Kowhai Vet

10/04/2025

At Kōwhai, we're committed to making every visit a positive experience for both you and your pet. We’re proud to use the Fear Free model of patient care to make every visit as calm, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.

09/04/2025

An interesting and lesser-known fact about acupuncture in dogs is that it has been shown to help manage pain and inflammation, not only for chronic conditions like arthritis but also for acute injuries, such as muscle strains or ligament sprains. In some cases, acupuncture can even enhance recovery after surgery by improving blood circulation and promoting faster healing.

Additionally, acupuncture in dogs can be used to address behavioural issues like anxiety or stress, helping to calm them in situations like travel or separation anxiety.
Some dogs, especially those that are more sensitive to traditional forms of treatment, may respond very well to acupuncture, providing an alternative or complement to other therapies.

It's fascinating how the benefits of acupuncture extend beyond physical health and can have a holistic impact on a dog's emotional well-being.

08/04/2025

His fur is striped with gold and brown,
A little lion, who doesn’t frown.
With a purr that hums, he settles in place,
Trusting team Kōwhai with his sweet embrace.

Leo the tabby, so soft and sleek,
Has captured the hearts of all who seek.
His gentle charm and playful grace,
A little ray of sunshine in this peaceful place.

CoolCollars Lyttelton

07/04/2025

06/04/2025

As part of our fear free model of care, reducing our patient's fear, anxiety and stress is paramount.

Often, we can reduce stress in the clinic by:
👩‍⚕️ Using gentle handling techniques
🧘‍♀️ Providing a calm environment
👃 Using pheromone diffusers
🏵 Aromatherapy use in the clinic
⏳ Taking our time to builds a patient's trust
🐕 Offering regular "happy visit's" to the clinic

In some cases, these steps are not enough to keep our patient's calm and comfortable, and they need additional help to reduce their level of stress, through the use of pharmaceuticals.

Pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVP's) are a common and safe resource that we can use to treat patients safely and foster a positive association with the clinic.
⬇ You can read more about this below ⬇

Even if this medication is required, our goal remains, to improve your pets experience every time they come in, so that they continue to become more confident with us, hopefully leading to the reduction or removal of PVP use.

04/04/2025

🌅 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS 🌅
Wahoo - An extra hour of sleep tonight!
We hope all of our dog parents enjoy the extra daylight during those early morning walkies 🐕

03/04/2025

Have you seen our latest news article about our visit to Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust?

02/04/2025

Training vs. Behaviour Modification:
What's the difference for your dog?

When it comes to managing your dog's behaviour, understanding the difference between training and behaviour modification is crucial. Both are important tools in ensuring a well-adjusted and happy pet, but they address different aspects of canine behaviour.

🐕 Training is ideal for shaping good habits and teaching your dog how to respond to cues, making daily life smoother and more enjoyable.

🐕 Behaviour modification requires patience and often takes more time, but it can help resolve behavioural issues that affect your dog’s well-being and your household.

Both approaches are important, and in many cases, a combination of both will help ensure your dog’s happiness and emotional well-being. If you're struggling with your dog’s behaviour, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional trainer or behaviourist to find the best solution for your pup.

Our vet team are more than happy to discuss any training or behaviour related issues that you may be experiencing, and can help you come up with a plan that suits your family best.

31/03/2025

Bonno - The Mānuka Chew For Dogs

Carefully hand-crafted for slow destruction.

Bonno's ethically sourced Mānuka wood is slow dried over two years, debarked, then treated with New Zealand flaxseed oil. Each chew is then hand finished to a smooth texture, ready for it to be destroyed.

Mānuka wood is fibrous and safe for the most enthusiastic chewer, and it's great for teething - suitable for puppies 3 months and older.
The wood-shaving like fragments that your dog will chew off are edible and of no harm.

Fast-growing Mānuka has been used in New Zealand for centuries, valued for it's medicinal qualities, honey and strong wood. The wood for Bonno chews is ethically sourced as a by-product from local industries.

🌳 Long lasting and 100% Natural
🌳 Grown and hand made in New Zealand
🌳 Splinter free for safe chewing
🌳 Safe for teething puppies over 3 months old
🌳 Assists with dental hygiene
🌳 Different sizes to suit your dog

A few of our staff have been trialling these at home, and we can confirm, they are a long-lasting chew and a fantastic natural piece of daily enrichment!
Check out the comments for some photo's of our staff pooches enjoying theirs!

30/03/2025

With golden fur, and a nature so sweet,
Affro is cozy, and resting his feet.
Wrapped up in a bundle, so snug and tight,
Cuddling a stuffie - what an adorable sight.

His paws are tucked, his eyes are closed,
In peaceful dreams, he'll softly doze.
It's almost snack time, then off to see Mum,
It won't be long until he's back having fun.

26/03/2025

💥 NEW PRODUCT - Gourmate Supplements

We already love this ethical, local company for their natural and sustainable treat range.
- And we know many of your pets do too!
We're now proud to stock their nutritional supplement range for dogs.

Bounce, Shine and Chill are daily supplements with natural and research based ingredients that are sure to add a boost to your pup's health.

Some of our staff have already been trialling these products with their own pets, and they're going down a treat.
If you'd like to know more about any of these products and whether they might be right for your pooch, our staff are more than happy to chat to you about them.



Gourmate Pet Treat Co.

25/03/2025

Did you know that you can assess your pet's mental wellbeing right at home?
Just like humans, pets can experience anxiety, stress, and even depression, and it's important to recognise the signs early so you can help them feel their best.

Here are some ways to assess your pet's mental wellbeing:

🔍 Behaviour Changes:
Keep an eye on any sudden changes in your pet's behaviour. Are they more withdrawn or less active than usual? A decrease in energy, playfulness, or interest in things they once loved can be a sign of emotional distress.

🍗 Appetite & Eating Habits:
Has your pet suddenly lost interest in food or, conversely, started eating more than usual? Changes in eating habits can reflect emotional changes. Anxiety or stress might cause a loss of appetite, while some pets overeat as a way to self-soothe.

😴 Sleep Patterns:
Is your pet sleeping more or less than normal? Sleep disturbances can indicate anxiety, stress, or even depression. Pets need rest just like us, so any drastic change in sleep habits is worth noting.

🪮 Excessive Grooming or Licking:
Pets sometimes use grooming as a coping mechanism. If your pet is excessively licking, chewing, or scratching, it might be a sign that they're dealing with anxiety or boredom.

🐾 Social Interaction:
Does your pet seem more distant or less interactive with you or other pets? Pets that normally enjoy attention might withdraw when they're feeling stressed or depressed.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to talk to your vet. There are many ways we can help manage your pet's mental health, from simple environmental changes and adding daily enrichment, to behavioural therapies, and sometimes medication.

24/03/2025

Congratulations Tara! 🎉 🚴‍♀️

Over the weekend, Tara completed Le Race.
This iconic, premier 100km cycling event, takes its competitors through a gruelling yet breathtaking hilltop course, traversing diverse terrains from Cathedral Square to Akaroa.

Completing this event is no easy feat, and we are ecstatic for Tara to have achieved this milestone, a mere 9 months after spinal surgery.

Way to go Tara!

23/03/2025

If dogs could use Google 🐾

19/03/2025

Murphy's first vet visit and he's already stealing hearts... and finding the best spot to relax!
🖤🤍

17/03/2025

Look at our girl Heidi rocking her Cool Collar!
After her recent surgery, Heidi's sporting this adorable sunflower-covered collar to protect her surgical site, while also staying stylish and keeping comfortable.
🌻💛 Here's to a speedy recovery, Heidi – you're as bright and beautiful as the sunflowers!

CoolCollars Lyttelton