Animal Referral Hospital - Essendon

06/11/2025

*** IT'S FRIDAY... ENJOY! 🙂 ***
Well here at ARH Essendon Fields we hope you and your furry four-legged buddy have a happy Friday whether 'going for a walk' or not 🙂
Of course if you need us just call (03)9379 0700 or for any other location go to https://www.emergencyvet.com.au/

05/11/2025

*** OWOOOOO!.... SO WHY DO THEY DO IT? ***
Got a dog that 'howls'. Depending on your location that might be ok, but if in a close-knit suburban community it might not be so good for the neighbours!!
So why do they howl at sirens etc and is there a way to help 'quieten them' nicely :-)

Ever wonder why dogs love howling at sirens? Our vet expert shares why dogs exhibit this behavior towards this specific noise.

04/11/2025

*** ALLERGIES... WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & WHAT CAUSES THEM? ***
Cats and dogs are exposed to many different elements and environments. These might not look harmful to the human eye, but for your pet it can be an allergy trigger. Just like people, your pet can also suffer from cat or dog allergies.

This might be news to you or you might have known this for a while, but have you ever actually researched the symptoms or the causes of pet allergies? Your cat or dog might be suffering from an allergy and you might not even realise it.

How can we help them beat these allergies? Educating yourself is the best way to keep an eye on your pet to know when something is wrong.

In the world we live in today, cats and dogs are exposed to many different elements and environments. For your pet it can be an allergy trigger.

03/11/2025

*** WE'RE OPEN 24/7 MELBOURNE CUP DAY! ***.. in fact we're open EVERY day 24/7
Here in Melbourne we all love our public holidays... but who's open if we have an emergency with our pets? WE ARE!... here at ARH-Essendon Fields.
We hope you don't need us but if you do we're here 24/7 so just call us on (03)9379 0700

02/11/2025

*** LOVE LAVENDER? ... WHAT ABOUT YOUR PETS! ***
We know some dogs (& cats) LOVE all kinds of smells around the home, but is it ok for them to smell or even 'get involved' with them even if they just take a little bite!?

Do you grow lavender at home? Do your dogs or cats love its fragrant smell? Our 'old boy' Cosmo - (Min. Poodle sadly no longer with us) would often spend literally hours rolling in or brushing up against

01/11/2025

*** DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT YOUR CAT IS EATING? ***
Many common household foods, including chocolate and onions, are dangerous for cats and can lead to expensive emergency vet bills.
Non-food items, such as rat bait and human medications, also pose a significant ingestion risk for cats, especially kittens.

Some good info in this article thanks to Pet Ins. AU

Discover common toxic foods and household items cats shouldn’t eat, and learn how to protect your feline from dangerous ingestions.

31/10/2025

*** GOT A GROWLY CRANKY DOG? ***
We’ve all heard it—that low, rumbling growl from our dog that makes us stop in our tracks. For many pet parents, the first reaction is, “Uh oh, that’s bad behaviour. I’d better tell them off.”

But here’s the thing: growling isn’t naughty at all. In fact, it’s one of the most important ways our dogs talk to us.

A growl is your dog’s way of saying, “I’m not comfortable right now. Please give me a little space.” It’s their polite warning before things get serious. Imagine if you were upset about something but someone told you to keep quiet—you’d probably get more frustrated.

That’s exactly how dogs feel if we punish them for growling. They may stop warning us altogether, and the next time they feel scared or cornered, they might skip straight to a snap or a bite.

The experts over at Psychology Today explain it beautifully: punishing a growl doesn’t solve the problem, it just hides it. Instead, we need to listen and figure out what our dog is trying to say. Sometimes the growl is playful—like during a tug-of-war game. Other times, it might mean they’re nervous, guarding a toy, or even feeling a bit sore.

So what’s the best response when your dog growls? Stay calm, give them space, and try to understand what’s bothering them. Is it that you reached for their food bowl? Maybe they’re not a fan of being touched on a certain spot.

Once you know the trigger, you can work gently on helping them feel more comfortable—often with the help of treats, patience, and positive training.

At the end of the day, a growl is your dog’s voice. It’s not something to fear or punish, but something to appreciate. By listening to it, you’re showing your dog that you respect their feelings, and that builds a stronger, safer, and more trusting bond between you both.

Ref: Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fellow-creatures/202508/why-you-should-never-punish-your-dog-for-growling

30/10/2025

*** HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR ALL PETS! ***
Even if you don't get involved in Halloween, we all need to make sure to keep our pets safe this Halloween.

Basically we need to keep them indoors and secure, ensure they can't access toxic chocolate or lollies, and watch out for dangerous decorations and electrical cords. Create a calm, safe space for them, limit their exposure to costumes and trick-or-treaters, and make sure their ID tags and microchip details are up to date. Basic tips below...

+ Keep them inside:
Ensure your pet stays indoors and away from the door during trick-or-treating to prevent them from getting scared and running away.

Create a safe space: Set up a quiet, comfortable room or area for your pet where they can feel secure and be away from the noise and activity.

+ Double-check ID:
Make sure your pet's ID tag is on their collar and their microchip information is current in case they do get out.

Keep them away from hazards...

+ Secure all lollies:
Keep all Halloween treats, especially chocolate, well out of your pet's reach, as they can be toxic to animals.

+ Watch decorations:
Keep decorations like candles, glow sticks, and electrical wires out of your pet's reach. They can chew through them or cause fires.

+ Limit trick-or-treater exposure:
Keep your pet inside while trick-or-treaters are around to avoid stressing them out.
Provide distractions: If your pet is anxious, play some calming music or have a favourite toy on hand to help distract them from the noise.

+ Walk them earlier:
Try to get in an early walk before it gets dark to avoid encountering costumed strangers who might scare them.

As always if you have any pet safety concerns we are here for you 24/7 - just call ARH Essendon Fields - (03) 9379 0700

29/10/2025

*** HIDDEN HALLOWEEN TREAT DANGER TO DOGS!
Tomorrow, Friday October 31st is officially Halloween, but there are plenty of things to be aware of to keep your pets safe!....

So if you are one of the many parents choosing to shun sugar and instead buy artificially sweetened lollies for Halloween this year then be warned, while some of these, so-called healthier treats are touted as being better for your kids teeth and waistlines…you could also be putting your 4-legged fur-kids at serious risk.

(Scroll down for ARH's Top 4 Halloween Safety Tips)

Our ARH Internal Medicine team have told us they're seeing a definite increase in the number of pets, dogs in particular, who’ve scoffed xylitol sweetened chewing gum or lollies and come dangerously close to complete liver failure.

The problem is that xylitol causes the release of insulin from the pet’s pancreas leading to dangerously low blood sugars and if not treated, the result can be catastrophic. It can also lead to acute liver damage.

In the past, xylitol was rarely used in Australia but now it can be found in scores of products as it doesn’t cause blood spikes in human diabetics nor does it cause dental cavities, in fact, dentists believe it does the opposite to sugar and can actually improve oral health in humans.

But just as we can eat chocolate and our pets can’t, our pet’s metabolism doesn’t cope with xylitol.

Apparently in dogs, and possibly in cats as well, the toxic effects of xylitol sweetened products can sometimes be seen in as little as 30 minutes.

Initial signs can be subtle, such as lethargy, staggering or lack of response which often rapidly escalates to vomiting and some will seizure if the glucose becomes low enough.

The most important thing is if you think your pet has eaten something containing xylitol, get to your vet asap.

So which products in Australia contain xylitol?
Here’s some of the more common ones:
BACH FLOWER gum and pastilles
EPIC – Chewing gum and mints
WRIGLEYS:
EXTRA White Lemon Lime (previously known as EXTRA Professional White Lemon Lime)
FIVE Electro and Tempest
MENTOS – pure gum, sugar-free gum
BIOTENE– dry mouth rinse, spray and gel
GRANTS OF AUSTRALIA – Natural toothpastes
METAGENICS – vitamins (10 varieties)
WEBBER NATURALS - Vitamins

Some peanut butter products in USA frequently contain xylitol. At this point, our research indicates Australian peanut butters do not use xylitol – but always check before using.

ANIMAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL'S TOP 4 TIPS - HALLOWEEN 2025
1 - Check the ingredient list of all treats for xylitol, either ones you plan to give out, or those that arrive home with your ‘little monsters’ and if found, throw out, or place out of your dog’s reach.

2 - Ideally feed and then secure your pet in a secure room inside your house to avoid any accidental escapes by scared pooches or kitties.

3 - If you’re planning to include your pet in ‘trick or treating’, trial their costume ahead of Halloween to ensure they’re comfortable wearing it, and again, feed beforehand and politely decline all offers of doggy treats.

4 - Keep the chocolate for yourself - organise healthy treats for your pets!

If you have any pet safety concerns please call your local Vet or
ARH Essendon Fields: (03) 9379 0700

28/10/2025

*** DO DOGS REALLY LIKE US HUGGING THEM? ***
We’ve all done it. Your dog looks irresistibly cute, and before you know it, you’re wrapping your arms around them in a big human-style hug.

But here’s the million-dollar question: do dogs actually like being hugged, or are we just projecting our own love language onto them?

Longtime Aussie Animal Trainer Steve Austin say's dogs absolutely love us—but not necessarily in the same way we love each other. As Steve says, dogs live “for the now.” If you’re throwing a ball, letting them chase rabbits, or taking them for a swim, they’re over the moon. But that doesn’t mean their idea of love is identical to ours.

+ Hugging: Cute or Confining?
Here’s the tricky part: dogs are wired with a “fight or flight” response. When you wrap your arms around them, you’re removing their ability to escape. That can make some dogs feel stressed or trapped. In fact, research by canine expert Stanley Coren shows that hugging can raise a dog’s anxiety levels.

That doesn’t mean you should never show affection—just that stroking, patting, or gentle scratching may be more relaxing for them than a bear hug. Steve even finds that a firm stroke down a nervous dog’s body can mimic the calming reassurance they once got from their mum as pups.

+ But What About Dogs That Hug Us?
Now, flip the script. Some dogs absolutely do hug us—like the spoodle who throws her little arms around her family’s necks. Is that love? Yes… but it’s also smart strategy.

Dogs are master manipulators (in the best way). If they discover that a “hug” gets them pats, praise, or belly rubs from certain family members, they’ll keep doing it. With others who ignore it? They don’t bother.

It’s not breed-specific either. Whether it’s a tiny spoodle or a big pit bull, dogs are individuals. Some love leaning in close, others prefer a bit more space.

So… Should You Hug Your Dog?

If your dog leans in and enjoys it, great—go ahead.
If they stiffen, look away, or try to wriggle out, take the hint.
Show your love with pats, scratches, play, or just sitting together.

At the end of the day, dogs love us in their own unique way. The real trick is listening to what they are telling us—sometimes with a wag, sometimes with a wiggle, and occasionally, yes, with a hug.

27/10/2025

*** CAN ANIMALS ACTUALLY "READ" OUR MINDS? ***
It’s a question many pet owners quietly wonder about: does my dog know what I’m thinking? Can my cat sense when I’m upset before I’ve even said a word? And, more intriguingly, is it possible for us to communicate with animals using just our thoughts?

While science hasn’t proven that animals can literally “read” our minds, there’s no doubt they are highly attuned to us in ways we often overlook. Dogs, for instance, have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, learning to pick up on even the smallest changes in our body language, tone of voice, and even scent.

Cats, horses, and birds also display an uncanny ability to notice things we might not realise we’re projecting.

Research shows that animals can detect subtle cues such as changes in heart rate, muscle tension, or even hormone shifts that happen when we’re stressed, happy, or frightened. To us, these are invisible signals—but to a dog’s nose or a cat’s sharp observation, they might as well be glowing neon signs. This often feels like mind-reading.

+ Telepathic Communication or Just Great Observation?
Some animal lovers and communicators believe that pets and wildlife can pick up on our thoughts directly—a form of telepathy. Stories abound of dogs knowing their owner is on their way home long before the car pulls into the driveway, or horses responding to their rider’s intention before any physical signal is given.

Skeptics argue this isn’t mind-reading at all, but a combination of routine, subtle cues, and keen senses. For example, a dog may hear a familiar car engine several streets away, or notice patterns in daily life that tell them what’s about to happen.

+ Can We Communicate Back?
Even if we can’t beam our thoughts into an animal’s mind like a sci-fi movie, many pet owners swear by the power of intention. Calmly picturing what you want your pet to do, combined with consistent body language and energy, can sometimes lead to surprising results. For example, horse trainers often say that focusing mentally on the direction they want to move helps the horse respond, even before reins or legs give a signal.

Whether this is true telepathy or just ultra-subtle communication, the outcome is the same: animals respond to the way we feel as much as to what we say.

+ The Bond Beyond Words
At the end of the day, the science may not fully back the idea of thought-to-thought communication, but the experiences of countless pet owners can’t be dismissed. Our relationships with animals often feel deeper than words, and perhaps that’s what matters most.

So, can animals read our minds? Maybe not in the way we imagine—but they certainly understand us in ways that go beyond language. And if we pay closer attention, we might just find that “listening back” is possible too.

We'd love your thoughts - Do you think your pets can actually read your mind?? :-)

26/10/2025

*** GOT A 'HISSY-KITTY'? WHY DO THEY DO IT? ***
Cats hiss at each other and at people when they feel threatened. While hissing is a normal part of cat behaviour, it’s a good idea to determine the cause so you can give your cat space and make changes to their environment if they’re scared or stressed.

You should also always investigate excessive cat hissing with your own Vet to make sure it’s not your cat’s way of telling you they’re in pain or that something else is wrong.

Cat hissing happens for many different reasons. Learn why cats hiss and what to do if your cat hisses.