Tag: Dog

toxic christmas food. don't feed pets

Christmas Foods You Should Never Feed Your Pets

Written by dermcareadmin on . Posted in Dog Care, Holiday Season, News.

Keep the Festive Season Safe: Christmas Foods You Should Never Feed Your Pets

The holiday season is a time for celebration, indulgence and sharing, but when it comes to your pets, some of the most common Christmas foods can pose serious health risks. While it might be tempting to slip your dog or cat a festive treat under the table, many traditional holiday dishes contain ingredients that are toxic or harmful to pets. To help keep your furry family members safe this Christmas, here are the key foods you should avoid and why.

  1. Chocolate and Sweets

Chocolate is one of the most well-known foods to never give your dogs and cats. It contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which pets can’t metabolise effectively. Dark chocolate poses the highest risk, but all forms can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, tremors and, in severe cases, seizures. Many festive sweets also contain xylitol (a sugar substitute) extremely toxic to pets, capable of causing dangerous drops in blood sugar and acute liver failure.

  1. Christmas Pudding, Cake and Mince Pies

These traditional treats often contain raisins, sultanas and currants, which are highly toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure. Even small quantities can be dangerous. Christmas cakes and puddings may also contain alcohol, spices and high levels of fat, all of which can upset a pet’s digestive system or lead to pancreatitis.

  1. Cooked Bones

Whether from ham, turkey or chicken, cooked bones can splinter easily, leading to choking, internal injuries or intestinal blockages. Raw bones are less brittle, but still carry risks, so it’s best to avoid feeding bones altogether during the festivities.

  1. Fatty Meats and Skin

Christmas roasts often come with trimmings rich in fat, including crackling, ham skin and fatty cuts of meat. These can trigger pancreatitis—a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite and lethargy.

  1. Onions, Garlic, Leeks and Other Alliums

Stuffings, gravies and many savoury dishes contain onions, garlic, leeks or chives. These ingredients can damage red blood cells in pets, leading to anaemia. Even powdered forms can be harmful, and symptoms may be delayed for several days before appearing.

  1. Nuts—Especially Macadamias

Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs, causing weakness, joint pain, tremors, vomiting and elevated body temperature.

Keep Your Pets Safe This Christmas

To ensure a stress-free, pet-friendly Christmas, stick to their regular diet and offer pet-approved treats only. If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately.

A little extra caution around the table goes a long way—keeping everyone in the family safe, healthy and ready to enjoy the festive season.

Aloveen Shampoo vs Natural Shampoo

Which one should I use? Aloveen Oatmeal Shampoo vs. Natural Shampoo

Written by dermcareadmin on . Posted in Dermcare Products, Dog Care, News.

Which one should I use? Aloveen Oatmeal Shampoo vs. Natural Shampoo

At Dermcare-Vet, we know that choosing the right shampoo for your pet’s skin and coat health can be a little overwhelming. Whether your pet needs soothing relief or a gentle clean, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Below, we’ve outlined the key benefits and recommended uses of two of our most popular formulations: Dermcare Aloveen Oatmeal Shampoo and Dermcare Natural Shampoo.

Aloveen Oatmeal Shampoo

Soothing care for itchy, sensitive, or dry skin

Aloveen Oatmeal Shampoo is formulated for pets with itchy, dry, or sensitive skin. It contains oatmeal and aloe vera to help nourish and soothe the skin during every bath.

Key benefits:

  • Soap-free and pH balanced
  • Contains oatmeal and aloe vera
  • Helps relieve itchy and dry skin
  • Leaves the coat soft, shiny, and lightly fragranced
  • Suitable for dogs, cats and horses

Recommended for:
Aloveen is also ideal for pets prone to dry, itchy skin.

For best results, we recommend using Aloveen Intensive Conditioner after shampooing to provide additional moisture and comfort between washes. Keep an eye out for the NEW look Aloveen Starter Packs!

Natural Shampoo

A gentle hypoallergenic cleanser for normal or sensitive skin

Natural Shampoo is our hypoallergenic cleanser suitable for animals with normal or sensitive skin. It’s ideal for pet owners looking for a gentle cleanser to maintain skin health and coat cleanliness.

Key benefits:

  • Gentle formulation
  • Soap-free and pH balanced for pets
  • Suitable for regular use on all coat types

Recommended for:
Dogs, cats and horses with normal, healthy skin who require a routine shampoo.

Australian-Made Pet Skincare

Our mission is to provide Australian-made, veterinary-quality products that support the long-term skin and coat health of your pet. Both Aloveen Oatmeal Shampoo and Natural Shampoo are soap-free, pH balanced, and formulated to the highest standards for the safety and comfort of your furry friend.

Whichever product you choose, you can feel confident that your pet is receiving high-quality care, trusted by vets.

If your pet has a diagnosed skin condition or you’re unsure which product is most suitable, we recommend speaking to your veterinarian for personalised advice.

RSPCA Million Paws Walk Dog One Last Lap

One Last Lap: Farewell to Million Paws Walk

Written by dermcareadmin on . Posted in Charity, News.

One Last Lap: Farewell to Million Paws Walk

As long-time supporters of the Million Paws Walk, the Dermcare Vet team was honoured to have taken part in the final official event on 25th May 2025. After 30 years of bringing communities together for a common cause—supporting animals in need—the Million Paws Walk has officially crossed its final finish line. This beloved event has raised over $17 million for animals in need, with more than 765,000 participants and 410,000 dogs! While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, Dermcare Vet was proud to join with RSPCA Million Paws Walk to celebrate the remarkable legacy this event leaves behind.

A Walk to Remember

The RSPCA Million Paws Walk began in 1994 and quickly grew into one of Australia’s most iconic animal charity events. Founded by veterinarian Cam Day, Million Paws Walk was created to promote responsible pet ownership and raise funds for the RSPCA’s vital work in animal shelters, animal welfare programs, and cruelty prevention initiatives. Over the years, it has become a nationwide tradition, bringing communities together and for owners to enjoy quality time with their furry friends while raising money for a good cause

A Lasting Legacy

While the Million Paws Walk as we know it may be ending, the mission behind it continues. The RSPCA is shifting its focus to new, more accessible fundraising initiatives that meet the evolving needs of supporters and communities. The Million Paws Walk has left an indelible mark on Australia’s animal welfare landscape. It’s united people, saved lives, and raised awareness in a powerful, joyful way. Dermcare Vet and our pooches are grateful to have walked on part of that journey.

A BIG thank you to Million Paws Walk for championing animal welfare for 30 years, and to everyone who participated and donated over the years. Great job to the Dermcare Vet team for coming in fourth for this year’s team fundraising.

Dermcare Vet will be keeping an eye out for what new initiatives are launched by RSPCA Million Paws Walk in 2026 and will throw our support behind the good work they do.

Dermcare Team

The Dermcare Dogs (Ruby & Coco) leading the team for the One Last Lap