By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator WITH the school year back in full swing, routines are settling in and households are finding their rhythm again. It’s also a great reminder that learning doesn’t just apply to kids — puppies benefit enormously from early education too. Those first few months of a puppy’s life […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator THE start of a new year is a natural time to reflect and reset. Many of us set goals for ourselves, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to think about our pets—who are very much part of our families. Including your pet in your New Year’s resolutions […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator EACH year as Christmas approaches, the excitement of gift-giving fills the air. Among the most heart-warming presents we imagine are wagging tails, tiny paws, and the joy of bringing home a new puppy. But behind the festive glow lies an important message that deserves to be repeated […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator WHEN your pet isn’t acting quite like themselves — whether they’re unwell or simply showing subtle changes — your veterinarian’s priority is to uncover the cause quickly and with confidence. Because our furry family members can’t explain what they’re feeling, diagnostic tests like bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasound […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator AS the warm weather returns, so too do the snakes across the Penrith region — and with them, the risks they pose to our curious pets. Each year, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital treats an increasing number of pets who have had dangerous encounters with snakes. These cases […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator HALLOWEEN is a time for fun, costumes, and sweet treats—but for our pets, it can also be confusing, frightening, and even dangerous. While we enjoy the spooky celebrations, it’s important to remember that our furry family members experience the night very differently. With a few simple precautions, […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator AS the warm weather rolls in and temperatures begin to soar, it’s not just people feeling the heat — our pets often struggle with it well before we do. Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds are especially sensitive to rising temperatures, and without the ability to […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator WHEN four-year-old Ollie arrived at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, his family knew something was terribly wrong. Normally an affectionate cat who never missed the chance for a pat or his dinner, Ollie was suddenly lethargic, refusing food, and reluctant to move. When his owner picked him up, […]

RECENT reports from pest control operators suggest a noticeable increase in mouse activity across parts of Sydney, including areas close to home. Urban development, unpredictable weather patterns, and easily accessible food sources all contribute to this surge. As a result, many households are reaching for rat and mouse baits to manage infestations—but these products pose […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator RECENT heavy rainfall and the ongoing rise in rodent numbers have again placed Sydney dogs at greater risk of Leptospirosis, a dangerous bacterial disease. Local veterinarians are reminding pet owners to make sure their dogs are up to date with vaccinations to help prevent this potentially fatal […]