Interesting Animal Facts

Using dogs’ powerful sense of smell to detect people with Covid-19 could revolutionise how the disease is identified and tracked.  A German veterinary clinic who works with an armed forces school for service dogs, has trained sniffer dogs to detect COVID -19 with 94% accuracy.  The dogs are conditioned to scent out the “corona odour” that comes from cells in infected people. These sniffer dogs have been used in airports in Finland and Chile to detect the virus among flyers.  At the moment, a 3-year-old Belgian Shepherd and a 1-year-old Cocker Spaniel are two of the dogs being trained at Hanover University to detect COVID in human saliva.

A disabled duck in the UK who was struggling to get by on one leg is now enjoying a much-improved quality of life courtesy of some very kind owners who designed a custom-made wheelchair to help him move around more easily.

Stumble is a 12-year-old, white duck who lost one of his legs in a fishing line accident some years ago.  He now lives at a sanctuary for disabled animals where he has been for 6 years.  He has an endearing, affectionate personality in a little bird’s body.  He likes cuddles, watching TV and listening to the radio.

With holidays almost upon us, it is important to check if you will be travelling to a high-risk tick area and require tick prevention treatment.

The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is a dangerous parasite that affects both humans and pets along the east coast of Australia. In humans, it causes a severe local skin irritation. In pets it can cause paralysis, vomiting, breathing difficulty and death.

The Eastern paralysis tick are travelling to Melbourne by hitching a ride on pets, people or belongings that have visited these infested areas.  Ticks are known as “deadly, blood-sucking critters” which is an ideal description.  They like to live in bushy, native terrain and long grass. 

Does your pet have the Summer itch?

With the warmer weather, our pet’s coats are changing.  They may be shedding an incredible amount of hair, leaving their trail through the home and on the furniture. 

How would you like a Vax Blade Pet Pro Cordless Handstick Vacuum to make cleaning easier.

Clients that purchase anything from the Hills Prescription Skin food range, will go in the draw to win the Vax Handstick.

This range includes Hills Z/D, D/D and Derm Defence for dogs or cats in wet or dry foods.

This competition will run until Christmas Eve, with the winner announced on our Facebook page in January.