Direct Vet Services

Reading reviews like this absolutely makes our day! Bringing a new puppy into the family is such an exciting milestone, but it can also come with a lot of questions (and a few nerves!).

Thank you so much to our lovely community for trusting us with your furry family members. Welcome to the DVS family! 🐶✨

‼️ WARNING ‼️

There are reports of increases in Parvovirus cases around Victoria, especially in the Geelong region.

With more people travelling and moving around over the school holidays this puts puppies, unvaccinated or immunocompromised dogs at an increased risk.

If your dog is not up to date with vaccines we urge you to book into to help protect not only our dog but also all the community.

You can call the clinic on 9369 1822 to make an appointment or book online at www.directvetservices.com.au

Bath time isn’t just about keeping your furry family member smelling fresh for those couch snuggles, it’s actually a huge part of their overall health and wellness! 🧼🐾

To keep your pooch’s coat shiny and their skin thriving, a bath every 2 to 4 weeks is usually the magic number. Any more frequent than that, and you risk drying out their natural oils, which can lead to itchy, uncomfortable skin.

If you ever need advice on the best skin-safe shampoos or grooming routines for your pet’s specific coat type, our friendly team is always here to chat.

📞 Give us a call today: (03) 9369 1822
🌐 Learn more: https://directvetservices.com.au

🐾 Price Adjustment Notice 🐾

From the 1st of July 2026, our fees will be increasing. This change allows us to continue providing the quality care, facilities, products and service that our clients and patients deserve.

We are incredibly grateful for your ongoing support and trust in our team.

If you have any questions regarding the updated pricing, please contact us directly.

Thank you for your understanding.

🐾 Meet Rocco… 🐾
Today’s addition to the Naughty Puppy Hall of Fame after helping himself to his brother’s glucosamine tablets straight from the counter! 😅

While Rocco’s snack choice might give us a laugh now, it also serves as an important reminder. Even medications and supplements that are generally considered very safe can become harmful when consumed in large quantities.

Our curious pets are often quicker than we give them credit for, so it’s important to keep all medications, supplements, vitamins, and treats stored securely and well out of reach.

Thankfully, after being made to vomit up most of the tablets, receiving some charcoal and IV fluids to help his body clear any residual medication, Rocco is on the road to recovery and has hopefully learned that glucosamine tablets aren’t actually a gourmet snack! 🐶

A gentle reminder to all pet parents: if your pet ever gets into medication or supplements, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for advice.

Did you know that how you feed your pet is just as important as what you feed them? 🐾🥣

When it comes to dinner time, a few small habits can make a massive difference in your pet's energy, digestion, and long-term health. Here are 4 simple guidelines every pet parent should follow:

🕒 1. Consistency is Key
Feeding your pet at the same times each day keeps their internal clock happy. Regular schedules support a steady metabolism, keep digestion predictable, and help reduce food-related anxiety.

⚖️ 2. Ditch the Guesswork
Overfeeding is incredibly common, even when we mean well! Instead of scooping by eye, use a proper measuring cup or a digital kitchen scale. Portions should always match your pet's specific age, weight, and activity level.

💧 3. Keep it Fresh
Hydration is everything. Make sure clean, fresh water is always available, and remember to wash their bowls daily to keep bacteria and slimy biofilm at bay.

🍖 4. Remember the 10% Rule
We all love rewarding our furry friends, but treats can pack a sneaky caloric punch. To prevent unexpected weight gain, keep treats to less than 10% of their total daily calorie intake.

Every year, far too many dogs are seriously injured or killed because they aren't properly secured on the back of moving utes. From accidental falls and near-misses with other vehicles to severe injuries from being dragged, the risks are incredibly high.

In Victoria, the law is clear: unless your dog is actively working livestock, they must be safely restrained on a ute by either a secure tether or a dedicated crate.

To keep your co-pilot safe on every trip, here is a quick guide on the Do’s and Don’ts:

🔗 If you are using a tether:
✔ DO use a sturdy lead or chain, and connect it using swivels on both ends to prevent tangles.

✔ DO judge the length perfectly. It should be long enough for them to sit and lie down comfortably, but short enough to stop them from reaching the sides of the tray or stepping onto the cabin.

❌ DON'T use a long tether. If it's too loose, your dog risks falling over the edge and being dragged or strangled.

Tip: While attaching to a collar is common, tethering by a neck collar in the back can cause serious cervical spine injuries if you brake suddenly. A properly fitted harness is always the safer bet!

📦 If you are using a crate:
✔ DO ensure it’s spacious enough for them to move without being cramped.

✔ DO position the crate directly behind the cabin to minimise their exposure to harsh wind, dust, and road debris.

✔ DO cover the crate to provide adequate shelter from the elements.

❌ DON'T use a fully enclosed, solid crate. Proper ventilation is vital, so choose a secure mesh or well-ventilated design to keep the air flowing.

Let's make sure every furry passenger gets to their destination safely. If you need any advice on travel safety or checking your dog's harness fit, feel free to ask our team next time you're in the clinic!

Thinking about desexing your little one? Our devoted Point Cook team is here to guide you through the perfect timing for your pet’s unique breed, size, and lifestyle! 🐾❤️

Here is everything you need to know about optimal desexing ages and why it matters:

🐱 Cats (4–6 Months): Done before sexual maturity to prevent unwanted litters, spraying, and midnight calling.
🐶 Small-Medium Dogs (8–10 Months): Timed for when they approach their full size.
🐶 Large-Giant Dogs (12–18 Months): We wait longer to allow their growth plates to fuse completely, protecting them against joint issues and cranial cruciate ligament injuries later in life.
🐰 Rabbits & Ferrets (From 4 Months): Highly vital for females, as un-desexed female rabbits have an incredibly high risk (up to 80%) of developing uterine cancer by age 3. Un-desexed female ferrets can also develop life-threatening anemia if they stay in heat.

🩺 Why we recommend it: Beyond stopping unplanned litters, desexing eliminates the risk of life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra) and reproductive cancers, while reducing hormone-driven roaming, marking, and aggression.

Older pet? It’s never too late! Older companions still receive massive health and behavioral benefits.

We’ve broken down the entire process, what to expect on surgery day, and how we keep your pet safe and comfortable in our latest guide.

📖 Read our full guide, Desexing Demystified: https://directvetservices.com.au/2025/05/01/desexing-demystified/

📞 Let’s tailor a plan for your pet: (03) 9369 1822

🌐 Learn more about our clinic family: https://directvetservices.com.au/

Someone give this hardworking inspector a raise (and maybe a treats bonus)! Turns out, the highest spots in the house require the highest level of concentration.

What’s the weirdest place your pet has managed to climb into? 👇