Recovery varies by procedure, but we’ll give you a clear care plan including rest periods, pain management, and when to return for follow-up.
Yes — we’ll provide tailored instructions before your pet’s procedure, including when to withhold food and water.
We use multimodal pain management tailored to each patient, including nerve blocks, post-operative medication and careful monitoring.
If you notice bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling or visible tartar, your pet could benefit from a dental assessment. We’ll help you decide during your next visit.
Yes — we tailor our anaesthetic and monitoring protocols to suit your pet’s age and health, and carry out full pre-anaesthetic checks.
This depends on their breed, diet and dental history. We’ll recommend a plan based on your individual animal.

Yes — regular brushing, dental chews and a balanced diet all help. We’ll show you how.

Book a dental check or contact us to talk about your pet’s oral health.

We recommend starting as early as 8 weeks, as long as your puppy has had their first vaccination.
Yes — Puppy Pre-School is as much for owners as it is for pups. You’ll learn how to handle situations confidently at home.
A lead, your pup’s favourite treats, and proof of vaccination. We’ll let you know exactly what to bring when you book.
To keep classes consistent and effective, we only take full enrolments for the program.
Call us. We’re happy to help you assess the situation and determine the best next step.
Yes, if needed. Our mobile emergency service is available for large animals and remote properties.
Absolutely. Our Bundaberg hospital is fully equipped for emergency surgical procedures, even in the middle of the night.
No — we welcome all emergency cases and will coordinate with your regular vet for follow-up care.
Yes — each of our three hospitals has in-house pathology and ultrasound. Advanced surgeries and more complex cases are referred to Bundaberg.
Most blood and urine test results are available the same day, often within the hour.
Yes — our mobile vets offer ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis on farms for cattle and equine clients.
Yes — diagnostic testing is part of a consultation. If your pet is unwell or needs a scan, please call to book.
C4 covers parvovirus, coronavirus, distemper, and hepatitis. C5 includes this plus protection against kennel cough (bordetella and parainfluenza).
Yes. Even indoor cats can be exposed to viruses via people, other pets, or shared environments. We recommend at least an F3 vaccination.
We’ll assess their history and may recommend a restart protocol to ensure full protection.
Absolutely. Vaccinations are typically given during routine wellness appointments, allowing us to monitor your pet’s overall health.
Yes, if you notice a bad odour or discharge you should get your dog in to a vet as soon as you can. Left untreated, ear infections can lead to inflammation, pain and nerve damage, middle ear infection, ruptured ear drum or hearing loss. 

You should seek emergency veterinary care if your pet is having difficulty breathing, has been hit by a car, is unable to stand, is experiencing seizures, or has ingested something toxic.

Yes, there are veterinary clinics in Bundaberg that provide emergency care 24/7. It's always best to call ahead so the clinic can prepare for your arrival.
Yes, dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen in dogs and cats, especially as they age. Regular dental care is important to prevent pain and infection. 

The cost of  a pet dental in Bundaberg can vary depending on your pet's age, size and overall dental health. Each procedure is tailored to the individual pet, as some may only require a routine clean, while others may need extractions or more advanced treatment.

The best way to get an accurate price is to book a consultation with your veterinarian. During this visit, your vet will asses the grade of your pet's dental disease and provide a detailed estimate based on their specific needs.

Heartworm is very common in Bundaberg due to our warm, humid climate, which allows mosquitoes to thrive year-round. Mosquitoes spread heartworm between dogs, making prevention essential for all pets in the region.
In many cases, dogs with heartworm show no signs early on. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include coughing, fatigue, weight loss, or difficulty breathing. Regular testing is the only reliable way to detect heartworm early. 
In Bundaberg, long-acting prevention such as annual injections is one of the most effective and convenient options, as it ensures your pet is protected all year without the risk of missed doses.

Snoring and noisy breathing are very common in brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Bulldogs - however, it is not normal or healthy.

Noisy breathing is a sign that airflow is restricted and your dog is working harder to breathe. Some dogs are only mildly affected, while others have significant airway compromise that impacts their comfort, exercise tolerance, and ability to cope with heat.

If your dog snores heavily, struggles with exercise, or pants excessively, a veterinary assessment is recommended.

YES - BOAS often becomes progressively worse over time.

As dogs age, the increased effort required to breathe can place more strain on the airway tissues, leading to further swelling and obstruction. Weight gain can also significantly worsen symptoms.

Many owners notice their dog becomes:

  • Less tolerant of exercise
  • More affected by heat
  • Noisier when breathing
  • Slower to recover after activity

Early assessment and management can help improve long-term comfort and quality of life.

For many dogs, surgery can significantly improve breathing, comfort, and overall quality of life.

The goal of BOAS surgery is to improve airflow and reduce the amount of effort required to breathe. Owners often report improvements such as:

  • Quieter breathing
  • Better exercise tolerance
  • Reduced panting
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Increased comfort in warmer weather

The degree of improvement depends on the severity of the condition and how early treatment is performed.

Your veterinarian can assess whether surgery is likely to benefit your dog and discuss the risks and expected outcomes.

BOAS is most commonly seen in:

  • French Bulldogs
  • Pugs
  • English Bulldogs
  • Boston Terriers
  • Shih Tzus

Any dog with a shortened muzzle can potentially be affected.

Puppies receive 3 vaccinations, 4 weeks apart with the last vaccination at 14-16 weeks (depending on the age they start the course).
VaccineAgeAgeAge
1st C46 weeks7 weeks8 weeks
2nd C510 weeks11 weeks12 weeks
3rd C514 weeks15 weeks16 weeks

 

 

 

Dogs over 16 weeks who are unvaccinated or unknown history should have a primary course of 2 X C5 vaccinations 4 weeks apart.

The next vaccination will be 12 months after the final vaccine and will continue yearly from there.

We often recommend pre-anaesthetic blood testing before surgery to help assess your pet’s overall health and identify any underlying issues that may not be visible during a physical examination. Blood tests can check important organ function, such as the liver and kidneys, as well as red and white blood cell levels.

This information helps our veterinarians at Vet Cross Bundaberg Hospital, Vet Cross Bargara Clinic, and Vet Cross Gin Gin Clinic tailor anaesthesia and medications to your pet, improving safety during the procedure.

Yes. Vet Cross Gin Gin offers digital x-ray services for dogs and cats, allowing our veterinarians to diagnose injuries, lameness, arthritis, swallowed foreign objects, and many other conditions. If sedation is required for clearer imaging, our team will discuss this with you before the procedure.
Yes. Vet Cross Bargara provide digital x-rays for dogs and cats as part of our diagnostic services. Our team can assess your pet and determine whether x-rays are recommended to help reach a diagnosis.
Vaccination costs can vary depending on your dog's age, vaccination history, and the vaccine required. All dog vaccinations at Vet Cross include a veterinary consultation and health check. Join our Vet Cross Complete Care Club to receive 10% off vaccinations, plus additional savings on selected preventatives and pet food.

Yes, Vet Cross Gin Gin performs a range of routine surgical procedures for dogs and cats, including desexing, lump removals, dental, and other minor surgeries.

For more complex procedures or cases requiring advanced surgical equipment, hospitalisation, or intensive monitoring, your pet may be referred to our main hospital at Vet Cross Bundaberg Hospital, where we have expanded surgical and diagnostic facilities. Our veterinary team will always discuss the best and safest option for your pet before booking surgery.

Yes, Vet Cross Bargara clinic offers routine surgical procedures for dogs and cats, including desexing, lump removals, dentals and other minor surgeries.

If your pet requires more advanced surgery, we may recommend treatment at Vet Cross Bundaberg Hospital, where our larger hospital is equipped for more complex procedures.

Vet Cross offers third-party payment options through VetPay, Afterpay and Zip. Applications and approvals are managed by the individual provider.

Please arrange your preferred payment option before treatment wherever possible, particularly for planned procedures.

Applications may be completed directly through the relevant provider. However, approval is not guaranteed and processing times may vary.

For planned treatment, we recommend applying before your appointment so you understand your available limit and repayment obligations.

No. VetPay, Afterpay and Zip independently assess each application and determine the amount available to an approved customer.

Vet Cross does not control application outcomes, spending limits, fees or repayment conditions.

Vet Cross can assist with standard pet insurance claims and is set up to submit GapOnly® claims for participating policies.

Whether a particular treatment is covered will depend on your policy and insurer. Please contact your insurer directly if you are uncertain about your level of cover.

No. With an approved eligible claim, you will need to pay the difference between the veterinary invoice and the benefit paid by your insurer. Your excess, co-payment, policy limits or excluded items may also affect the amount you need to pay.

Depending on your insurer and policy, it may be possible to request pre-approval before planned surgery or treatment.

Please speak with our team when your pet’s treatment is being scheduled. While we can provide the clinical information and estimate required, the insurer makes the final decision regarding coverage.

Cats that remain exclusively indoors have a very low risk of contracting FIV because the virus is commonly spread through deep bite wounds from infected cats. However, if an indoor cat escapes, lives with outdoor cats or has contact with unfamiliar cats, the risk may increase. Your veterinarian can advise whether FIV vaccination is appropriate for your cat.
No. FIV only affects cats and cannot be transmitted to people or dogs. Despite the nickname "Feline AIDS", it is a completely different virus to HIV in humans.
There is currently no cure for FIV. However, with good veterinary care and prompt treatment of infections, many FIV-positive cats enjoy an excellent quality of life for many years.

Yes.

Dogs often show no signs for several hours. Early treatment can prevent serious illness from develoiping. 

It depends.

The risk depends on your dog's size, the type of chocolate and how much was eaten. While a small amount of milk chocolate may only cause mild stomach upset in a large dog, the same amount of dark chocolate could be very dangerous for a small dog.

When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian.

Yes.

Although cats are less likely to eat chocolate, they are more sensitive to the toxic effects of theobromine than dogs.

If your cat has eaten chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately.

White chocolate contains very little theobromine, making it less toxic than dark or milk chocolate.

However, it is still very high in fat and sugar, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, pancreatitis. It should never be given as a treat.

No.

Never try to make your dog vomit unless you have been instructed to do so by a veterinarian. Some home remedies can do more harm than good, and vomiting may not be safe in every situation.

Our grooming prices vary depending on your pet's size, coat type, condition and the service required. See our website for a list of prices.
Yes, we provide grooming services for cats as well as dogs.
Yes. Our groomers are experienced with nervous and sensitive pets, and veterinary support is available when required.
Matted coats can require additional time and care. Our groomers will assess your pet's coat and discuss the options with you before proceeding.
For pets that are particularly distressed or unable to be groomed safely, sedation may be available under veterinary supervision, where clinically appropriate and once assessed by the veterinarian.
This depends on breed, coat type, lifestyle and the style you choose. Roughly every 8 weeks, but could be every 4 to 6 weeks in the warmer months. Our groomers will recommend an appropriate schedule for your pet.
Scooting can be caused by anal gland problems, but it can also occur with allergies, fleas, parasites/worms, skin irritation or other conditions. If your dog is repeatedly scooting, they should be examined to determine the cause.
Anal gland fluid has a very strong and distinctive smell, which is often described as fishy. A sudden strong smell from your dog's rear end can be a sign that their anal glands are not emptying normally.
Yes. An anal gland that becomes blocked can become inflamed and infected. In some cases, an infection can progress to an abscess.
It is best to have your dog's anal glands assessed by a veterinary professional, particularly if your dog is showing signs of pain, swelling or infection. Repeatedly attempting to empty the glands when there is an underlying problem may cause discomfort or injury.
Some dogs are more prone to recurring anal gland problems. If your dog regularly develops problems, your veterinarian may recommend investigating potential contributing factors such as allergies, diet, stool consistency or body weight.
Most dogs with anal gland problems do not require surgery. However, dogs with severe or recurring problems may occasionally require further treatment, and your veterinarian can discuss the options if this becomes necessary.

If your dog is repeatedly scooting, licking their rear end, developing a strong smell or showing signs of discomfort, don't ignore it.

Our veterinary team can examine your dog and determine whether their anal glands are the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Contact Vet Cross to book an appointment if you're concerned about your dog's anal glands.

If your pet becomes unwell or has an emergency outside our normal clinic hours, contact Vet Cross on 41515044. Our after-hours service is available to assist with urgent veterinary concerns.
Our after-hours veterinary service can assist with a range of urgent and emergency conditions, including injuries, suspected snake bites, breathing difficulties, poisoning, severe vomiting or diarrhoea, seizures, birthing issues, collapse, bleeding and other situations where you are concerned about your pet's immediate health.
Suspected snake bites should always be treated as an emergency. Keep your pet as quiet and still as possible and contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. Contact Vet Cross for advice and after-hours assistance. 
Yes. Vet Cross provides veterinary services for both small and large animals. If you have an after-hours concern involving livestock, horses or other large animals, please contact Vet Cross to discuss the situation and the assistance available.
We answer. When you contact Vet Cross after hours, simply press 1 and you will be directed through to our after-hours vet. Our after hours veterinarian will discuss your pet's situation with you and advise whether your pet needs immediate veterinary attention and what you should do next. If the emergency veterinarian is busy on another call, leave a message and they will return your call.
Yes. Vet Cross provides genuine after-hours veterinary care for clients when our clinics are closed. Our clinics have regular opening hours, however veterinary assistance is available after hours when your pet needs urgent care. Contact Vet Cross on 41515044 for assistance. 
Most testicular descent occurs during puppyhood. If a testicle has not descended by around 4-6 months of age, it is unlikely to descend normally later. Your veterinarian can assess your individual dog and advise you.
Yes. A dog with one normally descended testicle may still be fertile. We do not recommend breeding a dog with cryptorchidism as it is hereditary.
Not necessarily. Your veterinarian will determine whether additional imaging or other investigations are appropriate based on your dog's individual circumstances and the suspected location of the retained testicle.
This depends on where the retained testicle is located. A testicle retained in the groin may require an additional incision, while an abdominal retained testicle requires an abdominal incision.
it can be, because locating and removing a retained testicle can require a more involved surgical procedure. Your veterinarian will discuss the expected costs with you before surgery.
Most dogs require restricted activity for around 7-14 days, although the recovery period can vary depending on the surgical approach and your dog's individual circumstances. Always follow the discharge instructions provided by your veterinary team.
Yes. Some dogs have one retained testicle, while in other dogs neither testicle descends into the scrotum.
No. The condition is known to be hereditary, we do not recommend breeding a dog with undescended testicles.

Follow Us