Aspergillus is an environmental fungus that can be found in compost piles, damp soil, and bird droppings. Aspergillus can infect birds, particularly those kept in captivity, causing aspergillosis a serious respiratory disease. Causes: Birds can become infected with Aspergillus by inhaling fungal spores present in the environment. The fungus can enter the respiratory tract and, in some cases, spread to other organs. Symptoms: The symptoms of Aspergillus infection in birds can vary depending on the species of bird and the organs affected. Common symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing ..read more

Addressing the increased re-homing of more and more pets! Recognising that a growing number of New Zealanders are facing financial hardship and food shortage, a new charity is providing a supporting hand to help make sure animals don’t miss out, or even be re-homed. Paws of Hope is dedicated solely to providing free emergency pet food for people who are struggling to feed their pets. In Aotearoa, 64% of households have at least one pet and research shows over three quarters consider their dogs and cats to be cherished family members. However, the rise in the cost of living over the past few y ..read more

Each November there is a global campaign to promote awareness about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Infections are caused by microorganisms (microbes) such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. When we or our pets become unwell with an infection, we can be prescribed antimicrobials. Antibiotics are antimicrobials used to treat bacterial infections. Sometimes the antimicrobial stops working because the microbe causing the infection has developed resistance to the treatment (antibiotic) i.e., the microbe has developed antimicrobial resistance commonly referred to as AMR. This means that infections can ..read more

What is cruciate disease ? The cruciate ligaments are important stabilising ligaments of the knee (stifle) joint. The stifle joint consists of the femur, the tibia, the patella (the kneecap) and a small fabellae behind the joint. Cushioning cartilage, called menisci, are between the femur and tibia, and ligaments hold the joint together, allowing the normal motion of the knee through flexion (bending) and extending. They also stabilise the knee to prevent the knee from bending a way it shouldn’t. There are two cruciate ligaments that cross inside the stifle, the cranial and the caudal ligament ..read more

Some fish and plant life are needy, while others are not. Water is the key to life but can hold a wide range of chemicals and mineral characteristics. It may take some time and effort but knowing the water conditions of your aquarium can help all life inside thrive. It is well worth the reward and satisfaction. Water chemistry Do not fret! No university degrees are necessary to be a successful aquarist. But even beginners to the hobby need to know the basics, as they are vital to maintaining a healthy and trouble-free aquarium. PH, ammonia, general hardness, carbonate hardness(alkalinity), ni ..read more

Do thunder and lightning storms panic your pet? As we start to endure unsettled weather, here are some tips and tricks to help calm your pet if they become frightened. Keep them near you: Being around you can help calm your pets, as you will make them feel safe and more secure. Keep them inside: Being inside reduces the noise from the thunder and by closing any curtains/blinds you will also reduce the visibility of lightening. Make a den: Having a safe place to go can really help. It offers comfort and can reduce the commotion of the thunderstorm. Clothing: As strange as it sounds, wearing cl ..read more

Have you thought about showing your dog? Showing is not for everyone but, for some, spending a weekend at a dog show offers a lot of enjoyment. In order to show your dog at an open or championship show your dog must be purebred, registered with Dogs New Zealand (formerly the New Zealand Kennel Club) and entire, i.e not spayed or neutered. When purchasing your dog from a registered breeder, a change of ownership form will be completed transferring the registration to you as the new owner. An owner membership with Dogs New Zealand is also required which gives you access to NZ Dog World which inc ..read more

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common condition affecting cats. It can be grouped into non-obstructed and obstructed forms, with obstructed cases being an emergency. Non-obstructed FLUTD can occur in both male and female cats, with males being the most affected. Risk factors of non-obstructive FLUTD include obesity, dry food diets and stress, or it is idiopathic which means no cause is found. Signs of non-obstructed FLUTD vocalisation or pain urinating small amounts frequently straining to urinate (may also appear as constipation) bloody urine painful urination. licking or g ..read more

Training and behaviour consultation is an unregulated industry in New Zealand. Anyone with any level of experience and education can call themselves a dog trainer. This creates significant risks for animals and their guardians, from the spread of inappropriate techniques or information to the use of fear, force, pain or intimidation to gain and maintain compliance. Ethical training follows a systematic approach that adheres to using the least intrusive and minimally aversive methods (LIMA). All animal trainers, behaviour consultants and behaviour veterinarians who are accredited with Companio ..read more

Struggling to get the perfect photo of your pet? Then you are not alone. Many pet owners have phones full of dud photos with the hopes of catching that one amazing shot. Here are some tips to help you capture that elusive photo. Type of photo Determine the type of photo you want to take. Do you want an action shot, a studio portrait look or something a bit different like dress up? Setting Once you have decided on the type of photo you are going to take then you can sort your setting. If you are setting up inside then consider things such as the amount of light the room gets. If you are headin ..read more