Expert Advice

Companion Animals

What Vaccinations Does My Puppy Need? 

Getting a new puppy is exciting – and one of the first things we’ll talk to you about at Aorangi Vets is their vaccination schedule. Vaccines protect your puppy against some serious and potentially fatal diseases, and getting the timing right matters.  Here’s what you need to know.  The Core…

Has Your Pet Swallowed Something? Signs of a Digestive Blockage 

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. …

Your Guide to After-Hours Vet Care in Canterbury

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…

When Should You Worm Your Cat or Dog?

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…

Puppy and Kitten Care: How to Give Your New Pet the Best Start

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…

How to Keep Your Pets Calm During Summer Travel

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…

A Vet Nurse’s Perspective: Caring for Animals and Our Community

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…

Understanding Why Cats Don’t Like the Vet: Tips for Stress-Free Visits

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…

Sheep, Beef, Deer & Dog Newsletter – Winter 2025

Supporting Farmers Through Regulatory Change The pace of regulatory change in the sheep, beef, and deer sectors has been significant in recent years, and it’s fair to say that the pressure is mounting. From environmental compliance and grazing consents to antimicrobial stewardship and animal welfare…

Keeping Older Pets Comfortable at Home

As our pets age, their needs change – especially during the colder months. Stiff joints, reduced mobility, and sensitivity to the cold can all make life a bit harder for senior pets. The good news? Just a few small changes at home can make a…