MVS Small Animals

16/11/2025

10/11/2025

🐌⚠️ Slug Bait and Pets – A Dangerous Mix! ⚠️🐶🐱

Many people reach for slug bait to protect their gardens, but did you know slug bait is highly toxic to pets?

Most slug baits contain metaldehyde or iron EDTA, both of which can cause life-threatening poisoning if eaten by curious dogs or cats. Even small amounts can lead to:
🚨 Tremors and seizures
🚨 Vomiting and drooling
🚨 High temperature and restlessness
🚨 Collapse

If you suspect your pet has eaten slug bait (or even licked an area where it’s been used), contact your vet immediately, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Time is critical.

✅ Safer alternatives include pet-safe bait, beer traps, or natural deterrents like copper tape or crushed eggshells.

Keep your furry friends safe this season, those little blue pellets aren’t worth the risk! 💙🐾

06/11/2025

🪶 Found a Baby Bird? Here’s What to Do 🐣

It’s baby bird season again, and we often see well-meaning people bring in fledglings that actually didn’t need rescuing! Here’s how to tell what to do:

👀 1. Check if it’s a nestling or a fledgling.

Nestlings are tiny, with few feathers, and can’t hop or perch.
➡️ If safe to do so, gently place them back in their nest or in a small makeshift nest (like a basket) close by. Their parents will continue to care for them!

Fledglings are fully feathered and learning to fly.
➡️ These little ones often spend a few days on the ground while their parents feed them, this is normal! Unless they’re in immediate danger (like near a road or cats), it’s best to leave them be.

🚨 2. If the bird is injured, cold, or orphaned (parents not seen for hours)
Place it in a small ventilated box lined with a soft towel and keep it warm and quiet. Do not feed or give water, and contact your local wildlife rescue, SPCA, or vet for advice.

💚 Most baby birds have a much better chance of survival in the wild with their parents than in human care.

If you’re ever unsure, feel free to give us a call at MVS Small Animals, we’re happy to guide you on the best next steps!

02/11/2025

A helpful link for some calm and stress-free music to help your pets through Guy Fawkes night on Wednesday from RNZ 🐕
See details below:

"Concert for Animals
🐶6pm-midnight
🐱Wednesday 5 November
🐦Tune in, find us on Sky Channel 422 & Freeview Channel 51 or listen live online via rnz.co.nz/concert"

RNZ Concert is New Zealand’s fine music network. Concert promotes New Zealand music and composition and features live broadcasts of concerts and recitals, as well as international content from other public radio broadcasters, podcasts, and on-demand programmes.

27/10/2025

🎆 Fireworks & Furry Friends – Let’s Keep Them Safe! 🎆
Fireworks might light up our skies, but they can really spook our pets! 🐶🐱
Here are some easy tips to help your pets feel safe and sound this fireworks season:
💤 Create a cozy hideaway: A comfy bed, their favourite toy, and some background noise (TV or music) can help block out the booms.
🚪 Keep them indoors: Close doors and windows so no one dashes off in a fright.
🧘 Stay calm: Pets take cues from us — if you’re relaxed, they’ll feel safer too.
🦴 Distractions help: Treats, toys, and cuddles go a long way!
📍 Check their ID: Make sure their microchip and tags are up to date, just in case.
A little prep = a peaceful night for everyone. 💕
Let’s make this fireworks season fun for humans and calm for pets! 🐾