Animal Referral Hospital - Essendon

04/04/2026

*** DAYLIGHT SAVING HAS NOW ENDED! ***
Did you remember to turn back your clocks an hour last night? (Or were you awake @ 3am to do that!)

Of course computers and phones will usually do this for us automatically but just to be sure check 'em out and might be good to remind others too!
Meantime we hope you've enjoyed the extra hour's sleep 🙂
BTW if you've got a photo of a four legged friend sleeping - why not share it here!

04/04/2026

*** ENJOY THE DAY WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS! ***
From all of us here at ARH Essendon Fields, we just want to wish you and your furry four-legged family a safe and happy Easter 2026...

🐰 EASTER 2026 PET SAFETY TIPS 🐾
🍫 Chocolate – Toxic to both dogs and cats. Dark and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, or worse.

🍇 Hot Cross Buns – Raisins, sultanas, grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. Cats are usually less interested, but still avoid giving any.

🥚 Foil wrappers & plastic eggs – Dogs and cats may chew or swallow them, causing choking or intestinal blockages.

🧺 Easter egg hunts – Hidden chocolate can easily be sniffed out by dogs—be mindful of where eggs are placed, especially in the garden.

⚠️ We’re open 24/7 for all pet emergencies over the Easter long weekend so if your furry friend gets into something they shouldn’t:
📞 Call us: 03 9379 0700

Stay safe and enjoy a happy Easter with your pets!

03/04/2026

🐰 EASTER 2026 PET SAFETY TIPS 🐾
Just another reminder to keep an eye out over the next few days to keep your pets safe. Here's a list of potential hazards!

🍫 Chocolate – Toxic to both dogs and cats. Dark and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, or worse.

🍇 Hot Cross Buns – Raisins, sultanas, grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. Cats are usually less interested, but still avoid giving any.

🥚 Foil wrappers & plastic eggs – Dogs and cats may chew or swallow them, causing choking or intestinal blockages.

🧺 Easter egg hunts – Hidden chocolate can easily be sniffed out by dogs—be mindful of where eggs are placed, especially in the garden.

⚠️ Remember we’re open 24/7 for all pet emergencies over the Easter long weekend so if your furry friend gets into something they shouldn’t:
📞 Call us: 03 9379 0700

Stay safe and we hope you enjoy a happy Easter with your furry family members!

02/04/2026

*** HAPPY EASTER LONG WEEKEND! ***
From all of us here at ARH Essendon Fields, we hope you are managing to have some fun family time during this Easter break... of course don't forget our four-legged friends - they like to get out and about too! :-)

01/04/2026

*** EASTER LONG-WEEKEND HOLIDAY PLANS? ***
🐣We’ve got you covered 🐾
Accidents don’t take holidays so we’re open 24/7 for all your pet emergency needs over this long weekend.

For our Healthy Pets Plus (HPP) members, emergency consultations are included in your membership — giving you extra peace of mind if the unexpected happens 💛

Need us? Get in touch anytime:
📞 03 9379 0700
📧 essendon@arhvets.com

31/03/2026

*** SHHH.... GRANDMA'S SLEEPING! - BE VERY QUIET OK KITTY! ***
Well it's not quite the long-weekend yet but why shouldn't granny get some rest eh? And we hope you do too especially as we all get ready for Easter. Hopefully granny will be fine but if you're ever in doubt about your pet's well-being, see your vet ASAP or call us here at ARH Essendon Fields - we're open 24/7 7 days a week!
72 Hargrave Ave Essendon Fields VIC 3041 - Ph: (03) 9379 0700.

30/03/2026

*** HAS YOUR PET EVER HAD A BLOOD TEST? ***
While the thought of a needle for us can ignite.. "YEAH-NAH' there are benefits not only for us, but also our pets.

So why do pets need blood tests?
Our pets aren’t able to tell us when they feel unwell. Regular vet checks, worming and a healthy diet are all important for our pets, but these things can’t always reveal how their internal organs are functioning.

Blood tests are among the most diagnostic of all the health checks. They provide accurate and timely information about the health of your pet, and help us uncover early signs of disease or concerns.

Check out this article thanks to Greencross Vets to learn more!

There are many reasons your pet could require a blood test. Blood tests are used to identify potential problems before anaesthetic use.

29/03/2026

*** GOT A 'NUISANCE BARKING' DOG? ***
Dog Barking Problems are the most commonly reported problems in our neighbourhoods. Living with or next to a barking dog can be very difficult. It helps to understand the reasons why your dog is barking and then you can put some relevant solutions in place.

Some good info here thanks to Animal Behaviourist Dr Joanne Righetti

Dog barking problems are a common and extremely annoying problem. Learn why your dog barks and how to reduce this excessive and unwanted behaviour

28/03/2026

*** PLANNING A TRIP THIS UPCOMING LONG-WEEKEND? ***
With the current fuel crisis, you may not be going far, but no matter how long or short the trip is, not every pet is a natural traveller according to travelling Vet Nurse, Kylie Kavanah, Surgery Veterinary Nurse Manager at Sydney’s Animal Referral Hospital (and proud Staffordshire Bull Terrier owner and show-dog enthusiast)! - So how do we make car trips safe, stress-free, and maybe even fun for our four-legged companions? Here's some great tips from Kylie...

* Getting Started – Puppies & First Trips
Most puppies will get car sick the first few times they travel. Drooling, a little vomit—yep, it happens. But don’t stress! With repeated short trips, they usually adjust. Think of it as building up their “travel muscles.”

* Crates & Seatbelts – Safety First
Kylie recommends crate training from day one. A crate is not a punishment—it’s your pet’s own safe little den, perfect for car trips, sleeping, or when you’ve got visitors and need them settled.
• Smaller dogs: harness seatbelts or crates in the car
• Larger dogs: crates, or secure them in the back with a barrier
Remember, the law requires pets to be restrained in vehicles, and it’s for their safety as well as yours.

* Travel Prep – Empty Stomachs & Empty Bladders
One golden rule before a road trip? Don’t feed your dog just before you leave. A full tummy plus motion sickness equals a very unpleasant clean-up. Also, make sure your dog has had the chance to “empty out” before getting in the car—less stress for everyone.

* Helping Nervous Travellers
Some dogs never quite fall in love with car rides. For them, Kylie suggests slow and steady desensitisation:
• Start with short trips around the block
• Make the destination fun (a walk, a treat, or a play)
• Gradually extend the trip length
For pets that get genuinely distressed or motion sick, talk to your vet. Anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medication may help make the journey smoother.

* Same Rules for All Breeds
Whether you’ve got a toy poodle or a Great Dane, the essentials are the same: safety, comfort, and patience. Big or small, every dog deserves the same travel care.

* Final Thought
Travelling with pets can be incredibly rewarding. With a little preparation—crate training, safety checks, and gradual exposure—your pet can learn to love the journey as much as the destination.

So, pack the car, bring the treats, and hit the road with your best mate. Adventure awaits! 🐾🚗

27/03/2026

*** EVER SEEN YOUR DOG HAVE A NIGHTMARE? ***
Just like humans, dogs dream during sleep, and some of those dreams can be unpleasant or frightening.
So is there anything we can do about it??... Some good info thanks again to PetMD

As a pet parent, you may wonder, do dogs dream? What do dogs dream about? And, if they do dream, can dogs have nightmares? Our vet experts give all the answers for the question, do dogs have nightmares?

26/03/2026

*** HOW TRUE IS THIS!! ***
They love us just like we love them right?... But sometimes... well, we're pretty sure most dog or cat lovers can relate to this at some stage!!

Once again just a reminder that we are here for you 24/7 over the weekend should you need us. ARH Essendon Fields: (03)9379 0700 or check out our other locations across AU... www.arhvets.com.au

25/03/2026

*** TOO COLD FOR TICKS?.... NEVER! ***
One of the biggest misconceptions we see each year is that paralysis ticks disappear once summer ends. According to Nadia Chrighton from Pet Insurance Australia, "Data shows tick incidents continue through autumn and even into early winter, particularly when conditions remain mild and humid.”

Well worth reading this article and sharing with any friends who might not know!

Paralysis Tick Risk Continues Into Autumn as Pet Owners Drop Their Guard . Australia's Award Winning Pet Insurance. We care about your pets' health and well-being - Pet Insurance Australia