Purpose Paws is not a substitute for veterinary services. Purpose Paws is made up of registered veterinary technicians and nurses (RVTN’s), who are permitted to provide you with pet care advice and care! During a wellness check, our RVTN’s will complete a comprehensive assessment of your pet and provide you advice on whether or not you should seek further treatment.

We can not provide acts of veterinary science, this includes:

Diagnosing medical conditions

Prescribing medications

Conducting surgery or medical procedures

If your pet is sick or injured contact your regular veterinary clinic or emergency hospital.

Registered Veterinary Technicians and Nurses are animal care professionals who play crucial roles in veterinary medicine. They must have trained and completed either an approved certificate IV in veterinary nursing or a Bachelor's degree in veterinary technology. In addition to this, they hold an Australian Veterinary Nurse and Technician (AVNAT) registration and complete ongoing education to maintain their knowledge and skills. In addition to this, they adhere to a professional code of ethics and professional standards.

When your pet gets taken “out the back” of the vet clinic it is usually the vet nurses and technicians who are working with your pet to:

Collect, process and run any blood tests

Place IV catheters and monitor and manage your pet on fluids

Administer medications

Perform radiographs

Perform dental scale and polish procedures

Monitor and recover pets from anaesthetics

Provide care and cuddle your pets!

Vet nurses and technicians are the backbone of every successful vet clinic and hospital so you know that when you have a Purpose Paws pet professional come to provide our pet care “pet-erinary services” you are getting someone who is competent, committed and professional!

Our registered veterinary nurses and technicians are all very experienced, in addition to this, they will treat your pet like it is their own. If they believe you should seek additional treatment for your pet, they will let you know. This would be in the instance where your pet required diagnostic work up, medications or surgical, medical or dental procedures.

There are also times when you should seek treatment for your pet immediately, these instances include:

Emergency Situations: such as difficulty breathing, traumatic episodes like car accidents or dog fights, seizures, sudden collapse, bloated abdomen, or ingestion of toxic substances, seek immediate veterinary care without delay.

Illness or Injury: If your pet is showing signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, or limping, it's important to seek veterinary care promptly. Similarly, if your pet has suffered an injury, such as a cut, wound, fracture, or trauma, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

Chronic Health Conditions: If your pet has a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, or allergies, regular veterinary care and monitoring are essential. Seek veterinary advice if you notice any changes in your pet's condition or if their symptoms worsen. Purpose Paws registered veterinary nurses and technicians can help manage your pet once they are back in your care.

We have a basic rule at Purpose Paws, “if you are worried, then we are worried”. You know your pet better than anyone and so if you feel they are off, we would always recommend seeking veterinary advice.

You should also take your pet to the vet at least once per year for a routine check up and for vaccinations.

"Stress free" refers to an animal care approach and certification program designed to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets during veterinary visits. The stress free initiative aims to create a calm and positive experience for pets by implementing strategies and practices that prioritise their emotional well-being.

Key components of stress free pet care include:

Gentle Handling Techniques: Veterinarians and veterinary staff are trained in gentle handling techniques to minimise stress and discomfort during examinations, procedures, and treatments.

Stress-Reducing Environments: Veterinary clinics are designed to be calming and inviting, with features such as separate waiting areas for cats and dogs, soothing music, pheromone diffusers, and comfortable bedding.

Positive Reinforcement: Fear Free emphasises the use of positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and toys, to reward pets for calm behaviour and cooperation during veterinary visits.

Stress-Reducing Protocols: stress free protocols include minimising wait times, using low-stress handling methods, and providing distractions (e.g., food puzzles, toys) to reduce anxiety and fear in pets.

Education and Training: Pet owners are educated about stress free principles and techniques, empowering them to create a stress free environment at home and prepare their pets for veterinary visits.

Overall, stress free animal care aims to improve the overall well-being of pets by reducing fear, anxiety, and stress associated with veterinary visits, leading to better health outcomes and a more positive experience for pets and their owners.

The frequency of wellness checks for pets can vary based on several factors, including their age, breed, overall health, and any specific health concerns they may have. However, as a general guideline:

Puppies and Kittens: Young pets typically require more frequent wellness checks, often starting with a series of visits during their first few months of life. This schedule allows puppies and kittens to acclimate with being handled and can help instil confidence in both pet and owner on the journey of pet ownership.

Adult Pets: After reaching adulthood, they generally require annual wellness checks. These visits include a comprehensive physical examination, parasite prevention, dental evaluation, and discussions about nutrition and behaviour.

Senior Pets: Older pets, typically aged 7 years and above, may benefit from more frequent wellness checks, such as every 6 months. Senior pets are more susceptible to age-related health issues, so regular monitoring can help detect and manage these conditions early.

It's important to note that these are general recommendations, and the optimal frequency of wellness checks may vary based on your pet's individual needs. Our registered vet nurses and technicians are experienced in all life stages and know when to recommend you seek additional veterinary care.

During a Purpose Paws wellness check, our RVTN will:

Take the time to get to know you and your pet, their lifestyle, behaviour and diet

Complete a full set of clinical observations including heart rate, temperature respiration rate

Complete a full nose-to-tail examination on your pet

Complete a dental check and grading on your pet and provide you with any recommendations

Provide you with a pet health plan and pass on any recommendations to you along with your primary care vet

Clip your pet's nails (if required)

Express your pet's anal glands (if required)

Clean your pets ears (if required)

The frequency of nail clipping for pets depends on several factors, including their breed, age, activity level, and environment. However, as a general guideline:

Dogs: Most dogs require nail trimming every 3 to 4 weeks. However, this can vary based on the dog's activity level and the surfaces they walk on. Dogs that frequently walk on hard surfaces like pavement may naturally wear down their nails more, while dogs with less outdoor activity may need more frequent trimming.

Cats: Indoor cats typically need their nails trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks. Cats that spend more time outdoors or have access to scratching posts may have naturally worn-down nails and as they require their nails for climbing, we generally would not complete a full nail trim.

Senior Pets: Older pets, including dogs and cats, may require more frequent nail trimming due to changes in their mobility or nail growth patterns. We can provide guidance on the appropriate nail care schedule for senior pets.

It's important to monitor your pet's nails regularly for signs that they need trimming. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, difficulty walking, and even lead to health issues such as ingrown nails or joint problems.

If you're unsure about how often to trim your pet's nails your Purpose Paws pet professional will be able to provide you with some professional guidance on this!

The frequency of anal gland expression for pets by a registered Veterinary Nurse (VN) or Veterinary Technician (VT) from Purpose Paws can vary depending on the pet's individual needs and health status. However, as a general guideline:

Dogs: Dogs may require anal gland expression if they are experiencing recurrent issues such as anal gland impaction, infection, or discomfort. The frequency of expression can vary widely, ranging from every few weeks to several months, depending on the dog's breed, size, diet, and overall health. Your Purpose Paws VN or VT can assess your dog's anal gland health during wellness checks and recommend an appropriate schedule for expression if needed.

Cats: Cats typically do not require routine manual expression of their anal glands as part of regular grooming. However, if your cat is experiencing anal gland issues or discomfort, your Purpose Paws pet professional can provide guidance and recommend expression as necessary.

It's important to note that anal gland expression should only be performed by trained professionals, such as registered VNs or VTs, to ensure safety and proper technique. Overexpression or improper expression of anal glands can lead to complications, so it's best to follow the advice of your Purpose Paws pet professional regarding the frequency of expression for your pet.

Prevention is better than cure! There are several reasons why we are big advocates for parasite prevention in pets:

Prevent tick paralysis: Here in Australia, in particular the east coast we have the paralysis tick- Ixodes holocyclus. This is a parTICKularly nasty critter and contains several toxins which lead to paralysis and an agonising death if untreated. By being proactive and consistent with tick prevention, you can ensure your pet never has to endure this horrific experience AND you will save yourself thousands of dollars.

Prevent Parasitic Infections: Tick, flea, and worming treatments help prevent infestations of external parasites like ticks and fleas, as well as internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. These parasites can cause discomfort, skin irritation, anaemia, digestive issues, and other health problems in pets.

Protect Human Health: Some parasites that affect pets, such as fleas transmitting tapeworms, can also pose health risks to humans. By preventing parasite infestations in pets, you reduce the risk of transmission to humans.

Maintain Pet Comfort: Parasite infestations can cause itching, scratching, hair loss, skin infections, and discomfort for pets. Tick and flea prevention, along with regular worming, help keep pets comfortable and free from the irritation caused by parasites.

Prevent Environmental Contamination: Parasite eggs and larvae shed by infected pets can contaminate the environment, leading to re-infestations and affecting other pets in the household. Regular parasite prevention helps reduce environmental contamination and keeps the home environment safer for pets.

It's important to follow professional recommendations for tick, flea, and worming treatments based on your pet's age, health status, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors. Consistent and appropriate parasite prevention measures contribute to your pet's overall health and well-being and the health and safety of your family as well!

The frequency of ear cleaning for pets by a Purpose Paws Registered Veterinary Nurse or Veterinary Technician can vary depending on the pet's breed, ear health, activity level, and any underlying conditions. However, as a general guideline:

Dogs: For dogs with healthy ears and no specific ear issues, ear cleaning may be recommended as part of regular grooming, typically every 1 to 2 months. Breeds with floppy ears or those prone to ear infections may require more frequent cleaning, while others may need it less often.

Cats: Cats generally require less frequent ear cleaning compared to dogs. Routine ear cleaning for cats is usually recommended if there are visible signs of dirt or wax buildup, discharge, or ear irritation. Otherwise, occasional monitoring of the ears during grooming sessions is sufficient.

It's important to note that excessive or improper ear cleaning can lead to irritation or damage to the ear canal. Purpose Paws RVNs or RVTs will assess your pet's ear health during wellness checks and provide guidance on the appropriate frequency of ear cleaning based on their individual needs. They may also recommend specific ear-cleaning products or techniques tailored to your pet's ear health and breed characteristics.

The frequency of bathing your pet depends on several factors, including your pet's breed, coat type, skin condition, activity level, and lifestyle. However, here are some general guidelines:

Dogs:

Short-haired breeds or breeds with minimal shedding may require bathing every 2 to 3 months, or as needed if they get dirty or smelly.

Dogs with longer hair or thicker coats, such as double-coated breeds or breeds prone to matting, may benefit from bathing every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain coat health and prevent matting.

Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, are active, or have skin conditions may require more frequent bathing, but it's important not to over-bathe as it can strip natural oils from the skin.

Cats:

Cats are generally self-grooming and may not require frequent bathing unless they get into something messy or have specific skin or coat issues.

Cats with long hair or thick coats may benefit from occasional bathing to prevent matting, usually every 2 to 3 months or as needed.

Purpose Paws pet professional can assess your pet's coat and skin condition during wellness checks and provide recommendations on the appropriate bathing schedule based on your pet's individual needs. They can also recommend suitable shampoos and grooming techniques to maintain your pet's coat health and skin integrity.