Geelong, Torquay vet George Johnstone’s summer warning

A Geelong expert has revealed the common summer hazards that could see your pet wind up at the clinic, as vets gear up for a busy summer.

Vet at Apiam Animal Health's Fur Life Vet Clinic in Highton George Johnstone with Jack Russell Astro is predicting a spike of presentations this year as the first summer in years without any COVID restrictions. Picture: Brad Fleet

Local vets are warning pet owners to keep a close eye on their furry friends as they brace for a summer break increase in presentations.

George Johnstone, clinical lead vet at Apiam Animal Health’s Fur Life vet clinics in Torquay and Highton, said the clinics were predicting a spike this year.

“The beach is an exciting and curious place for a city dog and often that means ingesting things they shouldn’t,” he said.

“From puffer fish to fish hooks, we’ve seen it all.

“We unfortunately get a lot of dogs brought in who have been in fights.”

This sausage dog, pictured at Apiam Animal Health’s Fur Life Vet Clinic in Torquay, snagged a fish hook. Picture: Supplied

Some other common cases included tick paralysis from bush walking, heat stroke and sunburn, and even pancreatitis from eating too much fatty Christmas ham.

Dr Johnstone’s advice for pet owners was be prepared.

He said holiday-makers should make sure they knew where to go to get help if needed.

“Coastal towns like ours are bracing for an influx of holiday makers and with that unfortunately often comes an influx of presentations in our clinics,” he said.

“Nobody wants their relaxing holiday to be halted due to a pet being injured or ingesting something they shouldn’t have, so we ask holidayers to keep a close eye on their pets this summer break.”

Originally published as Geelong, Torquay vet George Johnstone’s summer warning