A small medical or office treatment room with a black cabinet, a small sink, and a mini refrigerator. There are two brown chairs in the corner, a stool, and large glass windows showing a street view with trees and parked cars outside.

Consultations

Vet consults are the cornerstone of our commitment to providing high-quality care for your dog. We provide routine health checks and vaccinations and advice on complicated medical and surgical conditions. Our compassionate and highly trained veterinarians will take the time to listen to your concerns and tailor our recommendations and treatment plans to address the specific needs of your dog.

A standard consult time is up to 20 minutes, while an extended appointment time is up to 40 minutes.

Is it Behaviour or Pain?Consult

Many dogs, especially senior dogs, show changes like:
- Growling or snapping
- Avoiding touch
- Reluctance to walk, jump, or play
- “Grumpiness” or withdrawal
- Sudden anxiety or restlessness
These changes are often labelled as behaviour problems, when in reality they may be caused by:
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Arthritis or joint disease
  • Dental pain
  • Underlying medical illness
  • Cognitive or age-related changes
  • Fear or anxiety linked to discomfort
This consultation is designed to gently investigate the “why” behind the behaviour, without rushing or forcing handling.
Empty medical examination room with two brown chairs, a black counter with medical supplies, a small refrigerator, and wall-mounted shelves, dimly lit with a drop ceiling.

Fear Free Victory Visits

Our commitment to Fear Free Standards ensures that every visit to our clinic is an opportunity for positive experiences rather than stressful encounters. We celebrate what we call “Fear Free Victory Visits.” 
During these visits, we focus on creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Our Veterinarians employ various Fear Free techniques designed to soothe anxious dogs. Victory Visits work to create a Fear Free experience for your dog during care by familiarising them through repeated visits and training to remain relaxed with future care. These visits employ positive activities the dog enjoys doing i.e. receiving extra special treats and playing favourite games. They're designed to improve ease of general handling, and condition, train and prepare dogs for care they're likely to have during their lifetime in the environments where the care is going to happen. Victory Visits are useful for pet parents who are highly motivated to minimise the use of manual restraint and wish to teach their pets to be active participants in their own husbandry and medical care i.e. cooperative veterinary care. For more detailed info please refer to our Fear Free Menu.

Seniors Appointments

We have three dedicated appointment types for Seniors. Our Senior Bundle Appointments include a Seniors Health Check, an Orthopaedic and Dental Check, and full Blood Work including a Urinalysis. Our Senior Comfort & Quality-of-Life Appointment for discussing the management of quality-of-life and addressing ageing concerns. Our Palliative Care and End-of-Life Planning Appointment to discuss chronic disease management planning and the right time for your dog to cross the Rainbow Bridge. 
All large breed dogs are considered Seniors from 6 years of age and all medium and small sized breeds are considered Seniors at 8 years of age.
For more information on Seniors please see our dedicated Seniors Page.

All our Seniors appointments are approximately 40 minutes in length.

Fear Free Happy Visits

A Fear Free Happy Visit at Melbourne Dog Clinic starts with a warm welcome from our vet nurse. Our calming facility minimises stress for dogs and owners. The vet nurse guides you to a quiet area, focusing on positive reinforcement with treats to build trust. Through considerate approach and gentle control, your dog becomes familiar with the clinic's environment. 
Short, enjoyable interactions are key, including simple checks of ears and paws, always with an upbeat demeanour. This approach not only makes your dog feel safe but also strengthens their connection to the clinic for future visits. Happy Visits ease anxiety and offer dog parents a chance to ask questions about their dog's well-being. We recommend scheduling your visit when your dog is hungry and eager for treats, ensuring a rewarding experience for everyone.
For more detailed info please refer to our Fear Free Menu. Please note, no medical advice is given during a Happy Visit. Happy Visits are Free of Charge.