How to Find Ethical Dog Breeders

A woman has bought two puppies from ethical dog breeders

Ethical dog breeders are finding their competition stacking up as the pandemic lags on. Not because these ‘good eggs’ of the breeding industry are few and far between. New Zealand has plenty of caring, professional breeders. The real problem is that unethical dog breeders’ increasingly clever tactics make it harder to separate the wheat from … Read more

Are Essential Oils Harmful to Cats and Dogs?

Before you leave these lying around, ask yourself are essential oils harmful to cats and dogs?

Do you sometimes snooze with a few drops of Ylang Ylang oil on your pillow while sleeping with your cat or dog in your bed? If you haven’t ever asked yourself ‘are essential oils harmful to cats and dogs?’ then now’s the time to start. Your aromatherapy kit and diffusers might seem harmless. But they … Read more

How and Why Were Dogs Domesticated by Humans?

woman hugging dog domesticated brown labrador

The history of dogs is basically the history of human relationships. Dogs are our best buddies. So why were dogs domesticated in the first place? Although we’re glad it happened, we’ve got to wonder where the human-dog relationship began. Was it the time of hunter-gatherers when dogs first became friends to humans? Later, when agriculture … Read more

What is Animal CPR?

grey cat lying down - animal CPR should only be performed if there is no heartbeat or breathing

If you’ve ever watched a medical drama series, you’ll have seen human CPR being performed. You might even have covered it during a first aid qualification. But what about animal CPR? Though it might sound strange, animal CPR can save lives in an emergency. Just like CPR in humans. It’s not foolproof, but it’s definitely … Read more

Scottish Terrier: All About The Breed

Black Scottish Terrier sitting on grass

Have you got your eye on a Scottish Terrier? These wiry little dogs make for great pets, despite their working roots. Like most Terriers, they’re bold and feisty. So, if you’re after a best friend with a big personality, look no further. As they say, dynamite comes in small packages. Find out more about where … Read more

Introducing Your Dog to a New Baby

big dog with new baby sitting on blanket

So your family has grown and you now have a little bundle of joy. Congratulations! If you’re wondering how to go about introducing your dog to a new baby, you’ve come to the right place. Responsible pet parents will make sure this process happens slowly and carefully, so you stand the best chance of having … Read more

What Cat Breed Is Most Like You?

cat paw making heart with human hand

If you were a cat, what cat breed would you be? Are you a talkative people-person who loves the spotlight, a shy but sweet companion, or a loyal friend who’s ready to take a bullet for the people they love? You probably know your star sign, and might even consider yourself a specific personality type. … Read more

Siamese Cat History and Personality

siamese cat lying down on white slatted table

The Siamese cat and their piercing blue eyes are well-loved in NZ and all over the world. Because they’re so distinct, they’re also one of the easiest cat breeds to recognise. But did you know they’re also one of the oldest known domestic cat breeds? That’s right. The Siamese cat has been around for far … Read more

Dog Teeth Cleaning and Dental Hygiene

dog teeth need regular cleaning like this collie's teeth which look healthy close up

We humans learn from an early age that brushing our teeth twice a day is non-negotiable. But when it comes to dog teeth cleaning – with with dog toothpaste, of course – many pet parents are clueless. In fact, we’d guess many (most?) dog owners never brush their dog’s teeth. If you’re guilty of neglecting … Read more

How Do Cat Microchips Work? We Explain

Cat microchips only take a few seconds to implant.

Cat microchips are fast becoming the new normal, catching up with their dog microchip cousin. However, while microchipping is mandatory for all dogs in New Zealand, in a lot of our regions microchips aren’t a legal must-have for cats. That said, you’ll probably find almost every cat and his neighbour has, or will soon have, … Read more