Pet News
Understanding kennel cough
One of the most familiar illnesses to afflict our dogs is commonly referred to as kennel cough. Kennel cough or canine cough is often distinguished by a deep-throated cough. Many dog owners describe the cough as sounding as if the dog has something stuck in its...
Choosing treats for dogs
After seeing a recent article in Stuff, this month’s blog looks at dog treats. Some experts have warned that pet foods sold as treats are suspected of causing a potentially deadly illness in dogs. Associate Professor Dr Nick Cave of Massey University’s School of...
Lockdown stress on cats
Lockdown – good for dogs but not so cool for cats For many dogs, Covid-19 lockdowns are an endless, joyous holiday packed full of companionship, cuddles, games, exercise and treats. They get to help the kids with their schoolwork, and all of us with our ‘jobs’ about...
And the most popular dog breeds in Auckland are ….
Is yours one of the one in eight in NZ?At Auckland Kennel and Cattery it is our business to keep up with dog news. So, after having investigated the popularity of ‘Bellas’ in Auckland, we’ve done the research and found out what the most popular dog breeds in New...
Calling all dogs ….
Be careful who you call for…..We know a bit about dogs at Auckland Kennel and Cattery, and we’ve met quite a few over the years. Something we have noticed of late is that if we go into our dog runs and call “Bella”, about six dogs come bounding up. Well, this is...
Dog-friendly Auckland?
How dog friendly is Auckland? Our latest blog comes from the Spinoff and looks at how Auckland stacks up in the world’s ‘dog-friendly’ stakes, analysing such things as public transport, off-leash exercise areas, dog agility parks and dog-friendly beaches, dog...
Moving house with a cat
Moving can be a stressful for humans. Moving house with a cat can take it to another level. Dealing with the mess and living in disarray is exhausting and not a lot of fun. But, at least we humans have a fairly clear idea about what is happening and where we’re going....
We understand the language of cats
Giving cats a voice As we've already discussed here in our Auckland Kennels & Cattery blog, we all want to do our best to make sure our feline charges are happy becuse we are slightly crazy, devoted cat lovers. In order to do that well though, we need to...
Pet-friendly accommodation
Kiwis are on the move COVID-19 has meant we can't travel overseas, so many of us are going on holiday this summer to support New Zealand and explore and enjoy our own backyard. Add to that, a top climate scientist has said New Zealand could be on track for another...
Lockdown and separation anxiety in dogs
Dogs and separation anxiety With lockdown being eased, the issue of separation anxiety in dogs is raising its head for some Auckland dog owners again. Recently, the Dog Fixer was speaking on Radio NZ on this issue and ways to deal with it. He's been dealing with dogs...
Dogs on trains in Auckland
Auckland's improving dog-friendly status We're looking at some of the steps being taken towards making Auckland a more dog-friendly city where pooches are integrated into the everyday lives of its people. We’ve written a couple of blogs lately upon a dog's life in...
Our cattery and kennels reviews
Leaving your pet in boarding kennels while you are away can be a worry; we get that. Pets are part of the family and putting them in the hands of others for even a short time is not easy, it takes trust. There are many boarding kennels around Auckland, so you need...
Getting rid of pet hair
Surfaces covered in pet hair? You gotta love ‘em, and at Auckland Kennels and Cattery we certainly do, but is Snowy the cat leaving her white fur all over your house? Is your sweet little Fluff the pup leaving hair everywhere: on your furniture, beds and clothes? If...
Tips for Lockdown Anxiety
Lockdown blues - all the fun’s over? Thanks to the Covid-19 lockdown, all non-essential workers have been home with their pets. For dogs, the past seven weeks have been an endless, joyous holiday packed full of companionship, cuddles, games, exercise and treats....
How much are kennel fees?
Looking for dog kennels in South Auckland while you’re on holiday, relocating, or travelling for business? Located in South Auckland’s rural Ardmore, Auckland Kennel & Cattery caters for dogs of all ages and sizes. Kennel Fees For All Dogs Small Breed...
Covid-19 Update
Throughout the Covid-19 lockdown in New Zealand, Auckland Kennels and Cattery will be open. We are considered an essential service business as we are an entity whose closure would jeopardise the maintenance of animal health or welfare standards. We will be here to...
How much are cattery fees?
Looking for a cattery while you’re on holiday, relocating or away on business? Leaving your cat with someone else can be tough. Worrying about your feline friend isn't going to make your trip any easier, so you need to find a good place for your cat to stay, and that...
Dealing with pet separation anxiety
Pets and holidays Organising a holiday can be hard work, ironically. And for many pet owners, it can be even more challenging. Firstly, there is the issue of trying to work out what to do with Fido and Fluffy while you’re away, and then there’s the issue of dealing...
Holidays and dogs in Auckland
Auckland's dog-friendly cafes Summer holidays are almost here, and I am sure there are loads of us looking forward to some downtime, enjoying a quiet coffee and stroll in the park or along the beach. The type of outing where nobody wants to be left home - especially...
Dogs need exercise in Auckland too!
The leash loosened for Auckland dogs New laws for Auckland dog owners came into play on Friday, 1 November 2019. These rule changes extend the hours in the evening and months of the year dogs can access the majority of Auckland parks and beaches. Now Auckland dog...
Getting lost pets home again
When pets go missing ... Animals go missing every day. Sadly, many lost pets are never reunited with their parents. More often than not, a simple lack of identification is what stands in the way of you getting your furry family member back safe and sound, or the...
Rescue pets
Orphan animals According to an article in the Spinoff in June 2019, animal rescue organisations in New Zealand are overworked and overflowing with stray animals in need of a caring home. Every year in New Zealand The SPCA takes in over 40,000 animals, and with rescue...
My Cat Loves Me ???
Let me count the ways There is a deeply entrenched myth that cats see humans as nothing more than well-trained food dispensers. However, as a devoted cat owner, I am deluded enough to think that my cat loves me. So, I’ve constructed a list to prove that, in fact, she...
Thinking of getting a cat?
If something soft, snugly, and lovingly purry has been missing in your life, it's probably time to get yourself a cat. However, owning an animal is not like owning a pet rock. With a living creature you have responsibilities, and you’re making a big commitment,...
Overweight cats
Is your cat overweight? Does it look as if your cat has a very, very thick winter coat? Maybe they’re looking just a wee bit too well padded? A recent survey of Australian vet practices found that around 32% of cats are overweight. Why cat weight matters Although...
Cats and Hairballs
Hairballs Are More Than Just A Nuisance Cats are consummate groomers. In fact, cats spend 30% of their time grooming. They work hard to keep their coats shiny and immaculate, but while cleaning themselves with their tongues, cats swallow up to two-thirds of the hair...
“With a knick knack paddy wack give a dog a bone”
Are Bones Safe to Feed Dogs? Dogs consider a bone a prized possession, but how do you know which bones are safe? Should you give in to those pitiful eyes begging for your leftover bone from dinner? It’s tempting to share your scraps, especially when they’re barbecue...
Human Food – What Treats To Feed Your Dog
There are plenty of people foods we’d love to share with our dogs, but some are much healthier than others. In fact, many foods humans eat are poisonous to dogs. Dogs and humans digest and metabolise food differently, and a dog’s digestive system cannot break down...
Your dog’s diet and nutrition
Feeding your canine companion Proper nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of all pets. A balanced, high quality diet can actually increase their life expectancy. Your furry friend probably loves a lot of the same foods you do, and they are happy to eat...
Talking Cat
As devoted cat parents, or underpaid domestic staff, we all want to do our best to make sure our feline charges are happy campers. But in order to do that well, we need to understand what our cat is trying to say. Cat talk and cats’ non-verbal messages are sometimes puzzling for us mere humans.
‘Nice’ eating habits – Coprophagia
Dogs eating their doo, coprophagia, is not pleasant, but it is not necessarily detrimental to your dog’s health. However, as there can be numerous causes for coprohpagia your veterinarian should always be consulted.
Be a good dog and you’ll live a long, healthy life
Bad dogs and aggressive dogs tend to die young. Males, mixed-breed dogs, and small dogs weighing less than 10 kgs were more prone to early deaths from bad behaviour than females, larger dogs and purebreds.
Benefits of Doggie Day Care
Many dogs are left home alone all day while we are at work. Lack of interaction for long periods of time can lead to barking, disobedience, and stress. An alternative to leaving your dog at home during the day is dog daycare. Read on to see the benefits of doggie day care.
Dogs enjoy holidays
Dogs enjoy holidays just as much as we do Study claims canines find the change of scenery in kennels 'exciting'. According to research published in the journal Physiology and Behaviour, dogs may enjoy spending time in a kennel in a similar way to people enjoying their...
Holiday Planning – Cats and Cars
Off on a holiday? Moving house? Working away from home for a while? Your feline friend might need to come and stay in our cattery while you can’t be there with them. Here are a few helpful tips on driving Miss Feline.
Benefits of Doggie Daycare
Dogs need time and attention, as well as plenty of exercise. Dogs also need company. They are social animals and bad habits can result from loneliness and boredom. Keeping this in mind we’ve put together a list of the benefits of doggie daycare.
Travelling NZ in a Campervan with your Dog
Travelling NZ in a campervan with your dog can be done. The key is research, preparation and flexibility. Taking your pet will close many doors and you may find it easier to book your dog at a boarding kennel, but read on …..
Tips For Travelling With Your Dog
If you missed the boat on finding a reliable pet-sitter, or you didn’t organise booking into a kennels early enough, you may be travelling with your dog. With proper preparation and planning, however, your trip can be stress free and you may get invited back again.
Pet Insurance
When things go wrong for our pets, it can get expensive: surgical costs, treatments, medicines, X-rays, tests. What to do? One option is pet insurance. Is it worth it?
Stray Dogs
We know that if your dog got lost, you’d want whoever found your dog to make every effort to find you, or take your pet to a vet if thy were injured. We understand you’d want to return the favour. At the same time, be reasonable about how much you can afford to do for stray dogs if no owners show up.
Flea Treatment
Fleas are much, much more than just a nuisance. For the sake of your cat and your family, preventing fleas is much better, and easier, than treating for illnesses from fleas.
Holiday Planning – Cattery Tips for You and Your Cat
Worried about your cat settling into our boarding facilities? In our experience, cats settle into the cattery fairly quickly. However, here are a few helpful cattery tips to make your cat feel more comfortable.
Why Leave Your Cat In A Cattery?
As a cat owner, you know the dilemma you face about where to keep your pet when you’re away. Don’t leave your cat to get stressed. Quality catteries are good for cats.
Working Full Time And Owning A Dog
People need to work, but a full-time job need not be an insurmountable obstacle if you can arrange care for your dog when you can’t be there. Just as working parents have to make child care arrangements, so do responsible dog owners.
Do I Need to Vaccinate My Pet?
Keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date could save their life. As responsible boarding kennels owners, all cats and dogs staying with us, whether as short-term or long-term guests, are required to be vaccinated.
What Not To Feed Your Dog
You’ve got big brown eyes following your every move. But hold on! Be tough! Not all human foods are safe for your dog. Here is what not to feed your dog.
Dogs Are Good For You
If you need a reason to become a dog lover, how about their ability to help protect kids from asthma, allergies and obesity and the rest of us from depression.
Can My Dog Eat Grains?
Can my dog eat grains? Yes. There are quality, meat-based dry foods that contain grains. The quality, amount & kind of grain you feed your pet is the key.
What Is The Best Food For My Pet?
Raw food diets are becoming more popular, but their benefits are controversial. There’s no such thing as one best brand or type of food that all pets do well on. We believe the best food you can feed your pet is the freshest, most natural food you can afford to support your pet’s overall health, well-being, and vitality.
How to Ease Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a problem many dogs and dog owners face. There are many options available to dog owners to help limit stress, and in most cases a balanced approach is highly effective.