Why Do Dogs Bark (and How You Can Help)

Why dogs bark is an interesting question with lots of answers.

Why do dogs bark? It’s something every frustrated canine parent has asked themselves at some point. Especially if your dog goes on long monologues that fill the passage or the street with dog vowels. Even more so if you’ve discovered an angry note in your letterbox about your dog’s not-so-neighbourly vocalisations. Before you go barking … Read more

The Surprising Items Sending Dogs to the Vet in 2026

A small, long-haired dog outdoors in tall grass sticks out its tongue near a red poppy flower, happily exploring—though tall grass can pose risks of foreign bodies or accidental ingestion.

Did you know that ”accidental ingestion’ – basically your dog swallowing something they shouldn’t – is consistently among our top claim types? 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 look … Read more

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

How to Keep Your Pet Safe on NZ Roads

A golden retriever dog, mindful of pet road safety, runs on a paved road next to a white arrow painted on the surface.

We teach children road safety as a normal part of growing up because it saves lives. While we can’t tell animals to stop and look before crossing the road, we can train and manage them in ways that help keep them safe near traffic. As animal lovers, protecting our pets before something goes wrong is … Read more

Choosing a Raw Dog Food Diet: Yay or Nay?

a dog sits in front of its raw food bowl

We love sharing everything with our dogs, sometimes even our diets! Those of us who’ve opted for a raw food lifestyle might want to pass on the benefits to our pets. But what are the pros and cons of raw food diets for dogs and puppies? Some people are totally for raw feeding while others … Read more

QUIZ: Find Your Dog the Perfect Christmas Present This 2025

Small dog with a red bow on its head sits in front of a blurred Christmas tree and lights, waiting for good Christmas gifts for dogs to unwrap.

Looking for the ultimate dog Christmas presents in 2025? Look no further. We’ve researched and collated the most wag-worthy Christmas gifts for dogs that are available in NZ. Take our quiz or scroll through our guide below. Either way, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something here your dog (and you) will love. Do you buy … Read more

Doggie Halloween Dos and Don’ts 2025

A dog wears a Halloween costume and is surrounded by jack-o-lanterns

Dog Halloween costumes can totally break the cuteness radar (who said Halloween 2025 had to be scary?). But are they safe and do dogs like them? If you’re all about Halloween pet fun or taking your dog trick or treating, making sure your pet is actually having fun is key. Halloween might not be as … Read more