Paws for a Moment No images? Click here We're loyal, not just local.Hello, We're currently halfway through the proposed 4-week lockdown and as we settle into a different routine we hope that all the hard work and sacrifices we are making will benefit our country in the long-term. Our business is classified as an essential service. However, for us this does not mean business as usual. We are happy to supply products if pre-arranged by email (enquiries@ncvets.co.nz) or phone. Remember we are operating all services through the Amberley and Culverden clinics. In this newsletter, we cover off what constitutes an essential service or procedure for your pet. We also give an explanation on what to do if your pet is due for a vaccine renewal while in lockdown. Also with Easter this weekend, remember to keep those treats away from your pets! Plus we've got some links to some excellent entertainment for children. Both our Culverden and Amberley clinics will be shut over Easter from Friday 10 - Monday 13 April. As usual, for any after-hours emergency, please call the clinic for the phone number of the on-call vet. Our Amberley Clinic will open on Saturday (11 April) from 8.30am - 12.30pm. This will be for urgent cases only. Happy Easter from the Team at North Canterbury Vets. Latest NewsVaccination UpdatesWe are starting to work through our reminders for cats, dogs and rabbits that are due for vaccination during the lockdown period. Many vaccinations will be okay to postpone for a period of 1-2 months. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact us at enquiries@ncvets.co.nz, or through our Facebook page. Otherwise, we will be making contact with owners of those animals who have reminders due in the following weeks. If you are worried about vaccines lapsing over this period click on the link below to some information from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association to ease your concerns. What services are essential and what aren'tThe following are the guidelines we must adhere to on a case by case basis in order to keep our service open for continuity of critical animal care, please work with us. Emergency: Immediate threat to life; significant impact on health/welfare and likely to deteriorate if left unmanaged. In normal circumstances, these are cases that would be seen out of hours or fitted in on the same day. Urgent: Significant impact on health/welfare but currently stable or moderate impact but significant risk of deterioration. Non-urgent/routine: Minor impact on health/welfare and unlikely to deteriorate or non-disease. We have listed the different services and procedures and which of the above categories they fall into. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you are unsure. Entertaining your petsAs we grapple with social distancing, self-isolation and working from home, play indoor games with your pets - a good way to strengthen your bond and keep them mentally stimulated. Play: tug-of-war, fetch & hide their food around the house to sniff out. Cats love chasing laser pointers, ping pong balls and feathers on string. Spending time with our pets increases our oxytocin hormone levels and lowers blood pressure. Easter Watch OutsIf you're hiding the chocolate eggs this Easter, make sure you put the dog away first. Chocolate is delicious to humans as well as dogs, it is however very toxic to our canine friends. Chocolate contains two substances called “methylxanthines” (Caffeine and Theobromine) both of which are poisonous to dogs. Yes, caffeine is toxic to dogs, so keep the pups away from your home-made latte! Caffeine and theobromine both cause similar effects in dogs, however the effects of theobromine last much longer. The possible effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs:
Grapes and raisins can be deadly to cats and dogs, so also keep hot cross buns out of reach! Stressed cats?This can be a stressful time for our cats as well, they may not be getting the quiet time they're used to! Hills have released some tips to help them, found via the link below. Patient Profile: Mo the SchnauzerObesity can be a significant health problem in our pets. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, diabetes, digestive disorders, arthritis and heart disease. It can also significantly shorten life expectancy. BEFORE AFTER Mo’s is a 4 year old Schnauzer. Her Mum & Dad were getting concerned about her weight and were looking at options to reduce this. She was transitioned onto ‘Hills Metabolic + Mobility Plus’ and was weighed once a week. We found that she wasn’t enjoying the biscuits so switched her to Metabolic + Mobility wet canned food which she found palatable. There are also Hills Metabolic treats which can be given in replacement to her usual treats. The weight-loss food works in a way in which increases the animal's metabolism, in theory speeding up the process of fat burning and helps your pet feel full and satisfied between meals. Click below to learn how much weight Mo lost and also how to tell if your dog is a healthy weight. Children ActivitesTourist attractions around the world are now offering live streaming on their websites - meaning we can watch zoo animals amongst other things from the comfort of our homes. - San Diego Zoo - https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams We're loyal, not just local.Amberley 1 Osborne Rd Cheviot 14 Hall St Culverden 26 Mouse Point Rd Waikari 16 Karaka Road |