16 Aug 2017
Healthy teeth and gums are vital to your dog’s wellbeing. Brushing their teeth, feeding them dental kibble and treats, and chewing on rubber toys will keep your canine's goofy smile in sparkling shape. Brush your dog's teeth to prevent a build up of plaque Daily brushing gives your dog the best chance to have healthy teeth and gums. Introduce daily teeth cleaning to them when they are pups. If you have an older dog, with a bit of patience and lots of reward they will get used to it. Here's how: Buy a doggy toothbrush and chicken or beef-flavoured toothpaste from your vet. Avoid human t…
16 Aug 2017
Written by Dr Natalie Lloyd In May I travelled to Australia to attend a 2-day course on identifying and treating behavioural issues in cats and dogs. Animals commonly suffer from anxiety related behaviour, and one of the more common ones we see in our dogs is Separation Anxiety. Separation anxiety is a distressing behaviour for dogs but is also distressing for dog owners. Almost always the behaviour is seen in dogs who are adored by their owners and therefore, the dogs reflect that by loving their owners in return. Consequently, the dogs are distressed when their owners are absent. At Tasman…
14 Jul 2017
Preventative healthcare for life Regular health check ups are the cornerstone of a preventative health program for your cat in the years ahead. We aim to see most patients at least twice a year. Regular check-ups allow us to catch potential problems early and inform you of the newest and best options in pet medicine pertinent to your individual situation. In the latter years of life these increase in frequency as age related problems become more likely. Every year that passes is 5 or 7 years for your four legged friend, let’s make each one healthy!! Vaccinations Vaccinations are very i…
14 Jul 2017
Regular health check ups Regular health check ups are the cornerstone of a preventative health program for your dog in the years ahead. We aim to see our patients at least twice a year. Regular check-ups allow us to catch potential problems early and inform you of the newest and best options in pet medicine pertinent to your individual situation. In the latter years of life these increase in frequency as age related problems become more likely. Every year that passes is 5 or 7 years for your four legged friend, let's make each one healthy!! Vaccinations Vaccinations are very important and…
17 May 2017
We all live busy lives, meaning sometimes our furry friends are left at home. This means our dogs are left to their own devices resulting in boredom. Even if your dog doesn’t create problems when they are bored, enrichment is still vital in stimulating their brain and providing them with opportunity to practice natural behaviour. This article will give you some tips on providing an enriching environment for your dog. Scavenger hunts Instinctively dogs are scavengers and problem solvers. Try hiding foods, treats and toys around the backyard or house. This will keep your dog busy and reward t…
16 May 2017
As more people are choosing to live in apartments, we are seeing more and more cats spending their days inside only. Eve, one of our vets, has just adopted two kittens who will live solely indoors. Here are a few easy things that can be done for your indoor cat to help them live happy, healthy and enriched lives. DESIGNING A CORE TERRITORY Core territory is the space where your cat’s essential resources are located. It is important to provide multiple resources for your cats or kittens, with easy access for each cat. Resources that are essential to cats include their food, water, toilet and r…
16 May 2017
Has your couch, carpet, bed or even wallpaper been the victim of your cats scratching attention? This is a common problem for cat owners, but the first thing you should know is that scratching is a completely normal behaviour for our feline friends. There are many reasons why our cats scratch, this article will tell you why and give you some tips to move their attention away from your innocent couch. Some common reasons for your cat’s scratching behaviour: Sharpening and grooming the claws This comes naturally to cats and can’t be stopped. Outdoors this is usually done on trees or fences, but…
21 Feb 2017
Have you ever been sitting down on a hot summer’s day indulging in a cool icy treat, with two hopeful eyes staring up at you? This article will give you some ideas for DIY ice treats to keep your furry friend cool this summer. Chilly tuna bites What you need: Tuna (canned is fine, just make sure it is in spring water) Baking paper Method: Place small bite size pieces in dollops on the baking paper, then place in the freezer. You can also blend this with any other ingredients your pet enjoys before freezing! Icy Kong soup What you need: Low sodium broth Any assorted meats (high in p…