News & Advice

Parvovirus… it’s a diagnosis that every pet parent and vet clinic dreads, and one that can take the life of a previously healthy puppy in a matter of days. Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs, particularly puppies. It is a serious and potentially fatal illness that can cause severe gastrointestinal […]

Algae is present in many of New Zealand’s lakes and rivers all year round, and is found across a range of water qualities (including high quality). In periods of warm weather and low water flow, toxic species of algae can outgrow non-toxic, species. Levels can change dramatically from one day to the next and aren’t […]

Caring for your pet lamb may seem simple, but there are a few things you need to aware of … It is absolutely vital that the lamb has at least one feed of colostrum (milk from a ewe lambed within the last 24hrs) in its first day of life. Without this colostrum, the lamb has […]

To celebrate our amazing pets (and their humans), we are giving you the chance to win a year’s worth of PD pet insurance or Hills premium pet food! We would love to see your pets out and about enjoying their best life. You can also visit any one of our Vetlife clinics and take a fun […]

The current outbreak of canine cough (otherwise known as kennel cough) around the district is all too familiar to most of us, due to its similarities to COVID-19.  It is not related to COVID-19, but the principles are very similar i.e. highly contagious, various strains, requirement for isolation and vaccination. However, there is no requirement […]

With vaccination rates increasing in the small animal world, it would be nice to think that the occurrence of feline panleukopenia or feline parvovirus, is a thing of the past but that is not the case. Veterinary teams across Vetlife clinics in the South Island have seen many cases recently. This disease, also known as […]

Cruciate ligament disease is a common cause of lameness in dogs. Both knees in the back legs can be affected. After the onset of lameness, arthritis and joint instability cause continuing deterioration in limb function. Thankfully, your vet can resolve the lameness and get your pet back to a happy, active lifestyle. How can surgery […]

As summer approaches many of us are no doubt making plans to head to the beach or enjoy a nice barbeque under the simmering heat. But this “fun in the sun season” also happens to come with hazards for our pets. To help you keep your pets safe from the summer heat, we have put […]

Whether it’s a day trip to the beach with your pets or a multi-day adventure, here are a few tips to make your travel plans go smoothly and make the most of the summer. 1. Accommodation: Before the trip, call ahead of time to check the policies of your accommodation regarding pets. Many hotels/motels will […]

Taking your dog on holiday can be fun for everyone – after all, things just aren’t the same without the whole family there!   The key to a successful trip with your pooch is preparation. So, with that in mind, here are some tips to ensure your pets remain happy and stress-free throughout the holiday […]

It’s coming close to that time of year where many families pack their bags and travel around Aotearoa for the holiday season. For some of our furry friends, that means they’ll be staying at a pet boarding facility, such as a cattery or kennels. This can be a very stressful experience for some animals, especially […]

Dental disease is an all too common problem in our pets and can have a real impact on their health and wellbeing. Up to 70% of cats and 80% of dogs show some sign of dental disease by the age of two! An initial buildup of tartar causes painful inflammation of the gums, known as […]