Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect your pet from serious, and often life-threatening, diseases. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy or kitten, or you’re caring for an adult companion, understanding vaccination schedules helps ensure lifelong health and protection. This guide outlines recommended vaccination protocols for dogs and cats in Melbourne, based on current veterinary standards and Oakleigh Central Vet protocols. Dog Vaccination Guide Core V

Preventative healthcare plays a vital role in keeping pets happy and healthy for as long as possible. While physical exams are an important part of routine veterinary visits, blood tests and screening can provide valuable information about what’s happening inside your pet’s body—often before symptoms appear. Just as with people, many diseases in pets develop gradually. Routine blood screening allows veterinarians to detect early changes, monitor organ function and identify po

As pet parents, we all want the same thing — a long, happy, healthy life for our dogs and cats. But pets are experts at hiding pain and illness. By the time something looks “obviously wrong,” a condition may already be advanced. That’s why annual vet check-ups are one of the most important investments you can make in your pet’s wellbeing. What Is an Annual Vet Check-Up? An annual check-up (also called a wellness exam) is a comprehensive nose-to-tail assessment of your pet’s h

Summer in Melbourne can bring everything from dry heat to sudden humidity and storm warnings — sometimes all in the same week. While we might reach for a cold drink or turn on the air-conditioning, our pets rely entirely on us to keep them safe, cool and properly nourished. Here’s what every pet parent should know about hydration and nutrition during hot weather. Hydration: More Than Just a Full Water Bowl 1. Fresh, Cool Water — Always Pets can become dehydrated quickly in wa

Summer in Australia means longer days, backyard barbecues, beach trips and plenty of outdoor adventures with our pets. Unfortunately, it also marks peak season for parasites. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid conditions and can pose serious health risks to dogs and cats. Here’s what every pet parent should know to keep their pets safe this summer. Fleas: Small But Mighty Fleas are one of the most common summer parasites in Australia. They multiply rapidly in w

Melbourne summers can be a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets - long daylight hours, park visits, beach trips and family adventures. However, our summer weather can also be unpredictable, with heatwaves, high UV levels and sudden temperature spikes posing real risks to dogs and cats. At Oakleigh Central Vet, we want to help you enjoy summer safely with your furry family members. Here’s a guide to pet-friendly summer activities and how to keep your pets safe w

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency in dogs and cats and can develop very quickly — sometimes in just minutes. While Victorian summers can bring extreme heat, heatstroke can also occur on warm or humid days, or when pets are unable to cool themselves effectively. Knowing the signs, how to prevent it, and what to do in an emergency can save your pet’s life. What Is Heatstroke? Heatstroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels and they can no long

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important — and most challenging — aspects of caring for our pets. Extra weight doesn’t just change how your pet looks; it can affect their comfort, mobility and long-term health. The good news? With the right diet and proper portion control, weight management is achievable and sustainable. Why Weight Matters Overweight and obese pets are at increased risk of developing conditions such as: Arthritis and reduced mobility Diabetes

Indoor living keeps cats safe from traffic, fights parasites, and many infectious diseases. In Victoria, keeping cats contained is also an important way to protect local wildlife and comply with council regulations. While an indoor lifestyle offers many benefits, it does mean cat owners need to be more intentional about providing exercise and enrichment. Cats who live exclusively indoors rely entirely on their environment and routine to meet their physical and mental needs. W

Exercise is essential for a dog’s physical health, mental wellbeing and behaviour — but not all exercise suits all dogs. Age, breed, fitness level and Victoria’s climate (especially hot summers) all play a role in what safe exercise looks like. Here’s how to tailor exercise plans for dogs at every stage of life, while keeping safety front of mind. Puppies: Building Strong Foundations (0–12 months) Puppies have endless enthusiasm, but their growing bones and joints need prote