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 while having fun....

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 longer regulate it....

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 Heart and...