23rd October 2017
Rabbits, like dogs and cats, are prone to obesity. Rabbits that are obese are not able to function normally because of their large size and body fat percentage. Although certain breeds of rabbit, including the dwarf rabbit, are more at risk for obesity because of their shorter stature and inactivity, obesity occurs most often among […]
18th October 2017
Making a holiday checklist now might sound a bit premature if you’re only going away in December but planning for your pets takes longer than you think. There are some things you simply can’t leave until those final few days before departure. If your pets are going to boarding kennels, there is a lot of […]
16th October 2017
Your pet’s behaving badly, tearing up the furniture or chewing your shoes. You don’t know why. He has food, shelter, a warm bed and plenty of love. But how often do you play with your dog or cat? Are they simply ‘there’; part of the household that is fed and offered shelter but otherwise ignored. […]
11th October 2017
This report was recently issued by the *European Medicines Agency: Tick and flea control agent Bravecto continues to be acceptably safe to use. Bravecto, a medicine that treats tick and flea infestations in dogs and cats, continues to have an acceptable safety profile. However, the company that markets the product will have to update the […]
10th October 2017
Cats love climbing, but it isn’t all about fun. There are some important physical and psychological reasons behind why they do it. It’s also in their genes. Here are four reasons why cat owners need to ensure their cats have climbing space: Climbing keeps the peace. Cats living together use height to show their status in […]
4th October 2017
Fat cats in Parliament may be at the top of the earnings pile but when it comes to our pets, cats that are fat are on a losing streak. Fat cats usually suffer adverse health effects: Lifespan is shorter Excess body fat places strain on the bones and joints, the digestiveorgans, and the organs responsible for breathing […]
3rd October 2017
Fact: half of South Africa’s pets are overweight or obese. Fact: 9 out of 10 pet owners believe their pets are a normal weight. October is Pet Obesity Month and because this is such a huge problem for South Africa’s pets, we’re highlighting ways you can help yours to slim down. Firstly, it’s important to […]
19th September 2017
By Dr Adri Rossouw They may be beautiful to look at and fill your garden with fragrance but there are many plants that are poisonous to pets. The flame lily, the perfumed Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Elephant Ear, syringa and cycads all pose significant dangers to dogs and cats. At our Country Animal Clinic we […]
14th September 2017
By Dr Ingrid de Wet Nothing can be more scary than seeing a beloved pet have a seizure. Seizures usually come out of the blue and one feels utterly helpless as the minutes tick by. Today, we’re going to discuss what causes seizures and what to do when your pet has one. What is a […]
14th September 2017
Rabies is endemic in South Africa yet few pet owners appreciate the dangers to city and suburban pets. “We still tend to think of rabies as a disease found on farms, and that is spread by jackals and other wildlife,” says veterinarian Dr Hilldidge Beer. The reality though is that in South Africa 99% of […]
8th September 2017
The bird flu outbreak that has hit the Western Cape has been characterised as ‘severe’ by health authorities but infections so far are confined to chickens, domestic geese, ostriches and wild birds. As of September 7, 2017 no domestic pet birds were reported to have been stricken by the disease. No human infections have been reported […]
29th August 2017
You may have thought that it was only children that had ‘baby’ teeth but dogs have them too. And just like humans, some dogs don’t lose their baby teeth as they grow. This is a particular problem among certain breeds, in particular the toy breeds like Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Pinschers (Doberman) and Malteses but it […]
27th July 2017
A revolutionary kidney test, described by veterinarians as the most significant advancement in the field of veterinary medicine in 30 years, is turning back the clock for hundreds of thousands of pets. One in three cats and one in 10 dogs is likely to suffer chronic kidney disease (CKD) as they get older. It remains […]
19th July 2017
By Dr Ingrid de Wet Euthanasia is painful to contemplate. We love our pets so much that the idea of parting from them is something we don’t want to think about. Sadly though, euthanasia is an option we may have to address at some point in their lives due to illness and suffering. As difficult […]
18th July 2017
The popular DSTV television series, Kyknet’s Hond se Gedagtes, was recently filmed at EberVet’s Country Animal Clinic in Somerset West. EberVet’s CEO, veterinarian Dr Hilldidge Beer, will appear in two episodes of the series. Director Hein Scholtz, presenter Lizma van Zyl and the Hond se Gedagtes crew arrived early on an icy Thursday morning for […]
12th July 2017
Enucleation. It’s a scary-sounding word and it’s a scary procedure for most pet parents. No pet parent wants to be told their dog’s eye needs to be removed (enucleation) but several medical conditions may necessitate this. If a dog is in severe pain from a medical condition of the eye, or the condition can lead […]
10th July 2017
Supplies of Royal Canin pet food have been seriously affected by a global cyber attack. Computer hackers launched a crippling virus on computers worldwide which have affected hundreds of thousands of computers. The cyber attack on June 27 disrupted computers at Russia’s biggest oil company, Ukrainian banks and multinational firms across Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and […]
4th July 2017
This might seem like a really silly question but it is something dogs do quite often and many owners do wonder what it means, especially if the shaking becomes a regular habit. Firstly, shaking is a brilliant way for dogs to get something out of their ears that shouldn’t be there. The forces generated by […]
4th July 2017
Deafness is perhaps not something one associates all that often with pets. However, there are more than 30 breeds of dogs that have a known susceptibility for deafness and it affects cats too. Dog breeds most often affected include: the Boston Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Dalmatian, German Shepherd, Jack Russell, Maltese, Toy and Miniature […]
29th June 2017
Obesity is the biggest single health threat to pets in South Africa. Though many pet owners believe a ‘little extra padding’ is not serious – fat pets are in fact at higher risk of diseases like arthritis, urinary conditions, skin conditions, heart disease and cancer. And that means thousands of Rands spent on avoidable vets’ […]
28th June 2017
As a pet owner, euthanasia is one of the toughest choices you may have to face. It’s even tougher if you are parent to a pet-loving child. How do you explain the need for euthanasia to a child? How do you explain death? Veterinary and child psychology experts share these tips: How you talk to your child […]
27th June 2017
My sister had a Staffordshire Bull Terrier that was so terrified of thunderstorms it once chewed through a window frame to escape. It broke the window glass and hurt itself rather nastily in the process. The family soon learned to stay home when storms were approaching or, if that wasn’t possible, to medicate their dog […]
22nd June 2017
Basic, or primary, health services are the cornerstone of veterinary clinics. The focus of basic care is preventing illnesses before they occur. Preventive clinic services include vaccinations, parasite control (ticks, fleas, deworming), nutrition advice, general health checkups, sterilisations (spays and neutering) and microchipping. At EberVet Pet Clinic at 100 Altena Road, Strand we provide these services at up […]
21st June 2017
Winter aches and pains are not confined to humans. Like humans, many pets suffer arthritis and muscle pain as they age, particularly as the colder weather draws in. Arthritis is, in fact, one of the most common ailments seen in older pets, causing changes in affected joints that can be extremely painful, yet few pet […]
20th June 2017
After hours emergencies are terrifying to pet owners. However, help is always at hand. Like doctors, veterinarians work together to share after hours work. As much as we want to and love to help your pets, our vets aren’t able to be on duty 24 hours a day. We rely on the assistance of other veterinary […]
19th June 2017
An emergency evacuation plan prepared in advance of flood or fire could save the life of your pet. Put this 10-point action plan into place now and ensure your pet’s long-term safety. ID your pet Ensure your cats and dogs are wearing collars and identification tags. Identification tags should have your updated phone numbers. EberVet […]
15th June 2017
Most pet owners believe that ticks and fleas are summer pests but that’s not true. Ticks can survive temperatures as low as 7 deg C. Fleas will stay active throughout winter unless temperatures fall below 1 deg C and stay there for a sustained period. Heaters, air conditioners and winter rainfall in coastal areas further […]
12th June 2017
Testicular cancer is relatively common in older dogs that have not been sterilised. It presents as a tumour. Though it is more common in older dogs it can occur in unsterilised males of any age, and in all breeds. The current cause of testicular tumours is unknown. Dogs that have one or both testicles that are not descended (what […]
6th June 2017
Annual checkups are strongly recommended by our clinics. This is because pets age faster than people and may develop illnesses quickly. Annual wellness checks can help detect some illnesses earlier and keep your pet healthier for longer. It is critical that you discuss all your concerns with the vet when you bring your pet in. […]
6th June 2017
Most pet owners have seen bags of ‘prescription diet’ food at their veterinary surgery but what exactly is a ‘prescription diet’ and when does your pet need it? Prescription diets are recommended for pets suffering from age-related ailments, injuries or allergies where nutrition is essential to the healing process. These include urinary complaints, skin and […]
5th June 2017
Winter is finally here! Time to do a stock take on what’s needed to keep your furry friend warm, safe and healthy during the cold months. START WITH A HEALTH CHECK Every pet should have a vet checkup once a year; older pets twice a year, and those with chronic ailments up to three times […]
5th June 2017
We spend hundreds of Rands each year buying food for our pets but few of us give much thought to the best way to store and preserve it when we buy in bulk. There is a right way and a wrong way. Do it right and you’re not only saving yourself money, you’ll also be […]
1st June 2017
Senior cats have different health needs to younger cats. Here are a few ways to keep your oldie healthy: Regular vet checkups are vital Make sure your senior cat has regular visits with your vet. Cats over the age of 7 must see a vet once a year; twice a year if they are aged […]
1st June 2017
Dogs present with incontinence for a number of different reasons. These include hormonal problems, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease, bladder stones and bladder infections. A consultation with a veterinarian is essential to find the underlying cause, and to find the appropriate treatment. The veterinarian will take a full history and do a clinical examination. […]
31st May 2017
Like humans, many pets suffer arthritis as they age and this is particularly noticeable as the colder weather draws in. It is one of the most common ailments seen in older pets, causing changes in affected joints that can be extremely painful for a cat or dog. But it can also be particularly hard to […]
31st May 2017
EberVet Petcare Group was in the news again this week. Two newspapers, one in Oudtshoorn and one in Greyton, featured articles on EberVet’s CEO Dr Hilldidge Beer. In Die Hoorn, a popular Oudtshoorn weekly, Dr Beer’s recent participation in a welfare sterilisation clinic made front page headlines. During the two-day clinic 104 dogs and six […]
30th May 2017
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common skeletal disorders seen in dogs. The condition is characterised by a malformation of the hip joint. Instead of the normal tight fit between the cup or socket and femoral head (ball), patients with this condition suffer from a laxity within the joint. The malformation is a result […]
24th May 2017
Some pet owners find it difficult to get their pet to the vet. A too large dog, multiple kittens, an old cat that doesn’t like to be moved – these can be troublesome for pet owners yet they do need their vaccinations and regular checkups. That’s why Country Animal Clinic’s Dr Ingrid de Wet is now making […]
22nd May 2017
Your dog is playing on the lawn. It’s a sunny afternoon and there are lots of bees around. Suddenly he starts pawing at his face and is more agitated than usual. Your dog has been stung by a bee. Dogs are particularly prone to stings because they explore the world with their noses, bringing them in […]
17th May 2017
Have you ever noticed gummy, sticky, runny stuff at the corner of your dog’s eye? Eye discharge is a common problem in dogs. Some types are completely normal, while others are associated with potentially serious health issues. To know whether that discharge needs veterinary attention or not, pet parents need to understand the various types […]
10th May 2017
Bladder stones are fairly common in pets. They have multiple causes. They are painful to pets so the sooner they are detected and removed the better. What causes bladder stones in pets? Diet. Certain minerals become oversaturated in the urine and eventually form stones. The pH (acidity or alkalinity) of the urine also predisposes to different […]
25th April 2017
Antibiotic resistance has become a major threat to human and animal health. World health authorities agree that unless drastic action is taken, mankind will increasingly lose the war against disease. What causes antibiotic resistance? The overuse and inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs in humans, animals and crops have dramatically accelerated the emergence of what is […]
14th April 2017
By Jennifer Coates, DVM The incidence of mothball poisoning in pets is quite low but that becomes irrelevant when it’s your pet that has become sick. Most cases of mothball poisoning involve a pet eating a mothball, but problems can also arise when pets are exposed to the fumes that mothballs produce or when their skin comes in contact […]
14th April 2017
Imagine what your mouth would look like if you hadn’t brushed your teeth for years. Not a pretty sight. So what about your pet? When last did you think about his or her dental health? Chances are if you haven’t been vigilant about your pet’s dental health you’ll find his teeth are stained and brown, that […]
9th April 2017
Easter is synonymous with chocolate and it may be your favourite way to spoil a loved one but please don’t give it to your pets. Chocolate is toxic to animals and can be fatal. It contains caffeine and theobromine, two stimulants that affect the central nervous system and the heart muscle in pets. How much it takes […]
5th April 2017
Germ protection is one of the most important aspects of pet ownership. Whether it’s keeping a wound clean, treating a skin condition or scrubbing a kennel, good pet hygiene is essential to his or her health. There are, of course, literally hundreds of disinfectants on supermarket shelves these days but when it comes to pets […]
5th April 2017
If you’re planning a holiday over Easter please don’t forget your pet. There are several important pet precautions to take before you step on that plane or drive off with your suitcases packed. These are: VACCINATIONS FOR KENNEL COUGH Kennel Cough or Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious respiratory disease among dogs. It infects a high […]
3rd April 2017
EberVet Community Veterinary Care’s recent Pitbull sterilisation clinic in Sir Lowry’s Pass attracted significant media attention with its message that communities are not only healthier but also safer when the breed is sterilised. Five veterinarians, veterinary nurses, animal welfare organisations and an army of volunteers worked together to sterilise as many Pitbulls as could be […]
9th March 2017
Heart disease in pets is more common than most people think. At Country Animal Clinic we have the expertise to take ultrasound images of your pet’s heart. This gives us a greater chance of correctly diagnosing your pet’s heart ailment. This technique is called an echo-cardiogram or echo for short. How does an echo-cardiogram help […]
9th March 2017
Declawing your cat might seem like the perfect solution when your lounge furniture has to be reupholstered for the third time but at EberVet we are steadfastly against it. It is a painful procedure that can be likened to tail docking – surgically altering an animal for the owner’s preference or convenience. We cannot advocate it. How […]
9th March 2017
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common diseases in older cats. For this reason, all cats older than 7 years of age should undergo an annual checkup and kidney screening. Symptoms of chronic kidney disease – Increased water intake. Cats may start demanding that you open the tap, or drink from a pond or pool, or […]
8th March 2017
As a toast to International Women’s Day today (March 8), we’re celebrating the veterinarians at EberVet – all of them women. Our CEO is Dr Hilldidge Beer. She no longer practices as a full-time veterinarian but devotes her clinical expertise to sterilising welfare pets at outreach clinics in impoverished settlements. Dr Beer travels thousands of kilometres […]
7th March 2017
No pet owner likes to think of their dog or cat having worms but the reality is that no matter how much you pamper your pet their chances of harbouring worms are highly likely. Unfortunately only two are commonly seen with the unaided eye. Some infestations cause few or no symptoms. This is why veterinarians […]
1st March 2017
Many cat owners fear feline leukemia virus (FeLV) but what is it? How do cats catch it? How best can you protect your cat? Here’s our expert veterinarian advice… What is feline leukaemia? Feline leukaemia infects cats around the world. Between 2-4 % of cats test positive, though the incidence is probably much higher as only a […]
1st March 2017
All cat owners are probably familiar with hairballs. Those with long-haired cats are more familiar than most. You’ll know your cat has a hairball when he or she retches then vomits up a tubular mass of hair. This is a hairball. What causes a hairball? Hairballs occur as a result of your cat grooming and […]
28th February 2017
Breast cancer is something we readily associate with humans but how many of us knew it is also a common disease in dogs? In fact, it is one of the most common ailments affecting dogs, particularly female dogs that have not been spayed. How to reduce the risk of breast cancer The best way to […]
27th February 2017
Sterilising a pet before she’s had her first litter may seem to some pet owners to be cruel but in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Spaying your pet not only stops her having babies, it also protects her against deadly diseases like cancer, feline HIV and leukaemia. Unfortunately, there are still many pet owners who believe that […]
16th February 2017
Cat pee is one of the toughest smells to eradicate from a home; it is also a very clear indicator of feline illness. Cats are usually very private about their toilet behaviour, and very fastidious. So, if you’re suddenly noticing your cat peeing in unusual places, not using the litter box (even though she used to), […]
13th February 2017
Chocolate may be the key to your lover’s heart on Valentine’s Day but it could spell death for your dog. It contains caffeine and theobromine, two stimulants that affect the central nervous system and the heart muscle in pets. The amount of chocolate it takes to poison your pet depends on the type and your pet’s weight. Because […]
3rd February 2017
As of 1 February 2017, EberVet’s Country Animal Clinic has new regulations in place regarding chronic medication. All chronic medication must be checked by a veterinarian before it can be dispensed. To minimise waiting times and inconvenience please call us on 021 851 1500 to order your pet’s medication ahead of time. Should that not be possible, please […]
1st February 2017
Emigrating is a stressful decision for any family but even more so if you have pets. Most of us would love to take our pets along but there is a lot to think about. Firstly, it can be a costly business. Secondly, it takes a lot of planning. And thirdly, it can place a lot of additional […]
31st January 2017
Heart disease is one of the most common illnesses we see in companion animals. All breeds can be affected and the incidence increases dramatically with age. It’s heart month. Now is the perfect time to have your pet checked by your vet. Here’s what you need to know: Large breed dogs (especially Dobermans and Boxers) are predisposed to what […]
31st January 2017
Animal rights and donkey activists are calling on governments worldwide to ban the export of donkey skins. This is part of a global effort to fight the mass slaughter of donkeys for traditional Chinese medicine. Gelatine extracted from donkey hides is used to produce ‘ejaio’ – traditional Chinese tablets, tonics and a sweet syrup. The skins are soaked […]
18th January 2017
Sleep is a most precious commodity for most of us but somehow our cats don’t see it that way, certainly not in the same way we do. When we’re at work, they’re asleep; when we’re desperate for that last hour of deep sleep before the alarm sounds, they’re at their most active. Cat owners have […]
16th January 2017
EberVet Pet Clinic in Strand welcomes Dr Renee Perold as its full time vet from January 23, 2017. Dr Perold, who graduated in 2003, has transferred from Knysna where she worked in private practice and in animal welfare. Before her job in Knysna, she ran her own practice in Onrus for 9 years. “My first […]
10th January 2017
Pain is something none of us want our pets to suffer but knowing when they’re feeling it can be difficult because they don’t respond the same way as humans. Our pets can’t tell us when they’re hurting but rehabilitation and pain management specialist Dr Janice Huntingford says pets do offer clues about how they’re feeling if […]
26th December 2016
Cat fact: breeding is easy; re-homing is extremely difficult. There are always more kittens than homes for them. Welfare organisations and veterinarians will tell you that thousands of cats and kittens have to be euthanased every year because there is no-one to give them a home. There is nothing humane about having your life ended when […]
22nd December 2016
Ebervet Community Veterinary Care celebrated the festive season with a very special gift to ourselves: our 1000th free sterilisation for welfare pets, performed by our CEO, veterinary surgeon Dr Hilldidge Beer. Each year Dr Beer and a small team of willing colleagues visit impoverished communities throughout the Helderberg, Overberg and Karoo regions setting up makeshift clinics […]
20th December 2016
Xylitol, the sweetener commonly used in tea and coffee as a sugar substitute, and to flavour human foods, is potentially fatal for dogs. The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) warns that any dog swallowing xylitol should be taken to a vet immediately. The sooner he or she receives treatment, the better the chance of survival. […]
15th December 2016
Motion sickness affects some dogs much the same way as it affects some humans. If you’re planning on taking your dog on holiday and the journey involves a long car ride, it’s worth noting the following: Dog motion sickness is more commonly seen in puppies and young dogs than in older dogs, just as carsickness afflicts […]
15th December 2016
Leaving a dog in the car in summer, even for a very short period, is potentially fatal yet it is still the most common cause of heatstroke in pets. “It’s a scenario we are all familiar with,” says Country Animal Clinic veterinarian Dr Ingrid de Wet. “Holiday traffic is a nightmare, you have the dog in […]
25th November 2016
Like humans, pets can develop diabetes. Signs that your pet may have this life-threatening disease include: excessive urination; excessive drinking; increased appetite; and weight loss. In cases where the diabetes is not treated promptly and allowed to progress to the point of a crisis, symptoms may include a loss of appetite, weakness, seizures, twitching, and intestinal problems […]
25th November 2016
Holidays are a delight for us but for our pets staying at home or boarding in kennels this can be one of the most stressful times of the year. Many pets, and particularly cats, find the inexplicable, extended absence of their owners or the arrival of strange house sitters, traumatic. Creatures of habit, pets and […]
24th November 2016
Acne is not something we humans associate with animals. However, have you ever noticed black spots on your cat’s chin? Many cat owners mistake these for flea droppings or eggs but your cat may in fact have chin acne. Chin acne is a disorder in which excess oily material (sebum) is formed by glands in […]
17th November 2016
Blood donation is something one usually associates with humans. Every month mobile blood collection units traverse the country collecting donated human blood that is stored in blood banks for use in emergencies, surgery, transplants and for a host of other medical needs. But few of us realise that animals often need blood transfusions too. Other animals […]
14th November 2016
Antibiotics can be a lifesaver but they can also harm our pets if used incorrectly. The indiscriminate or casual use of antibiotics may lead to bacterial resistance, or set up the potential for a future allergic reaction to the drug. What is bacterial resistance? If an antibiotic is used incorrectly or too often, the bacteria […]
11th November 2016
Here are 10 excellent reasons basic or primary veterinary care is so important: Vaccinations: prevention is ALWAYS better than cure and by keeping up with your pet’s vaccinations, you’re saving on vet’s bills in the future. Sterilisation: if performed before the animal is a year old, their risk of mammary cancer (high in pets) is […]
31st October 2016
Microchipping pets is one of the best ways to keep them safe. Many animals stray during Guy Fawkes (animals are terrified of fireworks). Others may wander away from house sitters while their owners are on holiday. It is extremely traumatic for an animal when he or she is lost, particularly if the neighbourhood is not […]
31st October 2016
Fireworks are terrifying to pets. That’s because dogs can hear five times more acutely than humans, and cats about twice as acutely as dogs. More domestic pets go missing during Guy Fawkes night than at any other time of the year. What can pet lovers do? Fireworks are governed by local by-laws only. If you are […]
29th October 2016
This small Karoo town has no resident veterinary surgeon and relies heavily on the volunteers who run its animal welfare organisation, Prince Albert Dieresorg (PADS). EberVet hosts up to three sterilisation clinics a year in the town, during which we also vaccinate, administer parasite control and treat for mange and biliary when necessary. Our clinics […]
29th October 2016
The tiny former Lutheran missionary village of Amalienstein in the Klein Karoo was our venue for this sterilisation clinic for our friends at the Karoo Animal Protection Society. Our veterinary team with the help of the tireless, dedicated and passionate people from KAPS, sterilised 50 dogs and cats from impoverished homes at no cost to their owners. These […]
29th October 2016
Our grateful thanks to Greyton Animal Welfare Society for working with us to sterilise 41 dogs and cats from impoverished homes. It was particularly gratifying to see how healthy most of the animals are, thanks to the AWS’s hard work in this region. Those animals identified as unwell or undernourished when brought in for sterilisation […]
21st October 2016
Obesity is the biggest health problem facing South Africa’s pets. Yip, we’re overfeeding our pets and exercising them too little and the consequences are frightening: overweight pets have shorter lives and are at higher risk of diseases like arthritis, diabetes, urinary conditions, skin conditions, heart disease and cancer. Fat pets are less happy. But obesity is both […]
5th October 2016
As women worldwide take steps to prevent breast cancer so should pet owners. Veterinary statistics show that as many as 1 in 4 unspayed female dogs will get breast cancer; in humans, that number is 1 in 29. Most pet owners are unaware that dogs and cats get breast cancer (also known as mammary cancer) […]
30th September 2016
Rabies kills more than 55 000 people every year and most are children younger than 15 years of age yet canine rabies is completely preventable. Commemorating World Rabies Day (September 28), the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) said rabies was mostly transmitted via dog bites. It urged pet owners to have their pets vaccinated against […]
23rd September 2016
Imagine what your mouth would look like if you hadn’t brushed your teeth for years. Not a pretty sight. So what about your pet? When last did you take a really close look at his or her teeth and gums? Chances are if you haven’t been vigilant about your pet’s dental health you’ll find his […]
17th September 2016
Even at the ripe old age of 19 Koki can’t resist teasing the neighbourhood dogs. But this time she almost lost her life. Koki’s owner, Tracey Murray of Somerset West, recounts how Koki loves to follow her husband Clive and son Kyle when they play games in their suburban close. A week ago Clive and […]
16th September 2016
South Africa’s Sunflower Fund, which raises awareness and educates people about the need for bone marrow donors, asks all South Africans to buy sunny ‘topes’ today. The ‘tope’, or Tube of Hope, is a multipurpose article of clothing for the whole family. It can be worn as a headband, mask, scarf, cap or armband. Purchasing and wearing […]
11th September 2016
Washing, brushing and combing your pet may seem like a bit of a chore but did you know that grooming is as important for health as it is for cleanliness? Brushing not only removes dead hair, dirt and dandruff, it also helps to stimulate the skin’s natural oils which give the coat a healthy sheen. […]
2nd September 2016
Rabies kills one person every 10 minutes somewhere in the world. This fatal viral infection is most common in Asia and Africa but is 100% preventable. Jackals, mongooses and bat-eared foxes are common rabies carriers although all mammals are susceptible. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, either when they bite, or […]
26th August 2016
Ear infections in dogs are a common ailment in South Africa, especially in summer when many dogs like to swim. Labradors and spaniels (water-loving dogs) are most vulnerable. Water in the ears is a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Signs and symptoms Common signs of ear infections are ear scratching and head shaking. The ear […]
25th August 2016
When drawing up your list of Spring cleaning chores don’t forget to include your pets. There’s no point washing carpets and clearing out cupboards if your dogs and cats are carrying parasites, or their beds are harbouring dirt and fur. Here’s our Spring cleaning list for pets: Ensure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date. […]
19th August 2016
What pet wouldn’t want to win R400 worth of awesome pet stuff?! Book your pet’s sterilisation at our Country Animal Clinic in Scholtz Road, Somerset West, before the end of August and we’ll enter you into our hamper draw. This special offer is available until the end of the month only. PLUS your pet will star […]
16th August 2016
Most teenage boys have heard their exasperated mothers cry, “you must have a tapeworm” as they reach for their fifth slice of bread of the day but as we head into adulthood few of us give worms a second thought. Our pets, however, can harbour several kinds of worms throughout their lives, some of them […]
14th August 2016
Pet owners are warned to be especially vigilant as the weather warms and tick and flea infestations occur. Ticks carry the potentially lethal disease, biliary, so the sooner you protect your pet the better. Here’s what to do: Know your enemy City and suburban pet owners make the common error of believing their pets won’t […]
2nd August 2016
Rickets is a relatively common disease in young animals. Bow-legged pups, or even those crawling around on their elbows, are often observed in impoverished communities, though the disease is not limited to poor homes. Rickets affects the long bone in young animals, that part of the bone that grows during puppy and kittenhood. Causes Diet […]
31st July 2016
Like us, older pets suffer more health issues than younger pets. It’s important to pay close attention as they get age because most pets don’t show signs of many diseases until very late, making treatment less successful and more expensive. As pets age they suffer a range of diseases influenced by their genes, diet, the environment and the degree […]
26th July 2016
Pets from impoverished homes came in their droves to EberVet Petcare Group’s free animal sterilisation clinic on Mandela Day. We spayed and neutered 40 animals; vaccinated over 100; handed out 350kg of cat and dog food; and gave out more than 130 blankets, treats, beds, bowls and leads and collars. Many of these pets live in […]
11th July 2016
One of the most heartbreaking experiences for any veterinarian is being presented with a beautiful puppy that is infected with Parvovirus (Cat flu or ‘katgriep’) – a killer disease easily prevented by vaccination. A puppy’s chances of surviving Parvo are 50/50, if he or she gets premium and urgent veterinary care immediately after diagnosis. The […]
