By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator WITH the recent rains, we begin to see an increase in the number of pets ingesting wild mushrooms. Australia and New Zealand are home to over 10,000 mushroom species and whilst only a small percentage of these are known to be poisonous, all mushroom ingestions should be […]

THE New Year is the perfect time for setting goals and starting afresh. And whilst setting goals for ourselves such as losing weight, getting more exercise or eating less are all worthy ambitions, our pets are often overlooked in our New Year resolutions. And with the love and joy that they bring us every day, […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator WITH Christmas fast approaching, we would like you and your pets to enjoy the holiday season. Unfortunately, there are hidden dangers. Christmas food, people, parties and changes in routine. You may not be able to supervise your pet as much as usual and at this time of […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator Due to complicated supply problems post-COVID, there is currently a shortage of feline vaccines in Australia, and this is expected to continue until early 2024. This has already had a major impact on shelters, with some having to close their doors to new cat and kitten admissions. […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator SPRING is the time of year when many of us attend to our gardens and get out the weed sprays and snail baits. But be aware that while these products may save your garden, they may harm (or even kill) your pet, even if they are labelled […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator Warmer weather awakens our native snakes as they seek out water and a food source. Over the past few weeks, we have seen a significant increase in the number of pets attending the hospital after ‘playing’ with a snake.  Snakes are generally timid creatures and stay away […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator AS we prepare our get-togethers to celebrate the Panthers in the NRL grand final this weekend, it is important to remember your pets that may be hiding under the table waiting for the food and snacks to drop.  While party food is appropriate for people, that doesn’t […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator SINCE January 2023, the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital have joined forces with the RSPCA Outreach team and travelled across various regions of New South Wales. A joint collaboration between RSPCA NSW, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, Vets beyond Borders, Animal Rescue Cooperative, Petbarn Foundation and various […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator SURROUNDED by open spaces, friendly owners and lots of wagging tails, dog parks are growing in popularity in suburbs across Penrith. However, sharing a public space with unfamiliar dogs and owners comes with its risks. Dog owners are responsible for ensuring that dog parks remain a safe […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator LIKE toddlers, pets have a tendency to chew anything they can get into their mouths. This becomes a serious and potentially life-threatening problem if the objects are swallowed. We have seen various ‘foreign bodies’ ingested by pets which include toys, clothing, mango seeds, rocks and socks! Recently, […]