The Vet Rose Bay Locals (and Beach-Goers) Trust

Expert veterinary care, just minutes from the Rose Bay Dog Beach

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Rose Bay is the playground of the Eastern Suburbs. Whether you are grabbing a coffee at the marina, walking the promenade, or letting your dog run wild on the sand at the famous Rose Bay Dog Beach, life here revolves around the water.

But the coastal lifestyle comes with specific health risks for pets.

Vaucluse Vet is the "local" choice for Rose Bay residents. Located just up the hill from New South Head Road, we are a full-service veterinary hospital close to the dog beach.

We don't just treat pets; we treat Rose Bay pets. From stingray barbs to sand impaction and heatstroke, our team is uniquely experienced in the issues that affect dogs who live life in the salt and sand.

Why Rose Bay Pet Owners Choose Us

We are the convenient, expert alternative to the busy vet clinics on New South Head Road.

  1. The "Post-Beach" Convenience: Notice a limp or a cut after a run at Dumaresq Reserve? You don't want to drive halfway across Sydney. We are just a 2-minute drive from the foreshore, meaning you can get fast relief for your pet (and easy parking for you).

  2. Apartment Experts: Rose Bay is a mix of beautiful waterfront apartments and family homes. We specialise in both offering advice on apartment living for cats and small dogs and providing services for our elderly clients in the area.

  3. Marine Injury Specialists: Because of our proximity to the flats of Rose Bay, we see more stingray injuries and saltwater toxicity cases than almost any other clinic. If your dog is a swimmer, you want a vet who knows what to look for.

The Ultimate Guide to Dog-Friendly Rose Bay

Rose Bay Dog Beach (The Jewel of the East)

Located between Percival Park and Dumaresq Reserve, this is one of the only beaches in Sydney with 24/7 off-leash access.

  • The Good: It’s shallow, calm, and perfect for puppies learning to swim.

  • The Rules: While the beach is off-leash, the surrounding parks (like Lyne Park) have specific timed restrictions. Always check the signs!

  • Pro Tip: Visit at low tide. At high tide, the beach almost disappears, leaving very little room to run.

Dog-Friendly Cafes

Rose Bay has an incredible cafe culture that welcomes pets:

  • Jezve Coffee: Located right near Lyne Park, it’s the perfect pit-stop for a strong coffee after a morning walk.

  • Sugar & Spoon: Known for being super dog-friendly with a great outdoor area.

  • The Boathouse (Kiosk): While the restaurant is formal, the kiosk area on the marina is a great spot to grab a takeaway and sit on the grass with your leashed pup.

Critical Health Alerts for Rose Bay Dogs

The calm waters of Rose Bay hide some specific dangers. Keep your dog safe by watching out for:

1. Stingrays

The shallow, warm sand flats of Rose Bay are a favourite hiding spot for stingrays, especially in summer.

  • The Risk: Curious dogs often step on them or sniff them in the shallows. A barb to the paw or face is incredibly painful and requires immediate veterinary attention (and pain relief!).

  • The Sign: Sudden, intense screaming/crying from your dog while wading in shallow water.

2. Sand Impaction (Beach Tummy)

Dogs who accidentally swallow sand while fetching balls (or purposely eat it) are at risk of a bowel blockage.

  • Prevention: Use a frisbee instead of a tennis ball (which picks up wet sand), and discourage digging-and-biting behavior.

  • Symptoms: Vomiting, hunching in pain, straining to defecate.

3. Noise Anxiety (Seaplanes)

Rose Bay is the home of the seaplane. For some dogs, the constant roaring of engines at the wharf can cause severe noise anxiety.

  • We Can Help: If your dog panics during your foreshore walks, book a consult. We can discuss desensitization training and medication to help them cope.

  • A: The off-leash area is technically the foreshore beach located between Percival Park and Dumaresq Reserve. Note that dogs are prohibited from the ferry wharf area itself.

  • A: Yes. This is a common injury we see from Rose Bay patients. Do not try to pull the barb out yourself if it is embedded, as this can cause more damage. Call us immediately and bring them straight in.

  • A: We are open on Saturdays for your convenience. For Sunday emergencies, we can refer you to the nearest 24-hour specialist centre, but we are your go-to for all preventative and weekday care.

  • A: We can help with medical baths for skin conditions, but for a "beauty" groom, Rose Bay has several mobile grooming services that can come to your door. We focus on the medical side—itchy skin, ear infections, and allergies.