By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator RABBIT owners across Greater Sydney and the Central Coast are being urged to prepare ahead of the NSW Government’s planned release of the RHDV1-K5 calicivirus strain in early March 2026. While this initiative aims to control wild rabbit populations and safeguard agriculture and native bushland, it also […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator FOR many Australians, dogs are more than pets — they are family. From loyal companions curled up at our feet to energetic puppies racing across the backyard, dogs bring joy, comfort and connection to our lives. But behind the scenes, not all dogs have the same story. […]

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, […]