We speak of things that matter.

January 1992

It is 4 pm. It is 40 degrees Celsius. It is hot. No, it is stinking hot. We lie in the shade and wait patiently. Only three and a half hours hours to survive until blessed sunset. Jannie is tired and sunburnt. He spent all midday in the dam with with madmen and English dogs, holding up sinking children. John believes they must learn to ski without life jackets because "in England ................."

I cleaned the house in the morning. Hard work in the heat. Now I feel drowsy and I drift off to sleep. I hear the rhythmic beating of African drums in the heat. It comes closer. There are many voices melting together into a monotonous drone. I hear shouting. I awake from my dream with a start.

Jannie is peering through a crack between the curtains. I peer over his shoulder. A menacing looking grey rubber duck approaches, banging against the swell. It enters our luke-warm insect-infested cove. It has a Dalmation called Douglas as its bowsprit - barking loudly and cheerfully wagging his tail.

A voice booms out - tinged with irritation: Jack hurry up and go and call Jannie. What do you mean you don't have shoes? Douglas, COME HERE! Douglas picks up speed, ducks under the fence and starts sniffing through our neighbours rubbish.

Kleynhans family - in chorus: Oh no, its the Brown's! Minutes later, Jack, aged 8, appears. "Jannie, Daddy wants you to come for a boat ride. Jannie refuses to obey the captain's orders and sends his daughters into battle in his place. He wishes to savour the approaching evening cool in peace.

As Jack departs, he says "Mommy is coming in the car with all our clothes and stuff". The boat leaves. The car comes.
Mary: Hallo Jannie. I hope you don't mind, but I brought meat and wine and salad. I know we know each other well enough that you will tell me if you don't want us here and really I won't mind, we'll just take everything back and go and braai at home, but we thought you'd enjoy our company.
Jannie: We'd love to have you here, Mary. And really it wasn't necessary to bring your own meat and no, of course it's no trouble at all.

Much, much later: Supper nearly finished.
Deborah: Dad, what's for pudding?
Jannie: Sorry Deborah, but there is no pudding.
John: Now in England of course it wouldn't be called pudding. Pudding is something entirely different. It is thick and stodgy and.....
Mary: I totally disagree with you on that, John. What would you call it then? DOUGLAS GET OUT!
John: Why sweets or desert of course. Now at my old school we always used to .......
Mary: What do you mean - dee-zert? I disagree with you one million percent. I totally refuse to accept what you are saying. It all depends on where you are. Now in England ....
John: You don't talk with your mouth full of food.
Mary: In England you don't go to the toilet; you go to the lavatory. It would be totally unacceptable to go to the toilet. Only in South Africa can you go to the toilet.
John: Well, what do you do in England then? It must be an awful bloody mess. DOUGLAS, OUT!
Mary: Neither do you say "pleased to meet you", you say "how do you do". Dee-zert! I ask you! I am quite sure that Queen Elizabeth always asks for pudding; not dee-zert. What about Prince Andrew, who attended your old school, what would he have called it?
Jannie: My grandmother always used to say...
In the background - sounds of  Douglas lapping water from the white bowl that flushes in the bathroom.
John: Oh, but the house he was in, was a toilet. Now in Sussex.....
Jannie: Once in Kuruman ........
John: Mary, stop pointing a bone at me. How can you call a crepe suzette with cointreau a pudding? What is that dog up to now?
Mary: All I am trying to say is that I totally do not accept what you are trying to say. It all depends on where you are.
Jannie: At a school I once taught ........
John: Mary, don't talk to me with your mouth full of food. Tell that dog to get out. THAT DOG understands every word you say (fondly). Just look at him.
I decide it is time for my strong woman act.After years of practice I can sometimes pull it off convincingly enough so that some people are actually bluffed into believing that I am a strong woman. I sneak into the kitchen and find a bar of chocolate, break it into blocks and shove it in front of John. Shut up and eat your bloody pudding, was what I wanted to say, but all I managed was "Have some pudding".
John: Even here you wouldn't say you're going to the toilet, now would you?Surely you would say "please excuse me", or "I'm going to powder my nose" or something. Now what would you call jelly and custard? DOUGLAS! GET! OUT!
We speak of things that matter, in words that must be said.
Douglas, having drunk his fill from the white bowl in the bathroom, stretches himself out on the lounge carpet and burps, understanding every word.



J

Kalahari 1990

13 Desember 1990

Ek en Elodie in my troue Toyota op reis deur die Kalahari - oor duin en straat - verby die plase met hulbeskrywende, romantiese en of onvanpaste name: Flora Dora, Sandbad, Sonstraal, Lonely, De Hemelstraat, Gemsbokkie, Aasvoëlpan, Vrede, Loch Broom, Feësand, Kings Rest, Takeaways 1 km, WelkominAshkamdankievirubesoek! Verby ‘n mankolieke opslaanhut teen ‘n rooi duin met “Te Koop” daarop geverf.

Al die driedorings wit in blom, gras skyn groen deur na die onlangse reën en die kameeldoringbome, swaar in blaar, lyk of hulle dans in afwagting vir nog reën! Donderweer dreun oor die woestyn. Wit boerbokke huppel oor die kruin van ‘n rooi sandduin. Rachmaninoff oor die pas herstelde bandspeler. Die lugreëlaar ook reggemaak. Jammer Osoonlaag, maar vandag is MY dag!

Tussen Leeudril en Rooiputs stap ‘n maanhaar leeu stadig en statig al langs die pad. Hy kyk skaars in ons rigting, maar hy laat my ril met ‘n oeroue opwinding. Krag straal uit elke voetstap. Net voor hy oor ‘n duin gaan, sak hy effens, staan ‘n oomblik stil en snuif die wind, stap dan na die naaste groot struik en merk dit - selfvoldaan en seker van sy koningskap.

Afrika - wat ‘n plek!

The Cederberg Wilderness near Clanwilliam in the Western Cape is my all time favourite place. Elsewhere in the Western Cape I can see the beauty with my eyes. In the Cederberg, I see it with my heart.
This blog post is intended to become a collection of my musings over the years - gleaned from various notebooks and diaries.

Dwarsrivier - Krakadouw kloof  circa 1975
It is cool and green and shady there
Full of promise, full of peace
The mountains are old and rugged,
The valleys gentle and protected.

Written in Kimberley in October 1991:

Die berge roep my
Ek hoor hulle tot hier
Die eggo slaan in die Groot Gat vas
en spiraal daaruit.
Luister:
Die visarend roep as hy saans
 huis toe keer oor die dam.
Die dassie skree benoud teen die krans
Sodat jy ligvoet loop in die laatmiddag son
Die windjie in die klowe kom van ver af aan
en loop ritselend verby
Op die klipplaat langs die Dwarsrivier
le 'n nat luiperd spoor
vol driegemente, vol belofte.
As jy opklim na die waterval,
swiep die witkruis arend naby verby.

Onder die waterval vorm groot seepbel borrels -
dryf weg en breek waar die stroompie versnel
en wegraak in die koel groen bosse.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/967919?af=1273813&c=wg1

A great presentation on becoming a vet by SAVC.

http://www.savc.org.za/pdf_docs/I_want_to_be_a_vet_2011.pdf

Hertogin van Clanwilliam se besoek aan Clanwilliam, Wes Kaap in 1990

26/2/90

In Februarie 1990 is Clanwilliam vereer deur ‘n besoek van Hertogin Catherine Clanwilliam (66) die weduwee van die 6de Hertog van Clanwilliam, (John Charles Edmund Carson Meade(1914–1989)) Die 7de  Hertog John Herbert Meade, is in 2009 oorlede en die huidige hertog is sy seun Patrick James Meade, gebore in 1960.

Die dorp Clanwilliam, aan die voet van die Cederberge, is in 1814 so vernoem deur Sir John Cradock. Sy skoonvader was die destydse Hertog van Clanwilliam in Suid Ierland. Die dorp was voorheen bekend as Jan Disselsvlei.

Die Hertogin is vergesel deur haar skoonseun en dogter, Christopher en Kate Wills. Aangesien die hertogin 6 dogters het, is die titel deur ‘n neef ge-erf.

Die destydse familie tuiste van die Clanwilliam’s Gill Hall in Suid Ierland, bestaan ongelukkig nie meer nie. Die huis is in 1969 deur ‘n vuur vernietig. Lady Catherine se skoonmoeder het geweier om daar te woon omdat dit daar spook. Haar skoonvader het toe ‘n nuwe tuiste in Noord Ierland gebou. In 1990 het die hertogin in Engeland gewoon om nader aan haar 6 dogters en 9 kleinkinders te wees.

Die besoek is sover bekend die eerste keer dat enige lid  van die familie Clanwilliam besoek. Hulle is op ‘n luisterryke wyse ontvang, Tydens ‘n spesiale raadsvergadering, met die Raadslede in ampsgewaad, is die Vryheid van die dorp aan die hertogin oorhandig. Die dokument is in ‘n pragtige sederhoutkissie geplaas. ‘n Ruiker blomme en en ‘n foto-album van die omgewing is ook aan die Hertogin geskenk. Daarbenewens is ‘n erf van 2000 vk m aan haar geskenk, met die voorwaarde dat dit nagelaat sal word aan die houer van die titel Hertog van Clanwilliam.

Die Hertogin het in haar bedanking gese dat haar man altyd geweldig baie belang gestel het in Clanwilliam en dat hy baie trots sou gewees het om te sien dat die leuse op sy familiewapen “Toujours Pret” (Altyd Gereed) ook op die dorp se wapen verskyn.

Die hele gesin stel baie belang in natuurbewaring en het Sabi Sand in Limpopo besoek. Van Clanwilliam sou hulle na familie van Christopher Wills in Kwazulu Natal gaan. Die hertogin se dogter, Lady Cate Wills, het Vrydagoggend vroeg die geleentheid gebruik pm op ‘n kort wandeling in die Cederberg te gaan en was baie beindruk met die ongerepte natuurskoon.

Rolling Stones She's A Rainbow Lyrics

Songwriters: JAGGER, MICK / RICHARDS, KEITH

She comes in colors everywhere; 

She combs her hair 

She's like a rainbow 

Coming colors in the air 

Oh, everywhere 

She comes in colors 

She comes in colors everywhere; 

She combs her hair 

She's like a rainbow 

Coming colors in the air 

Oh, everywhere 

She comes in colors 

Have you seen her dressed in blue

See the sky in front of you 

And her face is like a sail 

Speck of white so fair and pale 

Have you seen the lady fairer

She comes in colors everywhere; 

She combs her hair 

She's like a rainbow 

Coming colors in the air 

Oh, everywhere 

She comes in colors 

Have you seen her all in gold

Like a queen in days of old 

She shoots colors all around 

Like a sunset going down 

Have you seen the lady fairer

She comes in colors everywhere; 

She combs her hair 

She's like a rainbow 

Coming colors in the air 

Oh, everywhere 

She comes in colors 

She's like a rainbow 

Coming colors in the air 

Oh, everywhere 

She comes in colors

Jervis Bay 18/19/20 May 2013

Grampians 11-12 May 2013

From a sign en route to Silverband Falls:

We climbed a winding track through a wonderland of woodland and forest. Away from the stream we find ourselves in an open forest of Brown stringybark. Here, wattle and tea-tree combine to make a distinct lower layer, where native birds such as fantails, robins and honeyeaters nest and feed. Scattered wildflowers complete the scene with Common Heath, showing its endless variety of colour from red to purest white.Overhead gang Gang Gang

Cockatoos call like the sound of a creaking door, while the laugh of the forever cheerful Kookaburra

intermingles with the ringing call of the Currawong. 1925.

Prosthetic Eyes For Children :: Champion Page | BackaBuddy

Prosthetic Eyes For Children :: Champion Page | BackaBuddy

Please open this link and read this touching story. Beverley and my youngest daughter, Elodie were best friends in high school and spent a lot of time at my house. Beverley, in typical fashion, has turned personal adversity into an opportunity to change the world for others less fortunate. Please support her cause!

Useful internet info for vets

Useful websites for new veterinary graduates

Natasha Wilks BVSc DipCoaching

Your Guide to Veterinary Career Success

Helping Veterinarians design their career strategy, improve client communication & increase their turnover so they can enjoy clinical practice & earn a great income.

www.HighPerformanceVets.com

Connect with Natasha via:

Facebook  I  LinkedIn  I  Twitter  I  You Tube  I  Google +

http://bestentrepreneur.murdoch.edu.au/Guide_to_Veterinary_Practice_Planing.pdf

http://veterinarybusiness.dvm360.com/vetec/Practice+Finances/Starting-from-scratch/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/323694

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Veterinarians.htm
http://www.kookaburravets.com
www.vetlink.com.au

www.carltonprofessional.co.uk

Paintings

Karoo in Spring - near Touwsriver 2011

My dog, Diesel

Werribee River March 2013

Surf Coast between Anglesea and Aireys Inlet May 2013

Useful websites and Facebook pages for vets looking for employment in Australia

WEBSITES
www.seek.com.au
www.jobrapido.com
www.kookaburravets.com
www.vetlink.com.au
www.ava.com.au
http://daff.nga.net.au/fnt_jobs_list.cfm?

FACEBOOK
Veterinary employment and locum network

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

Universities (their websites)
LHPA
DPI
AQIS

Please leave a comment if you are aware of other websites, links or means of looking for veterinary work.

Immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia

Immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia.

Acquired bleeding in dogs is commonly caused by thrombocytopaenia. Binding of antibodies to the platelet surface leads to early clearance of these platelets from the circulation by the mono-nuclear phagocytic system. This condition is called primary immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia (IMT)  if other identifiable diseases are absent, and is considered to be an autoimmune disorder.

 Secondary IMT is associated with conditions such as neoplasia, infections (viral or bacterial) systemic lupus erythromatosus as well as rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be drug-associated.

Primary IMT is commonly seen in dogs. Certain breeds are predisposed e.g., cocker spaniels, old English sheepdogs, German shepherd dogs and poodles.  Middle aged females seem to be the most susceptible. Suspected triggers for primary IMT are genetics, gender, infectious agents, pollutants and stress, causing the humoral immune system to target host platelet antigens.

In secondary IMT, platelet associated antibodies may bind specifically to foreign antigens which have been absorbed onto the platelet surface. They may also bind non-specifically to form an immune complex.

Macrophages in the liver and spleen sequester these stimulated platelets at a vastly increased rate, reducing their normal half-life of about 5 days to mere hours or minutes. The spleen is an important source of anti platelet antibodies. Thrombopoiesis will often be increased in an effort to replace the sequestered platelets.

Diagnosis 

To make a diagnosis of primary IMT, other causes of thrombocytopaenia should be excluded. Consider splenomegaly, DIC, neoplasia, drug-associated and other immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia. 

Primary IMT is suspected when there is a sudden onset of symptoms of thrombocytopaenia and resulting anaemia, such as lethargy, anorexia, pallor, weakness, bruising, epistaxis, mucosal or surface bleeding, especially if preceded by a period of stress such as surgery, kenneling, oestrus or parturition. A severe platelet deficiency will be noted with a platelet count below 30 x 10⁹. This will also be obvious on a blood smear. Coagulation screening tests are often normal, though the activated clotting time may be slightly prolonged in severe cases. The buccal mucosal bleeding time is always increased. Giant platelets or megathrombocytes may be present and are indicative of enhanced thrombopoiesis. In some cases there may be suppression of bone marrow production. A stress leukogram may be seen. Concurrent haemolytic anaemia may be seen in about 20% of dogs with IMT.

Treatment

Response to corticosteroid therapy will confirm the diagnosis of IMT. Platelet count should return to normal within 7 to 10 days of starting treatment. Corticosteroids reduce the rate of macrophage induced sequestration of platelets, whether the IMT is primary or secondary. (There are no practical, readily available tests to differentiate between primary and secondary IMT.)

Glucocorticoids will also reduce antibody production, increase capillary resistance to haemorrhage and stimulate platelet production in some.  

Drugs recommended are oral prednisone or prednisolone: 2 mg/kg every 12 hours, or dexamethasone : 0.1 to 0.6 mg/kg every 24 hours.

Monitor platelet counts once a week and continue treatment until it is back to normal. Then taper the drug over the same period of time as that of the treatment. Some dogs may respond as soon as 1 week after starting treatment, but others may take several weeks. Some dogs may need to remain on treatment to prevent recurrence.

Unresponsive cases and dogs with recurrent disease may be treated with drugs such as vincristine (stimulates thrombopoiesis and reduces platelet phagocytosis by macrophages), cyclophosphamide, or by surgical removal of the spleen.

Reference:

Johnstone I. Bleeding Disorders in Dogs 2. Acquired disorders. 2002. In Practice 24:2 p67-68.  

Goethe quote

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.

- Goethe

Not getting interviews?

Have you sent out plenty of resumes but haven’t heard anything back? Where does the problem lie? Is your resume not well written? Is it just due to the tight job market?

1. Your resume is the one thing you can control. It should indicate why you can excel at this job.

A poorly written resume is most often the reason why applicants do not get interviews. Do not just list the jobs you have done. Also indicate how you performed at those jobs. The candidates who are getting the most interviews list what they achieved at each job.  You may also explain why you loved a particular job or task. Employers are not much interested in the jobs you have held, but they do want to know what you achieved there.  Your resume needs to show them that.

2. Your cover letter must be interesting and focused.

If all your cover letter does is summarize the information in your resume, it's not helping at all. Write a cover letter which is specific to each job you apply for, rather than a generic one.                                                                                                 A cover letter should add something new to your application about why you'd be great at the job; it should not just recite your employment history. If you add personality to your cover letters, you should start getting phone calls for interviews.

3. Ask senior colleagues to comment on your resume.

Friends, parents and school teachers may not be familiar with the veterinary industry, and may think your resume looks “fine”, but that is not good enough in today's tight market. Your resume needs to be great. I regularly hear job seekers say, "I've had my resume reviewed dozens of times, and everyone has told me it's fine." First, in a crowded job market, "fine" isn't enough; it needs to be great. You need people with significant hiring experience in your industry to give you feedback.

(One good test: Give them a resume that's full of duties rather than achievements and see what they say. If they tell you it's a good resume, you'll know that their advice is not useful)

4. You're applying for jobs for which your job history is not appropriate.

In this case, you need to explicitly demonstrate to employers why you'd be a great match. Perhaps you have only worked in small animal practice, but want to apply for a job in equine practice. If you have riding experience or other horse related experience, make it clear to the prospective employer.  

If you get the interview, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Being unprepared.

Spend several days researching the job requirements, the practice and the employer(s). Be aware of all the requirements and skills listed in the job advert and how you are able to fulfil those.  Consider possible questions and how you will respond to them. Think back on specific examples that demonstrate how you excelled at previous jobs.

2. Failing to research your interviewer.

A quick glance on LinkedIn might give you advance warning that your interviewer used to work with a previous boss who hated you. This way you won't be caught off guard if asked about it in the interview. Read the company website. it may give you information on the interviewer’s special skills or outside interests. Social websites and “googling” the interviewer’s name can also provide useful information.

3. Arriving late (or too early).

You might think that you're playing it safe by leaving for your interview a few minutes earlier than you need to. But hit a traffic accident and that buffer will fly out the window, which means you could end up being late. Give yourself plenty of extra time —meaning an hour or so—because it's nearly impossible to recover from being late for an interview. You can always kill the extra time in your car or a nearby coffee shop if you arrive early. Do not arrive at the actual interview location more than 5 minutes before the arranged time. Hanging around in reception for 30 minutes, puts pressure on your interviewer.

4. Wearing inappropriate clothing.

In most industries, you should wear a suit to a job interview. It doesn't matter if your interviewers are more casually dressed themselves; wearing a suit, as the candidate, is still an expected convention typically. In the veterinary industry, one may wear smart casual work appropriate clothing. Always look polished and groomed. Your clothes should fit you well, your hair should be neat and in place, your makeup professional and not heavy-handed. It's also important to feel comfortable in what you're wearing; you don't want to be constantly adjusting your neckline or fidgeting with your cuffs. Be aware of smells - be clean and free of body odour or bad breath, but do not go overboard with perfume or aftershave either!  If you chew gum before the interview to freshen your breath, make sure to discard it appropriately before entering the building

5. Not being ready to talk about salary.

Job seekers are often uncomfortable with conversations about salary.This is a huge disservice to yourself. If salary does come up and you are not prepared, you're likely to end up with less money in your offer than if you knew what you could expect. Research the veterinary award. Ask friends working in the vicinity or in similar practices what they earn.  This way you can field salary questions confidently.

Source http://www.askamanager.org/

Dr Joan Jordaan

Practioner in Residence

Common haematology terms and abnormalities

Common haematology terms and abnormalities

Anisocytosis Anisocytosis means that the red cells are of unequal size. It is a feature of many anaemias, and other blood conditions, and does not have much diagnostic value. The 'red cell distribution width' (RDW) is a quantitative measure of the degree of anisocytosis. The RDW is useful in the differential diagnosis of microcytic anaemia Acanthocytes Acanthocytes (also known as "spur cells") may be described as red cells with finger-like projections - typically 5-10 irregular, blunt projections (which vary in width, length and surface distribution and should not be confused with echinocytes). These cells have a decreased survival time and may be observed in liver disorders, increased blood cholesterol content or from the presence of abnormal plasma lipoprotein composition . Dohle bodies Dohle bodies appear as single or multiple light blue or grey staining areas in the cytoplasm of a neutrophil. They are rough endoplasmic reticulum containing ribonucleic acid (RNA) and may represent localised failure of the cytoplasm to mature. Dohle bodies are found in infections, poisoning, burns, and following chemotherapy. Echinocytes Echinocytes (also called "crenated cells") are morphologically altered red blood cells that appear to have numerous, fine, uniform spicules throughout the cell membrane. Echinocytes are often overlooked as an artifact of preparation e.g. due to storage or slow drying bloodsmears, however several disease processes (e.g. lymphosarcoma (partially as a result of chemotherapy), pk deficiency, uremia) and toxins have been found to alter the red blood cell membrane which leads to the formation of echinocytes. Haemobartonellosis Feline infectious anaemia (FIA) also known as Mycoplasma felis The most common red cell parasite in the UK is Haemobartonella felis which is a gram negative epicellular parasite found in feline erythrocytes. Red blood cell destruction is due primarily to immune-mediated events and direct injury to red blood cells induced by the organism is minimal. The attachment of the organism to erythrocytes commonly leads to the development of antibodies against the organism as well as to erythrocyte antigens so positive Coomb's tests are common. Clinically haemobartonellosis and primary immune haemolytic anaemia are difficult to differentiate. For the diagnosis of both these conditions an EDTA sample and fresh air dried blood film are required. Howell Jolly Bodies Howell-Jolly bodies are round, purple staining nuclear fragments of DNA in the red blood cell. They are usually observed singly in haemolytic anaemia, following splenectomy, and in cases of splenic atrophy. Multiple Howell-Jolly bodies may be observed in cases of megaloblastic anaemia. Macrocytes Macrocytes are red cells with an increased size, 9-12µm in diameter. They may be found in liver disease and megaloblastic anaemia, when associated with vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, the macrocytes may appear slightly oval in shape. Normochromic Normochromic describes the red cells as being of normal colour i.e. indication of haemoglobin content, for the species Normocytic Normocytic describes the red cells as being of normal size i.e. diameter for the species. Poikilocytosis Poikilocytosis is a term which indicates that red cells of abnormal shape are present on the blood film. Of itself it is fairly non-specific. Some particular types of poikilocyte are very informative, however. The 'tear-drop' poikilocyte is a characteristic feature of marrow fibrosis, but it can also be seen in other conditions. Schistocytes Schistocytes are red blood cell fragments that result from membrane damage encountered during passage through vessels. They occur in microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, severe burns, uremia, and haemolytic anemias cause by physical agents, as in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). They are sometimes referred to as "bite cells". Spherocytes Spherocytes are red cells which are almost spherical in shape. They are not biconcave like a normal red blood cell and do not have the central area of pallor which a normal red cell shows. These cells are associated with haemolytic anaemia

Pet Safety at Home

“Petproof” your home.

Just as parents ‘childproof’ their home, pet owners should ‘petproof’ theirs. Four-legged members of the family, like infants and small children, are naturally curious and love to explore their environment with their paws, claws and mouths. But they can’t know what is dangerous and what is not... so it’s up to you to make your home a safe haven. The following tips can help ensure that your pet enjoys a long, happy and accident-free life in your care.

All around the house

• Screen windows to guard against falls.
• Don’t let young pets out on balconies or high decks.
• Many house plants, including Lilies/Liliaceae family, Dieffenbachia (dumbcane), Philodendrons, Ivy (various species), Creeping Charlie, Umbrella Plant and many more are extremely poisonous if eaten. Remove them or put them out of reach in hanging baskets.
• Rat bait is extremely tempting for dogs to eat, yet is highly poisonous and potentially fatal, and should not be accessible at any time. Snail bait is also readily eaten and most often fatal.
• Puppies & kittens love to chew when they’re teething, so unplug, remove or cover electrical cords.
• Don’t leave a room where a fire is lit or a space heater is being used unattended.
• Plastic bags may be fun to play with, but they can suffocate.
• If your pet can put something in their mouth, they probably will. Don’t leave small, sharp, easily swallowed objects lying around.

In the garage

• Cats enjoy naps near a warm engine so, before you drive off, honk your horn and make sure your pet is not under or near the car.
• Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze and windscreen washer. Tightly cover their containers and wipe up any spills.
• Paint, petrol and other dangerous chemicals should be stored out of reach.

In the kitchen, laundry & bathroom

• Never leave hotplates or irons on unattended.
• Dangerous household chemicals such as bleach and ammonia should be stored out of your pet’s reach.
• Close washing machine and dryer lids – your pet might climb in and become trapped.
• Keep toilet lids down – small pets can actually drown if they fall in.
• Medicines, shampoo, sunscreen and other personal care items can kill your pet. Make sure they can’t get hold of them.

Out in the yard

• Some outdoor plants, like Brunfelsia (Yesterday Today & Tomorrow), Lilies, Ivy, Oleander, Azalea, Foxglove, Hydrangea, Morning Glory, Nightshade, Rhododendron, Yew and many more can be poisonous to pets. Many plants can also be responsible for allergies in our pets.
• Keep pets away from lawns and gardens treated with snail bait or chemicals.
• Store garden tools, baits and chemicals securely. Keep garden sheds locked.
• Cover swimming pools, spas and ponds- your pet might fall in and not be able to get out.
• Keep pets away from spiders and snakes.

Dog-gone disasters

• Eliminate hooks or similar objects placed at your dog’s shoulder height – their collar or harness could become tangled and they could choke. Fast running dogs may also impale themselves on stakes in the garden.
• A tall, secure perimeter or invisible electrical fence around your property will minimize the risk of your dog running out into traffic or roaming far from home.

Reference: mvol.com.au

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