Wanganui Veterinary Services

22/04/2026

This weekend we pause to commemorate those who have served, and those who serve. We are unable to run our regular Saturday morning clinic hours, and are closed on Monday. However, as always, our 24/7 afterhours service is available for client emergencies.

06/03/2026

Yesterday we had a farewell morning tea for Emma, who accepted a job closer to her home. We will miss Emma and her smile, and wish her every success in her new role 🎉✨️💖

18/12/2025

19/11/2025

Congratulations to our winner of this Nexgard Spectra dog bed, kindly donated by Boehringer - and their Nexgard flea treatment. He looks like he is enjoying this new comfy spot! Thank you to the owner for allowing us to share the photo.

19/11/2025

Today we are celebrating Leanne, our Company Secretary. Marking 25 years of hard work & dedication to WVS.
Leanne is a huge part of our team, often working in the background, and we appreciate everything she does.

24/10/2025

As November nears, the time is coming for sky rockets and sparklers. While these bright lights can be an entertainment for some, the loud, unpredictable and sudden noises can be scary for our animal companions - do you have a plan in place? We recommend
- create a safe space with curtains pulled, the use of a covered crate, pet cave/den, or even repurposing a cardboard box with a favourite toy or blanket to provide a calm, darkened, and in some cases escape-proof space for your pet - the addition of "normal" background noise can be helpful (music, tv, etc)
- providing high value and long-lasting distractions - frozen treats, lick-mats, puzzle feeders, your reassurance and company
- making sure your pet has had a good tiring walk or exercise (and toilet stop!) well before the fireworks start – should they need to go out again when fireworks may occur, onleash is safest.
- making sure your pet is microchipped, with up to date details on file at the vet clinic, council, and on the NZCAR (New Zealand Companion Animal Registry)
- checking all gates, fences, latches and doors before they may be tested by a worried animal
- come and see our staff for advice on aids like thundershirts and calming supplements.
- for the larger animals, such as horses, if they are comfortable inside, we still recommend stabling overnight. If not, secure them in a bigger, obstacle-free paddock they can get comfortable in, with an established friend or friends – walk the paddock in the light, before the fireworks begin, to make sure no fencing concerns or paddock debris that could cause injuries.
- be considerate of when and where you let off any fireworks
If you feel your pet needs a little extra medicinal help to cope, please make an appointment with one of our vets, to discuss medications that may best help – these are most effective when given ahead of time. If your animal becomes hurt or injured, we are available for WVS and VOC client emergencies 24/7 on 0800PETVET

24/10/2025

🐶 We had quite a few puppy vaccination bookings yesterday. Here's a snapshot of one adorable mini schnauzer that came to visit with her siblings 🐺✨️

We appreciate the owner for allowing us to take the photos for our page 📸

09/10/2025

The 6th-12th of October is Veterinary Nurse Awareness week. These highly skilled, passionate and caring people are the backbone of our industry, and we hope you'll join us in appreciating them, this week, and every week. Our support staff are a collection of incredible people - you may have met the on the phone, at reception, in a consult room, or taking care of your animal while they are staying with us.

Versatile, Valued, Vital
Empathetic, Educated, Eclectic
Trustworthy, Thorough, Tenderhearted

Noble, Noteworthy, Nurturing
Unparalleled, Understanding, Unique
Remarkable, Resourceful, Razor-sharp
Sacrosanct, Skillful, Steadfast
Endearing, Energetic, Exceptional.

15/08/2025

Calf rearing season has started, and unfortunately, it brings some risks to dogs and horses. Over the past week, we have seen three dogs accidentally poisoned by calf milk or feed additives, and sadly, not all survived. The danger comes from coccidiostat medicines containing ionophore additives, such as Bovatec (lasalocid) or Rumensin (monensin). These are effective in preventing coccidiosis in fast-growing calves (and ketosis and bloat in adult ruminants), but monogastric animals cannot process them, which results in an imbalance of ions in muscle cells, including the heart. The toxic dose can be very small, so please take great care with how these products are stored and handled. Signs can appear within hours and may last for months. In dogs, common signs include drooling or vomiting, muscle weakness or ataxia—often starts as the dog being unable to use the back legs (which can then progress up the body)—and dilated pupils. Respiratory muscle paralysis and heart issues can also develop. In horses, signs include weakness, lethargy, colic, sweating, ataxia, and sudden death. If you suspect your animals have been exposed, please contact the clinic to discuss how we can assist. Supportive care may lessen the effects, but there is no antidote. The earlier we see them, the more options there are and the better the chances of recovery