Pet Proofing Your Home for a Happy Household

A small dog sits on a bed surrounded by pillow stuffing, with a torn pillow nearby and blankets rumpled around—an adorable reminder of why pet proofing your home is important.

Like all good mums and dads know, baby-proofing your home is step #1 on the road to good parenting. And pet parenting is no different. Pet proofing your home is not just for your pet. It’s for your peace of mind. No one wants woof or meow eating strange and un-diet-y foods or objects that … Read more

Pets + Natural Disasters: How To Be Emergency-Ready

A golden retriever stands in shallow, muddy water, looking off to the side—a striking reminder of Auckland flooding and the importance of emergency preparedness and response during New Zealand natural disasters.

Emergency preparedness and response for pets is exactly what it sounds like. It’s planning how to safeguard your pets before an emergency. After all, when you’re actually in one there simply isn’t the time. With the recent flooding in Northland and the ever present possibility of an earthquake in NZ, pets need our protection. How … Read more

What’s Your Chinese New Year Zodiac Animal?

A golden horse, symbolizing the Chinese Zodiac Animal for the year of the horse, stands behind large "2026" numbers with gold coins and stylized clouds on a rich red background.

Happy Chinese New Year 2026! Chinese New Year – also known as Lunar New Year and as the Spring Festival – essentially marks the tides of the new year and changing of the seasons. In 2026, it’s time to celebrate the next Chinese Zodiac animal: the horse. That’s right, this year is the Year of … Read more

What (and When) is World Pet Health Month—Answered!

A small, scruffy light-colored dog sits on the floor next to a person in shorts and a striped tank top, cross-legged with one hand on the dog—sharing a sweet moment for World Pet Health Month.

What (and when) is World Pet Health Month? Can anyone celebrate and how? Who founded it? So many questions! Thankfully, PD has all the answers right here. In this article we answer what is World Pet Health Month and much more—including how to join in by making the promise (and entering a draw to stand … Read more

Dog Trainers Vs Behaviourists: What’s the Difference? We Asked A Vet

A dog trainer gives a hand signal to a black and white dog sitting attentively on a patio in a garden.

Is your pooch pulling on the leash like a sled dog or showing signs of anxiety that leave you worried? You may be considering getting in a professional, but who should you call – a behaviourist or dog trainer? And what’s a vet behaviourist anyway? Understanding who to turn to can make all the difference. … Read more