Expert Advice
Companion Animals
By Heather Hellmrich, Vet Nurse and Clinic Manager, Aorangi Vets This article was first published in Fairlie Accessible, Issue 26-14. As a vet nurse, I spend a lot of time helping owners care for their ageing pets. But when I get home, I’m in the…
Many pet owners assume it’s normal for older dogs and cats to slow down. But reluctance to jump, stiffness after resting, struggling with stairs, or reduced enthusiasm for walks can all be signs of osteoarthritis or chronic pain. The good news is that there are…
Puppies need a course of three vaccinations, usually given at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, and 14–16 weeks of age, followed by a booster at 12 months and then annually. These protect against serious diseases including parvovirus and distemper. Getting a new puppy is exciting –…
One of the most common – and most avoidable – reasons pets end up at the vet is a digestive tract foreign body. That’s the clinical term for when a pet eats an object that gets lodged somewhere in the digestive tract and can’t pass through on its own. …
Pet emergencies have a habit of happening outside business hours. Whether it’s a dog that’s eaten something it shouldn’t have, a cat that’s come home injured, or a cow calving with complications in the early hours, knowing in advance what to do and who to…
Worming is one of those things that’s easy to put off – until you’re not sure when you last did it, or whether you even need to. The honest answer is that how often your pet needs worming depends on their age, lifestyle, and what’s…
Bringing home a puppy or kitten is one of life’s great joys and also one of the most important times for their long-term health. By laying the right foundations now, you’ll be giving your pet the best possible start. Vaccinate to Protect Young pets are…
Stress-Free Summer Trips with Your Pets Summer holidays are just around the corner, which means road trips, beach visits, and adventures for your pets. While these trips can be exciting, they can also be stressful for dogs and cats. Fortunately, products like Adaptil, Calmex, and…
By Heather Hellmrich, Veterinary Nurse and Clinic Manager, Aorangi Vets A Lifelong Love for Animals I really just have a deep love for animals. I grew up on a lifestyle block on the outskirts of Fairlie, so was able to have a bit of everything…
Cats are fascinating little predators. Unlike dogs, they carry much of their wild ancestry, sharing over 95% of their DNA with big cats like leopards and tigers. This explains their cautious, alert nature and sensitivity to change. Why Cats Can Be Stressed at the Vet…