As we see the return of cold dark mornings and the overwhelming desire to hide under the doona, our thoughts turn to senior pets who may find the going a bit tougher during the winter months.

Older pets are more likely to struggle with illnesses that cause pain, anxiety and reduced quality of life and winter woes may exacerbate this. Examples include: Osteoarthritis (inflammation of the joints), dental disease, cancer and also degenerative conditions of the kidneys and heart.

Prahran Vet offers a fantastic Senior Wellness Plan that enables proactive identification and management of health problems in pets aged over eight. This June we'll be rewarding two new Seniors Club members with a year of FREE health care (incorporating two check-ups, blood and urine testing as well as an array of other benefits valued up to $250). To be in the running, simply make an appointment for your pet's "Senior Health Check".

Getting to the Heart of Senior Health - FREE cardiac testing in June!

Recent veterinary research has revealed just how vital it is to identify and treat canine heart disease earlier than previously thought necessary.

This research has important implications for ANY dog with a heart murmur and shows that earlier medical intervention can increase the quality of these pet's lives by vastly delaying the onset of symptoms. The problem for pet owners is that heart disease is a relatively silent killer in our dogs and cats, how do you know if your pet could benefit from cardiac treatment?

All senior pets visiting Prahran or South Yarra during Senior's Month this June are welcome to receive a FREE heart assessment. For dogs found to have a heart problem we will be offering FREE cardiac ultrasound to better evaluate their health. This is a fantastic initiative to help you do the best for your pet.

By combining the latest in veterinary research, being the most proactive in senior health and providing your pet with industry leading clinical care, we're doing all we can to make this a contented winter for our oldies. Call Prahran now to take advantage of these great offers. 95101335.

We're delighted to welcome renowned animal behaviourist Dr Kate Mornement to the team this month!

Dr Kate is a PhD qualified Applied Animal Behaviourist, media personality, educator, expert witness and freelance writer. She writes for various magazines and web-based publications and is regularly sought by media for her expert knowledge of animal behaviour.

Kate has had a life-long love of animals and passion for animal behaviour and welfare. She understands that pets are part of the family and that having a pet with a behavioural problem can be stressful and difficult.

Kate will be providing her behavioural expertise to pet lovers at South Yarra Veterinary Centre from May 24, she can help treat all manner of behavioural complaints in dogs, cats and parrots. Appointments are filling fast so don't miss out! Call South Yarra Veterinary Centre on 85666735 or contact reception@southyarravet.com.au

A new canine parvovirus in Australia. But don’t panic!

Researchers in Adelaide have recently reported the detection of a new type of canine parvovirus.

Although this virus is new to Australia, it has been present in many overseas countries since 2000, and is very closely related to parvoviruses that have been present in Australia for the past 40 years.

Experience from other countries that have this particular virus, as well as specific scientific studies, have shown that the current vaccines we use are effective in providing protection against this new type. Similarly, although concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of tests used to detect infection, studies have shown these too are effective for the new type.

So what do you need to do? If your dog is up-to-date with its vaccinations – nothing! Take your dog for a walk and enjoy Autumn in our beautiful parks.

However if your dog is unvaccinated, now is the time to schedule an appointment, as canine parvovirus, the old types and the new, can cause serious, and in many cases, fatal disease. Call 95101335 now.