May at Middle Brighton Vet

Autumn is well underway and we are heading into one of the busiest periods of the year for pet health concerns. Here is what to keep in mind for your pets this May.

Grass seeds

Late summer and autumn is peak grass seed season in Melbourne. Grass seeds - particularly barley grass and similar species - have a barbed tip designed to work through fur and skin. Once embedded, they migrate through tissue and can end up almost anywhere in the body, causing pain, infection, and in serious cases, abscess formation in the chest or abdomen.

Check between your dog's toes, in the ear canals, around the eyes, and under the armpits after every walk through long grass. If you see a seed or notice sudden lameness, head shaking, squinting, or a small swelling that is not resolving, come in.

Seasonal allergies

Autumn brings its own pollen load, and we often see a second flare of allergic skin disease in March through May following the spring peak. If your dog's itching has returned or worsened, it is worth addressing rather than waiting for it to settle.

Annual vaccinations

If your pet's annual vaccination is due this month, do not put it off. Core vaccinations protect against diseases that remain present in the community year-round. Call us or use the Paws App to book.

Get in touch

We are at 762 Hampton Street, Brighton, on (03) 9592 9811. We look forward to seeing you and your pets this autumn.