Dogs

Deaf dogs can live happy, fulfilling lives. With a few adjustments to how you communicate and set up their environment, you can help them thrive. Deaf dogs often rely more on visual and tactile cues, and with patience and positive training methods, you can build a strong and trusting bond.

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.

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.

Please be extra vigilant about what your pets eat over the festive season. Refrain from sharing human food with your pets, and think twice about leaving food in places that might be easily accessible to pets.

Happy Halloween animal lovers! Please remember that today can be a little too scary for animals – here are our best pet safety tips.