Saying no to puppy dog eyes is something which most pet parents struggle with particularly when it is as easy as giving  them a little scrap off your plate. Unfortunately treating your dog with your dinner is not only encouraging begging behaviour it also is simply not good for them and can in fact cause harm.

Deciding on whether to have your pet de-sexed or not is a question we get asked a lot. At Animates Vetcare we recommend that all pets be de-sexed. Not only are there are a number of health benefits by having your pet de-sexed, it also decreases the number of unwanted puppies and kittens that find themselves homeless or in shelters across New Zealand.

As pet parents we love to enjoy the warm weather with our pets. However, summer can bring unique risks to their health. The Animates Vetcare team have compiled a list of common hazards you might see during summer and safety tips to help keep your pet safe, comfortable, and carefree this summer.

Christmas is a joyous occasion for all but can bring serious hazards for our fur-friends. We've listed some of the main hazards to keep an eye out for over this Christmas period. 

Travelling with your dog can be a short trip to your local clinic or the park, or as exciting as taking them on holiday with you. Wherever you’re going, it’s important to ensure your pet is safely restrained (in either a harness or a carrier), and can access what they need while you’re travelling.

Unfortunately, some pets do get travel-sickness, so preparing for this will not only make your pet’s travel less uncomfortable, but will also give you piece of mind.

Training your puppy is important to help you on your way to a well-rounded, socially robust and happy dog. Persistence, patience and positive reinforcement will ensure your pup is aware of the behaviours you want. We strongly recommend taking your puppy to training classes such as Animates Puppy Preschool, as it will not only help you and your puppy learn the right manners, but it will also expose your puppy to other puppies and dogs, and will help with their social enrichment.