Cairns Pets

Cairns Pet Health Hazards

Cairns Pets face some special challenges: here are some of the things to consider.

There are a number of tropical problems which can affect Cairns pets. 
Cairns Vet Clinic has you covered with the right advice and pet supplies for common tropical problems and other essential pet health care.

Cane toads are one unpleasant aspect of North Queensland which can cause severe illness in dogs.  Cairns Pets may suffer vomiting, seizures or even death after ingesting cane toad poison.

Ticks and fleas are a major issue for many Cairns pets.  Ticks include brown dog ticks and the more serious paralysis tick which can cause fatal paralysis in pets.  Ticks are much more common from June to December, and we call this the "tick season", but they may occur throughout the year.

Fleas can be a problem year round in the tropics, and year round prevention is required to prevent problems.  Fleas cause itching and scratching in many dogs and cats, which can result in severe skin disease.  Fleas are the most common cause of skin disease in Cairns Pets.

Some animal diseases (called zoonotic diseases) can affect people, especially children so it is important to be aware of them and protect your pet and family.

The most common zoonotic diseases include leptospirosis (see tropical problems) and intestinal worms.

Intestinal Worms and heartworm are major problems in the tropics because the climate aids their transmission and survival.

Many Cairns pet owners travel to meet family, so may need to board their pets at kennels or catteries or take them with them on planes.  Up to date vaccination, flea and worm and treatment are essential before you board your pet.  Don't plan to vaccinate you pet the day you leave as the boarding kennel may not accept this.

Skin disease and ear problems are a major problem for many pets in the tropics.  Most Cairns pets, especially dogs, have evolved and been bred for temperate or cold climates, and they struggle with the constant heat and humidity in our tropical climate.  Correct diagnosis and treatment of skin and ear disease is essential to prevent it spreading or becoming a long term problem, so speak to your Cairns Vet early if you are concerned about your pets skin or ears.

Snakes are an uncommon problem for pets in Cairns, however some pets are killed by venomous snakes and pythons.  Snake prevention involves keeping the areas around your house and yard well maintained and preventing your pets from wandering into bush and untamed areas.

Cairns Vets are the Cairns Pet Experts: please contact us with any questions you may have about your pet's health.