A Message from Duncan - Merry Christmas & Cat Vaccine Notice
A Message from Duncan
Hello and the best of the festive season to all our wonderful clients and their superb pets!
2023 seems to be closing rapidly (mainly due to one and all being kept so busy) and so we find ourselves only 2 days away from Christmas. Can you believe it! I wish all our clients a well-deserved, restful, relaxing and enjoyable time. Thank you all for your support throughout the year.
For anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one this year, including our beloved pets, please know we are thinking of you and wish you well. Some of you have faced significant challenges in 2023 and we’d like to acknowledge the difficulty you’ve experienced. Please know we are sending a particularly warm “Merry Christmas” to those that have experienced grief and large amounts of stress this year. We will continue to support you through and beyond your pet's life.
It’s also time to say a final, massive thank you to Judy Chapman who has been our incredible receptionist for 26 years. Judy is such a special person and so deserving of happiness and good health. On behalf of our staff and clients, we wish her the very best for her retirement in Newcastle. She will be joining her children Melissa and Nathan and her daughter-in-law Hannah. In exciting news, a grandchild will be joining them soon too! The baby is due early in the New Year. All this to say, Judy has been a monumental work colleague and for over 2 ½ decades, she has adapted to all the changes thrown at her and never let me down. Well done and Happy Retirement Judy!
As 2023 wraps up, I’d also like to take this opportunity to keep you in the loop about the impacts of COVID on our current pet vaccine supplies. The worst of COVID is another year behind us, but the runoff effects of the epidemic mean we are unable to purchase more cat vaccines until March 2024. We still have a great supply of dog vaccines including the PC3 Parvo Virus vaccine.
If your cat isn’t covered in the meantime, here are some ways we can minimise the risk of cat virus exposure and reduce any concern for your pet.
Keep all cats indoors away from stray cats – please note: a small percentage of cats can be totally stressed if housed indoors constantly, so an outside run or poultry pen can provide some time outdoors without the risk of coming in contact with other feline visitors.
Ensure your cat has a good diet, including all the essential vitamins, amino acids and fats – examples include Lysine, an amino acid which specifically strengthens immunity against the cat flu feline herpes virus. Other Feline foods like Royal Canin Calm Dry cat food also have additives to minimise anxious behaviour and the impacts of social or environmental stress.
A Feliway diffuser inside the house can be helpful – these release a powerful pheromone that can enhance the feeling of well-being which helps to strengthen immunity.
If you’re heading away this holiday season consider having someone else care for it, rather than boarding kennels.
We’ve been told by our wholesalers that the cat vaccines will most likely be available in March 2024. If you schedule an annual health examination for your cat before then, the initial check-up and then the revisit for the vaccine (when they are available) will both be half price.
We can still perform a thorough, clinical examination and advise on any health matters, then invite you back when vaccines are available.
For any questions or concerns please contact our friendly staff on 6884 9900 or via email at reception@dmvs.com.au. We can work out a personalised health care plan for your cats to ensure maximum health and minimal risk.
I hope everyone has a positive run into the New Year.
Our opening hours over the holidays
Clinic closed from Saturday 23rd 1pm and reopening on Wednesday 27th 8.30am
Open as normal on Wednesday 27th, Thursday 28th, Friday 29
Saturday 30th open 9am-1pm
Closed from Saturday 30th 1pm - Tuesday 2nd 8.30am
Orana vets are on call when DMVS is closed. All after hours calls will be answered by Vetcheck 24/7 who are experienced in veterinary illnesses & emergencies. Please listen to their advice in regards to your pet.
After hours number: 6884 9900
Best wishes as always,
Duncan and DMVS Staff