = a confident cat 💚

If you’re worried about stress behaviours (over-grooming, hiding, toileting issues), chat to our team

07/06/2025

06/06/2025

Is your senior dog not as excited to play fetch?
They may be experiencing arthritis.
Fortunately, there are treatments that can ease their discomfort.
Schedule an appointment so we can assess their condition.

05/06/2025

Is your dog taking longer to finish walks or seeming less enthusiastic?
Slowing down could be more than just age—it might be a sign of arthritis. This common condition can cause joint pain and stiffness, making everyday activities uncomfortable for your dog.

The good news is, there are treatments and management options available to help improve their comfort and mobility.

Book a check-up with us so we can assess your dog’s joint health and recommend the best care plan.

03/06/2025

Is your senior cat hesitant to use the stairs?
They may be suffering from arthritis.
Fortunately, there are treatments that can ease their discomfort.
Book an appointment so we can assess what is best for them.