Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

Looking after your new pet

  • Written by News Feature Team


When Toby first joined our family, he was a timid little puppy.

A beagle-cross rescue dog from the pound, he was shy, easily frightened by loud noises and rather obsessed with food. As time went on, his confidence grew and he became much loved member of the family.

His affectionate nature seemed like a display of gratitude for taking him into our home and away from the scary place we found him.

Friends had warned us about the growing cost of veterinary bills, and recommended we take out Pet Insurance, which we did cautiously - we knew vet treatment could be expensive, but we didn’t know that some people spend more on their pet’s healthcare than their own.

We knew Toby always had a good nose for food and all the other strange things dogs find attractive - but nothing had prepared any of us for what made him sick one day.

We arrived home from work to find that our little dog was not the happy little guy that usually greeted us at the end of the day - something was clearly wrong.

He was reluctant to walk or move too much, besides shaking and looking very much out of character. A quick inspection of the house showed that Toby had found his way into the kitchen cupboard, and discovered a box of sultanas, which he had mostly eaten.

As it turns out, sultanas - and grapes generally - are highly toxic to dogs, which made Toby’s inquisitive search for food life-threatening.  If dogs eat grapes - fresh or dried (like sultanas or raisins) it can cause acute renal failure and death.

We phoned our vet, and at their insistence, rushed our beloved pet to the surgery. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to induce vomiting, until the vet explained that the treatment for potential grape poisoning was a series of intravenous fluid therapies, and that Toby would need to spend the night, and the following day or two, being treated.

The vet warned us that this treatment would be quite expensive, but thanks to our Pet Insurance plan, there was little discussion required - we didn’t have to think too hard about whether or not to give Toby potentially life-saving treatment. Fortunately, our insurance covered most of the veterinary bills for the treatment of Toby’s life-threatening act of mischief.

Even more fortunately, after over 24 hours hooked up to an intravenous drip in the pet hospital, the vert announced that Toby was going to be ok, that his kidneys were functioning.

My partner and I were incredibly grateful that we had invested in Pet Insurance, because it meant that we were able to treat our dog without financial considerations complicating matters.

There are a range of insurance options available pet owners, and iSelect can help you find the best value for money in a plan that is right for you and your pet.

Brisbane Road Accident Lawyers and Bus Accident Compensation

Navigating the aftermath of a road accident in Brisbane, especially one involving a bus, can be a daunting experience. Whether you’re a passenger...

Freezer Room Hire in Perth: The Ultimate Solution for Reliable Cold Storage

Ever found yourself in a cold storage crisis and wondering how to save your perishables before they go bad?   Well, this isn't something new. Pe...

Why Exterior Window Cleaning Is More Than Just Aesthetic

Most people see window cleaning as a finishing touch. Something you do before guests come over or when the smudges finally start to annoy you. It is...

How Duct Inspections Can Save You Money Long-Term

Ever noticed your energy bill creeping up without changing your habits? It is more common than you might think, especially in Melbourne homes where ...

Designing Secure Content APIs in Headless CMS Environments

APIs are what enable content to be delivered from a headless CMS to anywhere digital content can exist from websites and apps to IoT and more. Yet whi...

How to Choose the Right First Aid Kit for Your Workplace

Ever walked past your workplace first aid kit and wondered if that dusty box actually contains what you'd need in a real emergency? We know that fee...

The Role of Mining Equipment Suppliers in the Industry

Mining is one of the most essential industries, driving the global economy by providing raw materials for manufacturing, energy production, and infr...

From White Belt To Warrior: How To Train Your Body For BJJ Endurance

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is as much a mental chess match as it is a physical grind. Whether you’re new to the mats or prepping for high-level com...

Driving After Brain Injury: Common Challenges and How To Overcome Them.

Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can drastically influence a person's ability to drive safely. For many, driving represents independence, bu...

The Psychology of Stepping Up: Why We Avoid Helping—and How to Fix That

Most of us like to think of ourselves as kind, helpful people. We imagine that if someone needed assistance—especially in an emergency—we’d st...

Cross-Continental Collaboration: Nutifood and Viplus Dairy to Create Australian- Standard Premium Dairy Brand

Vietnam’s Nutifood has officially entered a strategic partnership with ViPlus Dairy, a heritage-rich dairy manufacturer with over 130 years of ex...

Commercial Plastering Can Boost Your Business Appeal

In business, appearances matter. The way your space looks sets the tone for how clients, customers, and even your staff perceive your brand. A well-...

How to Transfer Registration When You Buy a Used Car in Brisbane

Purchasing a second-hand car can be a thrilling experience, but there's more to it than simply handing over the cash and driving off. One very impor...

Expert Tips for Comparing Budget Movers and Energy Providers For a Modern Apartment

Starting a new life in a modern apartment can be a challenging yet exciting step. While moving into a modern apartment, people always need reliable ...

Slowing Down in Nature: My Experience on Orchid Classic Cruise in Lan Ha Bay

Why Orchid Classic is a Top Choice for Lan Ha Bay Lan Ha Bay, a hidden gem adjacent to the more famous Ha Long Bay, offers travelers a quieter and ...

Your Next Travel Essential? Why Aussies Love Lightweight Electric Wheelchairs

Planning for a trip or just getting around town? A lightweight electric wheelchair could be your perfect travel mate. Whether it’s a stroll throug...

Australian Study Woes – What is a Confirmation of Enrolment?

Recent changes to Australian study visas are altering the landscape for international students who want to learn and work on our shores.  To secur...

Metal lockers vs. wooden lockers: which is better?

Lockers—the ultimate background hero of the workplace. They might not have the flashiness of that overpriced espresso machine in the break room, b...

LIFE STYLE

Driving After Brain Injury: Common Challenges and How To Overcome Them.

Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can drastically influence a person's ability to drive safely. For many, driving represents independence, but cognitive impairments, physical challenges, and behavioural changes can make...

The Psychology of Stepping Up: Why We Avoid Helping—and How to Fix That

Most of us like to think of ourselves as kind, helpful people. We imagine that if someone needed assistance—especially in an emergency—we’d step in without hesitation. But psychology tells a...

How to Transfer Registration When You Buy a Used Car in Brisbane

Purchasing a second-hand car can be a thrilling experience, but there's more to it than simply handing over the cash and driving off. One very important part of the process...

Expert Tips for Comparing Budget Movers and Energy Providers For a Modern Apartment

Starting a new life in a modern apartment can be a challenging yet exciting step. While moving into a modern apartment, people always need reliable movers and affordable energy providers...

Metal lockers vs. wooden lockers: which is better?

Lockers—the ultimate background hero of the workplace. They might not have the flashiness of that overpriced espresso machine in the break room, but trust me, picking the right one can...

How Much Does a Skip Bin Cost? Skip Bin Prices, Sizes & What Influences the Price

Regardless of whether you're renovating a house. You are tidying up your backyard, or running a construction site. Chances are you'll require a skip bin. However, before you proceed and...