Still Using These? They’re More Harmful to Pets Than You’d Think

A gray tabby cat closely observes a lit orange candle, its face illuminated by the candlelight—a reminder that some candles may be toxic to cats or harmful to pets.

You’d think pet house candles, a bit of citronella, or even a salt lamp wouldn’t do much harm. They seem harmless enough. But turns out, quite a few everyday things around the home can actually be harmful to pets – and yes, that includes stuff that’s toxic to cats and dogs. It’s why searches like … Read more

How to Celebrate Matariki with Pets in 2025

A Kiwi woman camping with her dog in a grassy field under the Matariki star cluster

Matariki New Year is the perfect time of year for a bit of stargazing. And who better to accompany you under the Matariki star cluster than your loved ones, which of course includes your curious cat or daring dog. (Or both). 1 January is a popular date around the world for celebrating New Year. But … Read more

How to Keep Your Pet Warm When it’s Cold

In winter, this puppy snuggles under blankets to keep warm.

Whether or not they show it, pets are sensitive to colder weather. We know you want yours to stay healthy and cosy, so we’ve put together some tips on how to keep your pet warm during these chillier months. We also answer questions like do pets get sick in winter and how to exercise your … Read more

Bye-Bye, Eye Gunk! How to Remove Dog Tear Stains

A white poodle with curly fur and a purple collar gazes at the camera, set against a pristine white background. With its bright eyes free from tear stains, the poodle radiates charm and elegance.

If you’ve noticed tear stains and wondered if your dog’s been crying, you’re not alone. But can dogs 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 cry tears like humans do, or is something else behind those smudgy marks? We’ll walk you through whether dogs shed tears like humans do, plus how to clean dog tear stains effectively and remove them for … Read more

How to Build a Dog Kennel out of Wood (Woof!)🐶

A small white chihuahua sits inside a charming wooden dog house kennel on a tiled patio next to a potted plant, showcasing the perfect DIY dog kennel design.

Whether you’re planning a kennel design or figuring out how to make a homemade dog kennel with what you’ve got on hand, it all comes down to giving your dog a safe, comfortable space. Learning how to build a dog kennel out of wood isn’t just practical – it’s a chance to slow down and … Read more

8 Reasons to Celebrate World Vet Day 2025

On World Vet Day, a female veterinarian in NZ is carefully examining a dog's head.

World Vet Day 2025 is all about celebrating the essential health work vets do. Vets in NZ play a crucial role in the human-animal bond by ensuring our companion animals (and farm animals) stay healthy. As we all know, vets also play an enormous role in human health too. For example, by ensuring the meat … Read more

How to Celebrate Pink Shirt Day with Pets

A woman wearing glasses and a pink shirt smiles while holding a yellow dog’s face as the dog opens its mouth near her cheek, celebrating Pink Shirt Day—an event that proudly supports anti bullying day NZ.

Pink Shirt Day is an anti-bullying day in NZ (and in Canada where it first started). Pets often provide a strong sense of comfort and security to those who are being bullied. They can be our best friend or beloved companions but also provide vital support as therapy and assistance animals. In this article, PD … Read more

5 Pet ‘Facts’ That Are Actually Myths!

not all cats mind water - that's a myth

You’d be surprised by how many things you think you know about pets are actually dog or cat myths . From the alpha dog to cats loving milk, some “true and trusted” information is anything but! Sadly, some pet myths have the potential to limit our pets’ happiness – or at the very least their … Read more

Accidental Ingestion: Here’s What Dogs Swallow + How To Prevent It

A dog lies on a kitchen floor among broken plates and scattered paper towels, surrounded by foreign objects that could lead to accidental ingestion.

Did you know that ”accidental ingestion’ – basically your dog swallowing something they shouldn’t – was among our top claim types in 2024? And we don’t just mean the usual suspects like chocolate. In fact, harmful foreign bodies can range from items in your pantry through to toys, medication and clothing. In this article, we … Read more

What Does a Dog Wagging Their Tail Mean (Fist Bump)?

a dog plays happily with its pet parent on a sunny afternoon

What does a dog wagging their tail mean? Most of us think we know why a dog wags their tail, but are they happy, anxious, excited? A combo of them all? Or something else? This tail-wagging business is a language all of its own and might be more complex than we tend to think. Why … Read more