Dogs

Most New Zealanders know about donating blood to help people. Far fewer realise that dogs, cats and other companion species can also donate blood and that these donations can be the difference between life and death for pets undergoing emergency treatment, major surgery or suffering from serious illness.
Around the world, countries have developed very different ways of sourcing this life-saving resource. Some rely on community volunteers, others on veterinary-based donor registers. New Zealand stands out for taking a very different approach.

Pets can be wonderful companions for children, helping them learn empathy, responsibility, and kindness. There are also health benefits such as lower levels of obesity, allergies and anxiety in children raised with pets. But safe, positive relationships don’t just happen: they need guidance, supervision, and an understanding of what animals need to feel safe.

A new baby brings big changes to your home, and your pets may find this unsettling. Starting that relationship right and preparing before the arrival of a baby is an important part of reducing stress for everyone in the household and building the foundation of a long and happy relationship between your child and your pets.

A hind dew claw is a claw located higher up on the inside of a dog’s back leg, above the other toes. Not all dogs have hind dew claws, and they are considered a normal anatomical variation.

While all dogs have nails, whether or not they need to be trimmed depends on a variety of factors. This guide will help pet owners to understand whether their dog requires regular nail trimming, how to do this safely without causing any pain and minimising stress, and when to seek veterinary assistance.

Dogs can make delightful pets, but before you decide to take on this new responsibility, please look into and consider carefully the needs of dogs and remember that these animals will rely on you to meet their needs every day of the year.

Older animals tend to find the cold weather over winter a bit of a challenge, especially those with arthritis. Arthiritis is inflammation of the joints and can have many underlying causes including prior injury, degenerative disease and developmental disorders.

The warmer weather is great for pets and their owners alike, but it’s also a timely reminder to check your house and garden for anything that may be harmful to your pet.

While many people enjoy the fireworks festivities, some animals can become highly distressed by fireworks.

When the weather begins to turn and the chill sets in, it's important to make sure your pets will be comfortable and well fed during the long cold winter months.