Clive Cottage Veterinary Clinic

04/08/2026

❄️ Brrr… it’s definitely coat weather! ❄️

Bugsy and Peanut are all rugged up and ready to take on the chilly weather! Just like these two cuties, our furry friends appreciate a little extra warmth during the colder months.

Here are a few simple ways to help keep your pets warm, happy, and healthy this week:

🐾 Bring pets inside whenever possible, especially overnight.
🧥 Pop on a warm coat for short-haired, elderly, or small dogs before heading out.
🛏️ Provide a cosy bed off the cold floor with plenty of warm blankets.
🥣 Keep fresh water available, and check outdoor bowls regularly.
🚶 Walk during the warmest part of the day and shorten walks if it’s particularly cold or wet.
🌧️ Dry your pet thoroughly after walks in the rain to prevent them from getting chilled.
🐱 Check under your car bonnet before starting the engine, as cats sometimes seek warmth there.

Older pets and those with arthritis can find winter especially challenging. If your pet seems stiffer than usual or is struggling to get around, we’d be happy to discuss ways to keep them comfortable.

Stay warm, stay safe, and don’t forget to give your pets an extra cuddle this week!

15/07/2026

💔 Deceased Female Tabby Cat Found - Taradale

A kind member of the public has brought a deceased female tabby cat to our Taradale clinic after finding her on Waterhouse Street, Taradale.

If you think this may be your beloved cat, or you know someone who may be missing a tabby from the area, please contact us on 06 651 2345 and press 2.

We would really appreciate it if you could share this post to help us reunite her with her family.

A heartfelt thank you to the kind person who took the time to bring her to us

15/07/2026

Like many New Zealanders, we are incredibly saddened to hear the news that H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed in a wild seabird in New Zealand. Our thoughts are with everyone involved in protecting our precious native wildlife.

To help prevent the spread of disease, please do not bring sick or dead wild birds into our clinics.

If you find a sick or deceased wild bird, please report it to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) by calling the Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66. MPI will provide advice on what to do next and, if necessary, coordinate the appropriate response.

By following this advice, we can all play a part in protecting New Zealand’s wildlife, our pets, and our community.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

🦜 Avian influenza (bird flu) has been detected in New Zealand for the first time.

Today, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) confirmed New Zealand's first detection of avian influenza. We understand this news may be concerning for people who care for birds and other animals.

At this stage, the risk to companion animals and human health remains low, and MPI is the lead agency providing information and updates on the situation. NZ has been preparing for this situation for some time.

If you have concerns about:
🐦 Your pet or backyard birds
🐄 Other animals or mammals in your care
👤 Your own health
..we encourage you to seek the latest guidance directly from MPI and follow any advice they provide:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza

As the situation develops, we'll continue to monitor updates that are relevant to companion animal welfare. In the meantime, for the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to MPI's official channels.

03/07/2026

🚧 Road Closure Alert 🚧

Awatoto Road is currently closed due to roadworks.

If you’re travelling from Taradale or Napier to Clive Cottage Vets today, please come via Fardon Road instead.

Safe travels and we’ll see you soon!

01/07/2026

POV: Your dog actually likes going to the vet 🐾

Sounds impossible. But at Taradale Cottage Vet Clinic, they make sure every visit feels as stress-free as possible for your furry family member.

📍 4 Puketapu Road, Taradale

01/07/2026

29/06/2026

Does anybody know who this little guy belongs to? He was dropped off at our Clive clinic this morning. He was found hanging around the gas station in Maraenui Napier. Sadly no microchip 😓

28/06/2026

🌿 Our Conservation Land Matters 🌿

New Zealand’s public conservation land is part of who we are. The proposed Conservation Amendment Bill has raised concerns that it could make it easier for some conservation land to be exchanged, disposed of, or developed. If protecting our unique wildlife and wild places matters to you, now is the time to have your say.

Public submissions close Thursday, 2 July.

⁠https://www3.parliament.nz/en/ECommitteeSubmission/54SCENV_SCF_BD7D0F89-D8CB-42F7-9C5F-08DEABEDA048/CreateSubmission?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Our native wildlife can’t speak for itself, but we can

25/06/2026

🐱FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) 🐱

Cats can be very good at hiding when something isn’t right, which is why changes in their toileting habits should never be ignored.

FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) is a common condition that affects a cat’s bladder and urinary system. It can be uncomfortable, painful, and in some cases become a life-threatening emergency.

Some signs to watch for include:

* Frequent trips to the litter tray
* Straining to urinate
* Passing only small amounts of urine
* Blood in the urine
* Urinating outside the litter tray
* Excessive licking around the ge***al area
*Seeming unsettled or uncomfortable

🐾 If your cat is unable to pass urine, especially if they are a male cat, this is an emergency and they need veterinary attention immediately.

How can you help prevent urinary problems?

🐾 Encourage drinking
Many cats don’t drink enough water. Water fountains, multiple water bowls, and feeding wet food can all help increase water intake.

🐾 Keep stress levels low
Cats love routine! Changes in the home, new pets, visitors, or moving house can sometimes trigger urinary issues.

🐾Keep litter trays clean
Most cats are quite particular about their toilets. Aim for one litter tray per cat, plus one extra.

🐾 Feed a good-quality diet
Some cats may benefit from a specially formulated urinary diet, especially if they have had urinary problems before. For more information ask one of our Vet Nurses.

🐾 Maintain a healthy weight
Keeping your cat active and at a healthy weight can help reduce their risk.

The good news is that many urinary issues can be managed successfully when caught early. If you notice any changes in your cat’s toileting habits, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 06-65 12345.

25/06/2026

Meet Taylar – Our Newest Veterinary Nurse!

We are delighted to introduce another wonderful team member to the Cottage Vets family. Please meet Taylar!

We are incredibly grateful to have Taylar on board and know many of you will enjoy getting to know her as much as we have.

Born and raised in Havelock North, Taylar has always had a passion for animals and their wellbeing. During her final year of high school, she completed a Gateway placement at a veterinary clinic, where she realised she could turn her love for animals into a lifelong career. She went on to complete her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing through EIT before beginning her career in a veterinary clinic in the Manawatū region.

Taylar quickly discovered a love for surgical and hospital nursing, finding it especially rewarding to care for patients through their recovery and see them return home happy and healthy.

After spending time away, Taylar found herself missing Hawke’s Bay and decided to return home, joining the Cottage Vets team to continue growing her nursing career. Her warm personality, caring nature, and enthusiasm for learning have already made her a valued member of our team.

Outside of work, Taylar enjoys spending time with her partner and friends, travelling, trying new foods, fishing, and of course spending time with her much-loved German Shepherd, Zeus. At two years old, Zeus is full of character, a little bit sassy, and will do just about anything for a tennis ball! 🐕

Taylar is excited to continue expanding her knowledge and caring for the pets of Hawke’s Bay, and we know our patients will be in wonderful hands with her.