Great Tails and News Blog

'Great Tails' and What's News in our Blog

Come along and follow our 'Great Tails', stories of interesting, sometimes funny, sometimes sad and sometimes educational cases of your fantastic animals and their hoomans.

In the Great Tails and Blog you'll also find What's News, stories and articles of what's happening in the larger world of animal health and well-being.  So you've a new pet - find out something new here.  Want to know what's happening seasonally - watch out for seasonal blog posts. 

We're open for suggestions, so if you have news or a story worth telling, send us a line via our Contact Page.

Dr Keith says “Most of all — enjoy your pets and living in the Highlands!”

Easter: The Dangers that your Dog or Cat May Face including Chocolate Toxicity   Mittagong Veterinary Hosppital   8/04/2025 Easter Poisoning in Pets - blog 2025   It’s “the reason for the season” according to Beagles, Labradors & Spaniels… FOOD! Easter in Australia means celebrating with delicious foods; chocolates bunn... Read More..

Arthritis in Dogs (2025)   Mittagong Veterinary Hospital   31/03/2025 ARTHRITIS IN DOGS What is arthritis? Osteoarthritis (arthritis) is a chronic degenerative inflammatory disorder which causes damage to cartilage of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is characte... Read More..

Why is my dog so itchy?   Dr Keith   14/02/2025 Atopy and Allergies in dogs Spring sets in motion an onset of itchiness in dogs, especially for whom itchy skin conditions can cause great distress and discomfort. The cause of itchy skin (pruritis) ... Read More..

Mushroom Poisoning in Pets   Mittagong Veterinary Hospital   10/02/2025 Dogs are curious & may scavenge in their yard, especially puppies. Likewise, some cats may eat things in the yard, including mushrooms. Inspect yards often, removing any mushrooms. Wild mushrooms grow... Read More..

Forever Home Needed for 2 Abandoned Cats: Mother and Child Re-union!   MVH   11/12/2024 You may be aware of two abandoned cats at #MittagongVet?  Last Saturday afternoon, dumped at our vet hospital were a young female cat & her 5-6 week old male kitten. Many have contacted our vet hospi... Read More..

What's the deal with Microchipping in NSW?   Mittagong Vtereinary Hospital   11/12/2024 Why microchip my pet? 1. It’s the law.  Microchipping is a legal requirement for all pets in NSW. If you don’t have a microchip in your pet, you may be fined by the local council & they can charge y... Read More..

Paralysis Ticks - Southern Highlands and Beyond::2024 Update   Dr Keith   18/11/2024 Paralysis Ticks - Southern Highlands and Beyond Did you know that parasitic ticks are their most toxic at the start of the 'season' - being the beginning of Spring?  (Late August to early September).... Read More..

Thriving Pets Wellness Program   Mittagong Vet Hospital & Clinic Team   5/11/2024 Some Great News - join the 'Thriving Pets'  wellness plan and receive the following annual benefits. Stop paying expensive insurance - rather get some great rebates with Thriving Pets (https://thrivin... Read More..

Health Alert: Avian Influenza   KMS   5/07/2024 Last month, Avian influenza (H7N8) was detected in a number of birds at three Sydney poultry farms. The H7N8 strain has also been found in two commercial farms in Canberra (ACT) in June. A quarantine... Read More..

“Oxytocin in your pets – let it flow, it flows back to you!”   MMS   28/06/2024 Whilst it’s important to get the right nutrition, exercise & have your medical needs properly met, a good dose of oxytocin is also vital for health. But where do you get that? Oxytocin is a natural h... Read More..

Leptospirosis Update March 2024   Dr Keith   4/04/2024 Leptospirosis February 2023 and March 2024 Update. Breaking News: There has been a diagnosed case of Leptopsirosis at a local veterinary hospital in the southern highlands.  Currently, (4/4/2024) th... Read More..

Out with the old - in with the New     26/03/2024 Read More..

Beware: Kennel Cough is About!   Dr Keith   27/10/2023 What Is Kennel Cough? Kennel Cough is the common name for Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD),  also called infectious tracheobronchitis or Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI). It is a ... Read More..

Moving House with Your Cat.   Dr Keith   22/03/2023 MOVING HOUSE WITH AN OLDER CAT: A change in environment can be very stressful for cats. Older cats especially can experience great emotional and mental strain unavoidable during times of great change... Read More..

International Woman's Day 2023. Honor to Women of Veterinary Science     8/03/2023 March 8th 2023 is #InternationalWomensDay! A globally recognized day celebrating the social, economic, cultural & political achievements of women. The Australian Veterinary profession can certainly si... Read More..

Breast Cancer In Dogs.   Dr Keith   22/02/2023 Breast Cancer in Dogs. Did you know that dogs also develop Breast Cancer? The risk of developing breast cancer is present in all dogs, but much higher in female dogs that are intact (unspayed) tha... Read More..

Holiday Hours Christmas-New Year 2022     16/12/2022 To our dear valued clients & their pets, friends & community, We wish you a very Merry Christmas & a safe & healthy New Year! Our Christmas & New Years Hospital Opening Hours are as follows; - Our ... Read More..

Storm Phobia in Dogs!   Dr Keith   6/12/2022 Storm phobia in dogs Is your dog anxious and distressed during a storm? They might experience storm phobia, a very common anxiety condition in dogs. It’s very upsetting to see storm phobia in an ot... Read More..

Become a Member of Royal Canin's Animal First Rewards Club Now!   KMS   20/10/2022 Valued clients of Mittagong Vet Hospital, are invited to become a member of the Royal Canin ‘Vet Clinic Animal First’ Rewards Club. The ‘Vet Clinic Animal First’ Club loyalty program is simply a rewa... Read More..

Leptospirosis 2022: A Potentially Fatal Dog Disease! UPDATED OCT 2022   Dr Keith McKellar Stewart   22/06/2022 Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease, which can affect many different species, including dogs and humans. The bacteria responsible are spread in the urine of infected animals, with the types of leptos... Read More..

‘Filmhound’ and ‘The Broken Paw’     4/05/2022 The next time you enter the front door of Mittagong Vet Hospital, you might notice two new ‘friends’ greeting you... ‘Filmhound’ and ‘The Broken Paw’ are two exquisite little reproduction artworks by ... Read More..

ANZAC Day 2022 - In Honour to whom honour is due.   Mittagong Veterinary Hospital   25/04/2022 In commemoration of Anzac Day, we honour those who served & those in service today. We also regard those facing conflict, & the work of caring for one another, including animals, in times of war. Thi... Read More..

Chocolate Toxicity and your pets.   Dr Keith and team Mittagong Vet   8/04/2022 Mittagong Veterinary Hospital wish you a safe and Happy Easter Holiday! Chocolate Toxicity Pets are commonly exposed to chocolate particularly around holidays such as Easter, Halloween and Christma... Read More..

Billy the Biter!   Dr Keith and Team   3/03/2022 ‘Billy the Biter’ says G’day! Dr Keith met with baby Billy this week. It was ‘love at first bite’ for Dr Keith, this adorable bare-nosed wombat & Highlands local, also has a bit of a reputation for be... Read More..

Florence says Grab Discounted Nexgard Spectra with Your Dog's Next Vaccination!     3/03/2022 The playdates are lining up for Florence the Bulldog because she’s protected from all the parasitic nasties (...& they've heard she’s ‘got a 6 pack’). Your pooch can now be as popular & healthy as Flo... Read More..

Boris the Cat.   Dr Keith and Staff   9/02/2022 'Blocked Cats' Did you know that blocked bladders are very common in cats? (But not necessarily black cats). This incredibly painful and potentially fatal condition is especially prevalent in male ca... Read More..

Monday Smile Day - even when your name's Trouble!   Dr Keith and Staff   31/01/2022 Trouble the Chihuahua-cross has a huge, beautiful smile! Even bigger than Julia Roberts! Trouble smiled through today at The Dogtors and reminded us why it’s so important to smile, even on Mondays. S... Read More..

Buzandi the Gorilla Turns 30yo! (30 year Challenge)   Dr Keith   27/01/2022 Since 1991 Mittagong Vet has proudly displayed a souvenir poster of a baby gorilla named Buzandi in our hospital. Generations of clients & pets have been watched over during consults by baby Buzandi f... Read More..

Pet Dental Care     27/12/2021 Just like human beings, dogs, cats and other pets need to have their teeth taken care of in order to maintain great dental health throughout their lives. Strong, healthy teeth will help them chew and ... Read More..

Are Dog Vaccinations Really Necessary?     16/12/2021 We all love our dogs. Regardless of their size, they have a gigantic place in our hearts. We buy them the best food we can afford, spend our free time walking and playing with them and groom them regu... Read More..

Summer Fun in the Sun with your Fur-Baby at the Beach!   Dr Keith and team   16/12/2021 Summer finally arrived this year, just in time for the Christmas holidays! There's nothing better at this time than to visit the beach with your dog. Don’t spoil a great day out though by being ill-pr... Read More..

All About Pet Desexing   Dr Keith and team   14/12/2021 Care and nurturing are key elements to keeping your beloved pet happy and healthy. As a result, sometimes it’s necessary to book them in for a procedure that may not be pleasant in the moment — but th... Read More..

Nexgard Summer -Snap Your Pet!   Dr Keith and team   8/12/2021 Photo Competition and Win Prizes of Nexgard/Spectra I’m excited to let you know about our summer photo competition. This December and January, Mittagong Vet Hospital and NexGard are offering some g... Read More..

Nexgard Spectra Special!   Dr Keith and team   8/11/2021 Who doesn’t love a freebie?  Get a one-month tasty chew FREE  NexGard Spectra when you buy NexGard Spectra or NexGard (3 or 6 months) at Mittagong Vet Hospital. Woohoo! Your pooch will get full prot... Read More..

“My name is Rosie and I’m Not Allowed to Chase Snakes Anymore!”   Dr Keith and team   3/11/2021 “My name is Rosie, and I’m not allowed to chase snakes anymore.” Rosie’s a very lucky tabby cat! She loves downtime in the garden, sunbaking, and exploring the great outdoors beyond the back-fence (a... Read More..

Pugs Squared!   Dr Keith and team   28/10/2021 Meet Hank & Hector, local stylish Pug-lads. They each spent a day at Mittagong Vet this week. Don’t panic! It was just some routine ‘Pug-business’ (well actually castration) with Dr Keith. ‘Multum in... Read More..

Monday's Kookaburra Morning!   Dr Keith and team   25/10/2021 Kookie Monday! This cute little Kookaburra was brought in to Mittagong Vet today by a very kind person. Found on the side of the road, laying down, and clearly stunned by something. Thank you kind... Read More..

Black Cat Awareness Month!   Dr Keith and team   19/10/2021 October is Black Cat Awareness Month. YES, it’s a real thing! Promoting black cat adoption in shelters & raising awareness of these lovable domestic ‘panthers’. Sadly, black cats today suffer lower... Read More..

Roy (the boy) Deserves his Bravery Award!   Dr Keith and team   19/10/2021 Please welcome Roy the Corgi! Roy certainly earned his Bravery Award today, having the ‘royal jewels’ surgically removed (otherwise called castration!)by Dr Keith at Mittagong Veterinary Hospital! He... Read More..

Do I need to Microchip my Dog and/or Cat?   Dr Keith and team   16/10/2021 Microchipping A microchip is a permanent form of pet identification that is inserted under the skin. Overview Microchipping is a legal requirement NSW. Each microchip has a unique, electronic ide... Read More..

Friday Superstar - New Mum Pebbles!   Dr Keith and team   15/10/2021 Post Caesarian Mum and bubs - Friday Superstar! A mighty congratulation to proud mum Pebbles and her baby girls, the beautiful Tenterfield Terriers. Pebbles needed emergency medical intervention this... Read More..

Does my pet need an 'Annual Health Check'?   Dr Keith and team   13/10/2021 Annual Health Check:Mittagong Veterinary Hospital and Clinic Your pet deserves a special day every year. What happens at an annual health check? We all know how important staying healthy is to a l... Read More..

Snakes and Pets Don't Mix! Snake 'Season Has Arrived'.   Dr Keith and team   13/10/2021 Snakebites Snakes are prevalent during the warmer months between October and April.  Overview Snakes will generally try to avoid people and pets. However, on occasions, pets will try to harass a sn... Read More..

The Rules of Play in Our Local Parks.   Dr Keith and team   13/10/2021 The Rules of Play. Dogs in our local parks.  As a general rule of thumb your dog must be: Well socialised with other dogs and people. Up to date with vaccinations. Be on regular parasite control ... Read More..

Ticks and what you need to know!   Dr Keith and team   8/10/2021 The Australian Paralysis Tick Advisory Panel recommends the year-round use of isoxazoline based acaricides for all dogs and cats that are living in, or travelling to known paralysis tick regions.   Pl... Read More..

Veterinary Nurses Day   Dr Keith   8/10/2021 Today is Vet Nurse Day! A day to celebrate, appreciate and remember the hard work and dedication of our vet nurses. Mittagong Vet Hospital is very fortunate to have an amazing team of nurses; Nurse E... Read More..

'Can do', for Nundo   Dr Keith and team   5/10/2021 Please welcome Nundu; the magical black beast from the Southern Highlands’ own wizarding world and your Tuesday featured-feline at Mittagong Vet! Nundu’s are described by author J.K. Rowling in her 2... Read More..

Today we welcome Winston & Pickles, the Scottie dogs, to the Mittagong HQ of Scotland Yard!   Dr Keith and team   1/10/2021 Today we welcome Winston & Pickles, the Scottie dogs, to the Mittagong HQ of Scotland Yard! The feisty Tweens kept bedazzling us with their rugby-grapple-tackles and scrums. Dr Keith’s Scotties Ellie... Read More..

Thursday Featured-Felines   Dr Keith   30/09/2021 Introducing our Thursday featured-felines; ‘The Pensive Girls’: Lucy Dolores the ragdoll and Lucy the ‘domestique’ shorthair grey.  Miss Lucy Dolores had her Springtime Kitty-haircut; she now looks a... Read More..

Big Trev!   Dr Keith   29/09/2021 Meet Big Trev, the blue Staffy! We dare you to find a happier dog in the Highlands today.  Impossible! Big Trev’s colouring may be ‘Blue’ but there’s absolutely nothing down about this big boy. Just... Read More..

Happy Ferret Friday!   Dr Keith   24/09/2021 Happy Ferret Friday! Meet Luna & Piettro, Mittagong’s sable & fawn dynamic-polecat-duo. Modern folks can be a bit undecided about the ferret, however, these little darlings’ ancestors were once very ... Read More..

Mighty Minnie the Maltese   Dr Keith   23/09/2021 Meet Minnie the Maltese Terrier puppy.  Minnie dazzled the staff at Mittagong Vet this week in her snazzy sparkly soft-pink activewear (she’s bang on-trend and going places in that outfit).  Minnie ... Read More..

TerraCycle Wednesday   Dr Keith   22/09/2021 TerraCycle Awareness Recycling Packaging Program with Royal Canin Our clinic-cat ‘Bruce the Grey’ is super impressed we’ve got yet another box of  Royal Canin recycling being shipped to TerraCycle Au... Read More..

Ringtail Possum Magic!   Dr Keith   21/09/2021 Viewer Warning! This image contains extremely adorable content of a baby Ringtail Possum. This little baby Ringtail Possum was brought into Mittagong Vet this weekend by a wonderful local. Found on i... Read More..

Mary Oliver Honours Dogs Poetically   Dr Keith   26/08/2021 Today we celebrate the International Day of the Dog! Which other domesticated beast has so fondly captured our hearts & imaginations? For over 15,000 years, the care & companionship we’ve developed &... Read More..

Desexing? Who? Me?   Dr Keith   20/08/2021 “OMG: Woe is me...” Dachy Lydia was completely forlorn whilst brother Bernard incredulous (& a bit discombobulated) when dropped off for their desexing to Mittagong Vet.   Sorry but your Hooman book... Read More..

Ticks and Nexgard Promotion 2021   Dr Keith   17/08/2021 Dear Valued clients & pets During lock down and moving into spring, we may want to enjoy more walks with our dogs. Our local nature reserves are an excellent place to de-stress and ‘get away from it ... Read More..

Great Tails     3/08/2021 Watch this space (category) for fascinating stories our wonderful patients! Read More..

New Cat Desexing Laws   Dr Keith   31/07/2021 News Cat Desexing Laws July 2020 Below is information provided by the NSW Department of Local Government: New Laws for Desexing Cats at 4 months of age. Introduction of annual permits for non-dese... Read More..