Degenerative joint disease is the number one cause of pain in our pets. 20% of all pets of any age have arthritis. This figure climbs to 90% for the over-tens, afflicting both dogs and cats, particularly large breed dogs. The condition is the result of long-term stresses, from an old injury or from a poorly conformed joint during the growth stages of a puppy or kitten.  A pet doesn’t have to be a senior citizen to benefit greatly from joint care supplements or anti-inflammatories.

The Raven is capable of showing a degree of empathy towards its peers, previously thought only to be present in apes. Ravens console each other after conflicts! Read more

Controlling That Pup! Here's a few useful pointers from Simon, the Dog Guru, our puppy class teacher. Sometimes our wonderful puppies just want to get our attention and they will do it any way they can.  Read more

Although you may not realise it, our pets can also be susceptible to diseases related to excessive sun exposure. Numerous cancers can affect the skin of animals and most are linked to spending time in the sun. Sunburn is painful to animals too, so keep your pet out of the sun in the middle of the day during our harsh New Zealand summers. In pets, sunburn can appear as red skin or hair loss, and in severe cases can progress to blistering or the formation Read more

"Breast and lung cancer have been confirmed in people who are already diagnosed by conventional testing methods by trained dogs using their highly sensitive nose in research studies. Our canine companions are still not officially used in clinical detection but with further positive research this would be a likelihood.”, says veterinarian and ANKC spokesman Dr Peter Higgins. Read more

Scientists have obtained evidence that the dog has a single origin in time and space, and an estimation of the time of origin, number of founders and approximate region, which also gives potential clues about the human culture involved. Read more

So what do you do if you want the best for your pet without the worry of being unable to afford expensive treatment?  Pet insurance is the answer. By taking out pet insurance, you’re not only helping to cushion the costs of expensive veterinary procedures but also ensuring that your pets will get the treatment they need.  Read more

What your pets are watching on TV these days. Contrary to popular belief Cats and Dogs can take in a lot of visual information while they watch their favourite Television shows, and this doesn’t have to be restricted just to “Animal Planet”. Read more

How fat is too fat?This can be pretty hard to judge in less extreme cases and that’s where vets and vet nurses come in as professionals who can guide, advise and help you, a responsible pet owner who is trying to do their best for their cherished cat or dog. Although weight itself is of course measured on a continuum, the health implications for a slightly overweight pet are minimal, conversely for an obese animal they are very serious.  Read more

NEUTERING OUR PETS – IT’S A NO BRAINER. “ Yeeaaooowww! It seems a bit mean though, a bit cruel don’t you think”. The number of times I hear that comment, especially relayed from men busily extrapolating their human emotions onto that of their pets.  Read more