Separation anxiety in pets after lockdown

Separation anxiety in pets after lockdown Covid-19 has changed the work and school lifestyle for many, with more people in their homes over a longer period of time.  Even just one week at home can affect a pet’s stress levels – it may have brought joy to many pets with constant companionship, but also increased […]

Toilet training made easy!

Puppy chewing toilet roll on lawn

Toilet training made easy! The success of toilet training your puppy is dependent on a number of important factors – whether your puppy is indoors, whether you are at home to monitor them and whether you are being consistent with the training.     Housetraining a puppy requires time, vigilance, patience and commitment. You can minimise house soiling incidents, but […]

All you need to know about bringing a new kitten home

Welcoming a new kitten home Otaki Vets

All you need to know about bringing a new kitten home So, you’ve adopted a kitten! While you definitely know how cute and fluffy they are, and you’re adamant about which treats and accessories you want to buy them, you may not be so sure on where to start with their healthcare. Luckily, we’ve compiled a […]

Bored and lonely dogs

Otaki Vets product range 2

Finding solutions to your dog’s boredom and loneliness Wouldn’t it be good if you could spend all day at home with your dog? Unfortunately few of us are lucky enough to have a life of leisure and with some people’s busy lifestyles, dogs can be left alone at home for extended periods of time with […]

When is a scratch more than an itch?

Itchy cat Otaki Vets

When is a scratch more than an itch? How do you know if your cat or dog is suffering from skin allergies? These warmer months often bring many causes for skin irritation – fleas love this weather, and pollen fills the air. But when is a skin problem actually an allergy? Some signs in dogs […]

De-sexing your pet

Cat in cage at vets

De-sexing your pet The appropriate age to de-sex your pet doesn’t have a black and white answer. For most pets, the traditional age of six months is likely to be appropriate. In some cases it may be better to delay de-sexing until after puberty (around 10-12 months in large breeds, 18 months in giant breeds). […]

A guide to feeding mum and weaning puppies

Border collie puppies

A guide to feeding mum and weaning puppies During the last four weeks of pregnancy, your bitch should be fed solely on a good quality, complete and balanced puppy food, which should be tailored to either small or medium sized breeds. If your pregnant bitch is a small (10kg or less) or medium-breed (between 10-25kg), […]

Cat vaccinations and disease prevention

Cat vaccinations and disease prevention

Cat vaccinations and disease prevention Cat vaccinations – what diseases do they help to prevent? Most cat vaccinations aim to prevent at least three diseases in kittens and cats: Feline Panleukopaenia Virus, Feline Herpesvirus 1 and Feline Calicivirus. Feline Panleukopenia Virus Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV), also called Feline Distemper or Feline Enteritis, is a highly […]

Walking dandruff?

Walking dandruff blog

Walking dandruff? Walking dandruff (“cheyletiellosis”) in rabbits is caused by a common rabbit fur mite (Cheyletiella parasitovorax). They are nicknamed “walking dandruff” because these large, whitish mites crawl across the skin and fur, and cause excessive flaky skin on a rabbit. Infested rabbits spread it to other rabbits, and this highly contagious, non-burrowing mite can […]

Taking your cat to the vet

Taking your cat to the vet Cats are territorial creatures and rarely ever leave their home; when they do it usually means they’re going to one of two places – the vet or the cattery. Therefore when a cat is put into a cage they assume they’re going somewhere “bad”, and travelling becomes stressful.  The […]