In this season’s newsletter, we talk about keeping our pets comfy throughout winter, the importance of regular health checks, August- Dental Month discounts, Chemotherapy in pets, a new face in the team, Vet & Nurse positions available, CCVAS emergency afterhours service, our brilliant Puppy Pre School classes and just how grateful we are to be a part of the beautiful Coffs Coast community.
As the cooler months settle in across the Coffs Coast, it’s time to think about how winter can affect our pets. While we enjoy crisp mornings and cosy nights, our furry companions may need a little extra care to stay healthy and comfortable.
Feel reassured that we take patient warming very seriously and whenever required, your pet will be provided with coats, warmed towels and even socks (!) to keep their body temperature cosy and comfortable.
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Even in our mild coastal climate, winter can impact your pet’s wellbeing:
• Keep them warm: Short-haired, senior, and small pets especially benefit from warm bedding and sheltered sleeping areas.
• Maintain exercise: Regular walks are still important—just watch for chilly mornings and wet conditions.
• Monitor joints: Arthritis often flares in winter. If your pet seems stiff or reluctant to move, chat with our team about pain management options.
• Watch their weight: Pets may be less active in winter and prone to weight gain.
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A common misconception is that fleas and ticks disappear in winter—but here on the Coffs Coast, they remain active year-round.
✅ Ensure you continue:
• Flea and tick prevention
• Heartworm protection
• Regular parasite checks
If you’re unsure whether your pet is fully protected, or aren’t confident in performing a tick check, we’re here to help.
Did you know there is now a 12 monthly flea & tick injection available? If your pet struggles to eat a monthly chew or runs away the second you get the spot on out of the cupboard, let us do the hard work for you! They won’t even notice and they’ll be covered for the whole year.
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Winter is the perfect time for a routine health check, especially for:
• Senior pets
• Pets with chronic conditions such as arthritis
• Dental care assessments
With many new and effective treatments for arthritis available, early intervention makes a big difference—small issues caught now can help to slow down the disease’s progression and relieve your pet of unnecessary discomfort.
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🐾 Bad breath isn’t just unpleasant — it can be a sign of periodontal disease.
Keep an eye out for:
• Smelly breath
• Changes in eating habits
• Drooling
Even better — don’t wait for symptoms to appear! Regular Scale & Polish procedures can help keep your pet’s teeth clean and give them the best chance at preventing dental disease before it progresses.
✨ We offer FREE Dental Health Checks with our fully trained nurses at any time.
🗓 For the month of August, we’re also offering discounted Grade 1 & 2 Scale & Polishes — so now is the perfect time to book!
📞 Book your pet’s FREE Dental Health Check online or over the phone.
Please note: A dental health check is usually required before scheduling a dental procedure.
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When we mention chemotherapy, many people are surprised to learn that it’s an option for our pets.
At Coffs Harbour Veterinary Hospital, we’ve been refining our chemotherapy protocols to provide safe, effective, and compassionate treatment options for dogs diagnosed with certain types of cancer.
Veterinary chemotherapy is quite different from what many people picture in human medicine. Our primary focus is always quality of life—ensuring pets remain comfortable, happy, and able to enjoy their normal routines throughout treatment. Many dogs tolerate chemotherapy remarkably well, with minimal side effects.
Treatment plans are carefully tailored to each individual patient and may help to:
We understand that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you’ve ever wondered whether chemotherapy might be an option for your pet, please don’t hesitate to have a conversation with our team.
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We’re delighted to officially welcome Josie to the Coffs Harbour Veterinary Hospital team!
Josie has joined us as a fully qualified veterinary nurse, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and hands-on experience in patient care. She has a genuine passion for animal welfare and is dedicated to making every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible for both pets and their owners.
You’ll see Josie around the clinic assisting with procedures, caring for our hospital patients, and supporting our vets behind the scenes. Her warm, friendly nature and attention to detail have already made her a wonderful addition to our team.
Please join us in giving Josie a warm welcome next time you’re in the clinic! 🐶🐱💚
We are on the lookout for a new Vet and another Vet Nurse to join our growing team.
Check out our Careers page for more information. You can apply via the Careers form, call 6652 1577 or Vets can email vicky@coffsharbourvet.com.au and Vet Nurses can email manager@coffsharbourvet.com.au
…We’d love to hear all about you, what you’re looking for in your career, and what makes you enjoy coming to work each day.
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Remember, for legitimate veterinary emergency care outside of our regular business hours, CCVAS is here for you.
Supporting clinics across the region, CCVAS ensures your pets have access to emergency care when they need it most.
Clinics who are members of the CCVAS are:
Woolgoolga Vet Clinic, Moonee Beach Vet, Coffs Harbour Vet Hospital, Blue & White Vet Clinic, Kentaro Veterinary Services & Pacific Vetcare.
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Give your puppy the very best start in life with our fun, supportive Puppy Preschool program, run by Nurse Elise.
Primarily, Puppy Preschool is all about learning how you and your puppy can grow and thrive together. Along the way, we’ll also help you build essential skills, including:
✔ Sit
✔ Stay
✔ Come
✔ Drop
✔ Loose-lead walking
✔ Toilet training
We also cover important topics such as preventative health, dental care, nutrition, and more, helping you set your puppy up for a happy, healthy future.
Plus, there is always plenty of time to ask questions and receive personalised advice throughout the course.
🎁 Your course fee includes a FREE Adaptil puppy collar to help your puppy feel calm and confident as they adjust to their new world.
📍 Spaces are strictly limited to just 6 puppies per class, ensuring everyone receives plenty of individual attention and support.
👉 Reserve your place in our next CHVH Puppy Preschool today by speaking with one of our friendly team members. When there are enough puppies signed up to begin a course, classes will begin on the first Saturday of the month at 12pm.
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– If your pet is on ongoing medication, they require regular checks with their veterinarian, sometimes including a blood test to ensure we are treating your pet safely and can continue prescribing medication.
-We may need time to order in your pet’s regular medication. Make sure you let us know what you need long before you run out.
– You can book an appointment online or check your pet’s reminders and update your details in your very own Pet Portal- accessible via our website www.coffsharbourvet.com.au
-All lost and wandering pets should be taken directly to the Coffs Harbour Animal Management Centre where their amazing and caring team will provide safety and support for the lost animal and do everything they can to reunite them with their owner ASAP!
-If you have a legitimate veterinary emergency outside of our regular business hours, the CCVAS is here to help. They can be reached on 6699 3356
-📞 Call us to book your appointment on 66521577
💻 Or book online at www.coffsharbourvet.com.au
You can also log into your very own Pet Portal where you can check on your pet’s reminder dates and edit your own and your pet’s details. Visit our website and click on the Pet Portal button.
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We’re so grateful for the continued trust and support from our wonderful clients. It’s truly a privilege to care for your pets and to be part of such a special community.
Take a moment to meet the beautiful Tookie — a heartwarming AMC rehoming success story 💙
We’re so happy he still comes back to visit us here at CHVH!
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