Pawsitive Healing

02/01/2026

27/12/2025

This interesting review provides a concise overview of acupuncture in veterinary medicine, tracing its roots from ancient Chinese practices to its integration into global veterinary care. It also examines the mechanism of acupuncture, focusing on the balance of vital energy (qi) along the meridians. The historical journey and applications of acupuncture in various animal species, pain management, neurological disorders, cancer support and more are discussed, highlighting the importance and utility of acupuncture in veterinary medicine worldwide.

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas

13/12/2025

Deck the halls safely this holiday season! Here are some tips for pet-friendly festivities:

☑ If you're inviting people around to your house make sure your pet has somewhere quiet to retreat to
☑ Keep pets out of the room when you're pulling Christmas crackers - they might be startled by the noise or accidentally swallow one of the small toys
☑ Keep doors, windows and gates closed so your animal doesn't run off
☑ Keep tinsel, fairy lights and glass baubles away from curious pets. They can cause serious injury if chewed or swallowed
☑ Don't leave small decorations or toys lying around, as they might get gobbled up!
☑ Be careful what your plant! Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, while azaleas and rhododendrons should be kept away from dogs. Holly and mistletoe are festive choices this time of year, but they can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pets.

Remember, your vet clinic will likely be closed for some or all of the holidays. Check their website or social media pages so you know their opening hours and emergency number, just in case you need it.

13/12/2025

11/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14PrVXdG55x/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In Germany, some new dog owners really do have to pass a test before taking a dog home 🐾🇩🇪

In several German states, first time dog owners are required to complete the Hundeführerschein, or dog owner’s license. It includes a written exam that checks whether owners understand essential topics like nutrition, behavior, stress signals and responsible care. The goal is simple… to make sure people know what a dog truly needs before bringing one into their life. While not a nationwide rule, regions that use it have seen better welfare outcomes and fewer neglect cases.

After the written part, many areas also require a practical test. This means owners must show they can safely walk, handle and communicate with a dog in real situations. Trainers observe how the owner reacts to distractions, how they guide the dog and how calmly they maintain control. The exam isn’t meant to intimidate… it’s meant to protect both the animal and the community by ensuring dogs receive proper care and training from day one.

Germany’s approach shows a deep respect for animals. Instead of treating pet ownership as a casual decision, it asks people to understand the responsibility that comes with a living, feeling companion. And when owners are better prepared, dogs get safer homes, happier lives and fewer end up in shelters.



References
BBC News: Germany’s dog owner licensing rules.
Deutsche Welle: Explanation of the Hundeführerschein system.
American Kennel Club: International dog ownership regulations.
The Local Germany: How the dog owner test works in different states.

03/12/2025

Indoor-only living is the best way to keep cats safe 🏠, but without the right enrichment and care, it can often lead to boredom and less activity. 😿 That’s where enrichment tools like food puzzles come in! 🧩 These tools help spice up your cat’s indoor life, keeping them engaged both physically and mentally. 🐈🧠

Learn how to create a fun, easy food puzzle for your cat – link in comments!

02/12/2025

The All Party Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW) have released the Innate Health Assessment (IHA) tool - a new evidence-based tool to help breeders, owners and puppy buyers identify dog body features linked to health and wellbeing, supporting responsible breeding and healthier future generations.

Easy to use on any device, the IHA provides clear visual guidance to support responsible breeding decisions, puppy purchasing, and healthier future generations of dogs.

👉 Explore the tool here: https://innatehealthassessment.petproov.com/buyer-check

Together, we can continue to uphold high standards of hauora for our companion animals throughout Aotearoa 💙

01/12/2025

A pet-safe recipe to bring holiday scents into your home.🎄☃️

With the holiday season here, many of us want that cozy, festive smell, without the VOCs, synthetic fragrances, and other chemicals found in most candles and air fresheners. A simple, nontoxic alternative we love is a stovetop simmer pot. It fills your home with an incredible natural aroma…no harsh chemicals and nothing that compromises your pet’s health.

Here’s one of our favorites from The Forever Dog LIFE...

Winter Holiday Home Scent Recipe
* Water and/or Apple Juice or Cider
* 1/2 to 1 cup fresh cranberries
* 1 orange, sliced with peel
* 3-4 cinnamon sticks
* 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
* 1 tablespoon whole cloves

1. Add ingredients to a small pot of water (or juice/cider) and bring to a soft boil (or slow boil in a slow cooker)
2. Reduce heat to simmer for 2-3 hours, allowing the aromas to fill your home. Add additional water and/or cider if necessary. Your home will smell like pure holiday cheer...no chemicals required!

We’re all about reducing toxic load at home, especially since our dogs interact with their environment far more closely than we do. That’s why the Forever Dog LIFE merch collection is made with non-toxic, pet-safe materials we genuinely trust in our homes and with own pets.

🎁There’s still time to grab some pup-safe essentials during our biggest sale of the year: 25% off the entire Forever Dog LIFE collection (excluding tees). Sale ends tomorrow, Dec 1st.

👉 Drop THANKS25 below if you’re looking for the perfect dog (and cat) lovers gifts this holiday season…we’ll message you the link !

30/11/2025

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3303983/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Itch is the major symptom of atopic dermatitis (AD). Acupuncture has been shown to exhibit a significant effect on experimental itch in AD. Our study evaluated acupuncture and anti-histamine itch therapy (cetirizine) on type-I-hypersensitivity itch ...