What's New at Kensington Vet Clinic

Sad Farewells at KVC

We are sad to announce that Dr Mandy, who has been with us for 9 years has chosen to leave the clinic to spend more time with her family. Mandy will be much missed by us all, including all our furry patients. We wish her all the best and hope everything goes well for her.

We also have to announce that Gretl, one of our clinic cats passed away on Boxing Day. She arrived here as a stray 18 months ago and warmed her way into our hearts very quickly. She was always high maintenance but always ready to give us all affection no matter what. She will be greatly missed.

New Arrivals

Dr Eleanor Street has joined us as a full time vet and we would like to welcome Dr Dianne Pakes who will be with us for Saturdays. Dianne has many years experience as a veterinarian and works hard to support her furry family, including a very cute Schnauzer puppy called Abbie.

Congratulations to Kathy who has passed her acupuncture exam. Please phone the clinic for an appointment if you are interested, or check out our website if you wish to know more about acupuncture in animals.

Clinic Specials

Those of you who have missed the Eukanuba range of dog and cat foods will be pleased to know they are now becoming available on the market again. Most of the range is back in stock, but please check with us first to make sure we can supply your needs.

Unfortunately the Hills range of pet foods will be in short supply over the next 3-8 weeks, so it may be worth stocking up on your needs. Again, it is worth checking with us first as there are some products we cannot get.

Purchase any 6 pack of Frontline and receive a free cat tent or dog water wallet.

Pet Care Facts

Mosquitoes Love Our Pets Too!

The current warm tropical weather is playing havoc with our pets also. Just as we are reaching for the mozzie repellent, our pets are also suffering from bites by the many mosquitoes lurking in our gardens. When they are itchy, dogs and cats can inflict huge damage to their own skin requiring expensive and prolonged veterinary treatment.


Human mosquito repellents are generally safe for use on dogs, when used sparingly, avoiding the face and eyes, but please check with your vet if concerned. We also stock pet safe repellants in the clinic.

Unfortunately mosquitoes don't just cause our pets to be itchy. They are the transmitter of heartworm, which causes disease of the heart and lungs and can ultimately kill. Heartworm is best "prevented rather than cured" as heartworm infections are often unnoticed until we see the signs of the damage it has done to the body.

Although much more prevalent in the northern states, heartworm can definitely survive down south, not just in dogs, but in the local fox population also.

The summer we have also seen a deadly outbreak of myxomatosis in our pet rabbit population. We have lost 5 bunnies so far to this deadly mosquito borne disease. Once they are infected there is no cure, and euthanasia is recommended to prevent a slow and painful death. To protect your rabbit, make sure they are inside at dawn and dusk when the mosquitos feed, and mosquito proof their hutch.

Also don't forget your flea control this year. Our current warm humid weather had lead to a flea population explosion!

Pets can pick up fleas from virtually anywhere. Once on your pet they can lay up to 50 eggs a day. These eggs are shed from your pet and into the home environment. It doesn't take long for a few fleas to become hundreds, even thousands. Worst of all, the adult fleas you see are just the tip of the iceberg. Adult fleas on your pet represent just 5% of the entire flea problem. The other 95% are tiny eggs, larvae and
pupae in your home environment. For every flea you see there could be hundreds lurking in your carpet, between floorboards, on your furniture and even on your bed.

Finally, if you are heading to Southern and Eastern Victoria don't forget the potentially deadly threat of paralysis ticks, which have also had a population explosion this summer.

So check with us for the flea and heartworm preventions that is most suitable for your pets and apply it strictly according to product recommendations. There are many products available including tablets, chews and spot ons and it can be confusing trying to decide what is right for you. We can also give you the best advice on how to avoid paralysis ticks.

Most importantly. ALWAYS read the instructions before applying any flea treatment as some over the counter flea products that are safe for dogs can be deadly when used on cats.