14 Dec 2017
There’s nothing more spectacular than a fireworks display to bring in the New Year. We know it’s a joyful experience, but for our sensitive-eared pets it’s a bit like the end of the world. Explosions, bangs and even shrieks of delight can cause stress and send them into horrible fits of anxiety. The good news about this is that we can help. It is important that you contact your vet very early in the piece if you think your pet has a fearful reaction to fireworks and loud noises. Training to alter anxious behaviour Your dog might bark excessively out of fear after hearing fireworks, or just go nuts …
14 Dec 2017
We are now selling these awesome interactive feeders for both cats and dogs at the clinic. They look like a very unusual type of dog or cat bowl, but their purpose is to help to make feeding time a little more of a challenge and make mealtimes last a little bit longer! Read on to find out more about the “Green” and “Catch” Interactive Feeder range.. Why use an interactive feeder? Cats (especially) and dogs spend hours hunting their food in the wild, and a relatively short period of time actually eating it. Our pet cats and dogs are provided with their food in a bowl, and usually, eating it takes a…
14 Dec 2017
Your vet can give you advice on how to look after your pet, but as a pet owner the responsibility is with you to make sure your pets are fit and healthy. A long and happy life differs from pet to pet: a year is a lengthy time for dogs and cats, and even more so for guinea pigs and rabbits! If you can stay on top of their health, there’s a bonus too: preventative healthcare will help keep your vet bills down. If your vet can catch a potential health problem early, it’ll cost a lot less than if it’s advanced. Here are nine steps you can take to look after your pet’s health. 1. Visit the vet regular…
05 Dec 2017
There is a pending release of a new strain of the rabbit calicivirus already present in New Zealand. This new strain is a Korean one, and is called RHDV K5 Virus or “K5”. The hope is that this Korean variant will overcome the natural resistance that the NZ wild rabbit population has developed to the existing virus. The majority of unvaccinated rabbits that become infected will die of the virus. It is important to be aware of the signs of RHDV K5 Virus and act quickly; • Cold Like symptoms • Lethargy – one of the first signs of RHDV K5 • Not eating or drinking • Rise in body temperature l…
20 Nov 2017
From the beginning of 2018, the Wellington City Council is looking to introduce policy requiring all domestic cats over the age of 12 weeks to be microchipped and registered. If your cat’s details have changed, please call the clinic on 04 385 7773 so that your cat's file can be updated with their microchip details. Bring your cat in before December 15th and we will microchip and register your cat for $25.00 If your cat is not microchipped and is visiting the clinic for another reason during this time, including a health check, or surgical procedure, we will add a microchip and registration i…
17 Nov 2017
Microchipping is a permanent form of identification for your pet. Inserting a microchip is like a vaccination, it only takes a few seconds. The procedure is very safe and your pet will feel little pain. Once done, your pet's details, and your contact address and phone numbers are entered on a national database. Why do we recommend microchips? Collars can fall off or be removed details on pet tags can fade or become outdated. Inserting a microchip means your pet can be easily identified by a ranger, animal shelter or veterinarian regardless of the situation. Once identified, you can be…
15 Nov 2017
Getting your cat off your lap is easier said than done. The good news is they never lose their instinct to chase, pounce and catch prey, so it’s easy to encourage them to be more active. The best time to play with your cat is in the morning and evening. To keep them interested, play for short 10- to 15- minute sessions, and rotate their toys regularly. Here are a few fun ideas to burn those kitty calories. Good old ball on a string Cats love the unpredictable movement of a ball on a string – or any small, preferably hairy or feathery, object that bounces around for them to stalk and pounce on.…
15 Nov 2017
Your pet spends a lot of time playing outside, so it’s important to know whether your garden is pet friendly. If you have a dog, it’s easy to fence off sections of your garden, but it’s a different story with an outdoor cat. WHAT ARE THE ISSUES TO BE AWARE OF AND WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE YOUR GARDEN PET FRIENDLY? Remove poisonous garden plants Many of our garden plants are poisonous to pets. From daffodils to delphiniums, there are countless plants that you shouldn’t have in your garden. Cycads, like the Sago Palm, and even lilies are plants to avoid. The American Society for the Prevention of Crue…