Holistic Vets

19/09/2025

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🌿 Essential Oils for Pets – Nature’s Potent Helpers 🐾

Did you know that essential oils (EOs) are powerful, natural substances distilled from plants, trees, flowers, seeds, and more? These concentrated oils are 50–70x more potent than the plants they come from, packed with healing nutrients, oxygenating molecules, and supportive compounds. 🌸🌿

In pets, EOs can be used to gently support wellness when applied with care:

✨ Diffuse into the air – even a drop on a ceiling fan blade or a wagging tail can help EO molecules reach respiratory tissues
✨ Apply to footpads or hairless areas – for quick absorption into the bloodstream
✨ Internally – ONLY under veterinary supervision, as some oils can be toxic if misused

⚠️ Remember: Some oils must be diluted with a carrier oil (like sesame or olive oil) to prevent skin irritation.

When used properly, essential oils can be an amazing tool to help support your pet’s health, naturally. 🌱🐶🐱
Always research or consult a holistic vet before use!

Have you used essential oils with your pets? Share your experience below! 👇

with Nurture Pets NZ

12/09/2025

Have you thought about what you would like to leave as a legacy?

🌿 Leave a Legacy That Lasts Locally 🌿

September is Wills Month — the perfect time to think about your future and the legacy you’ll leave behind.

Making a will is the only way to ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are cared for. It also gives you the chance to create a lasting impact in your community.

By leaving a gift in your will to ARRC Wildlife Trust, you can help protect and care for wildlife in our region for generations to come.

Through our partnership with the Acorn Foundation, your gift can either:
✨ Make an immediate difference through a direct gift, or
✨ Grow forever through an endowment fund, creating ongoing support year after year.

📖 Learn more about how to prepare your will, the different types of gifts, and local law firms offering free assistance this September:
👉 www.acornfoundation.org.nz

Together, we can make your impact last forever. 💚

12/09/2025

🥦🐾 Let’s Talk Superfoods for Pets! 🐾🥕

The word “superfood” might be overused these days, but when it comes to your pet’s health, certain foods really do pack a powerful punch. Each one has its own unique benefits – from boosting immunity to improving digestion and reducing inflammation.

Animals respond incredibly well to positive changes in their nutrition, so it’s definitely worth paying close attention to what goes into their bowls.

Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference in your pet’s long-term health and quality of life. Stay tuned for tips on which foods to try and how to safely incorporate them!

In this video, I'll be looking at six superfoods you can feed your pets to boost their health and improve their quality of life.The term superfood has been o...

03/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cirym8Ykq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🌿 Leave a Legacy That Lasts Locally 🌿

September is Wills Month — the perfect time to think about your future and the legacy you’ll leave behind.

Making a will is the only way to ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are cared for. It also gives you the chance to create a lasting impact in your community.

By leaving a gift in your will to ARRC Wildlife Trust, you can help protect and care for wildlife in our region for generations to come.

Through our partnership with the Acorn Foundation, your gift can either:
✨ Make an immediate difference through a direct gift, or
✨ Grow forever through an endowment fund, creating ongoing support year after year.

📖 Learn more about how to prepare your will, the different types of gifts, and local law firms offering free assistance this September:
👉 www.acornfoundation.org.nz

Together, we can make your impact last forever. 💚

03/09/2025

🌿🐾 Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Dogs – A Holistic Perspective 🐾🌿

The cruciate ligaments are small but mighty structures inside your dog’s knee joint, helping to keep the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) in proper alignment.

When the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears—whether from sudden movement, jumping, or gradual wear and tear—it can cause significant pain and instability. Your dog may suddenly limp, "toe-touch" the ground, or struggle to bear weight on the affected leg.

💔 In some cases, the meniscus (a cartilage cushion in the joint) is also damaged, compounding the discomfort.

🛠️ What Are the Options for Healing?

At our clinic, we take an integrative approach to cruciate injuries—balancing conventional medical options with holistic support for optimal healing.

🔹 Surgical Stabilization
For many dogs—especially larger breeds—surgery is the most effective path to stability.

Options include Nylon suture stabilization or more advanced procedures like TPLO and TTA, which are often better for active or large dogs that are hard to keep rested.

During surgery, we also assess the meniscus and remove any damaged tissue to relieve pain.

🔹 Non-Surgical Support
In some cases, especially mild or partial tears, a non-surgical approach may be possible:

Prolotherapy – stimulates the body to form scar tissue and strengthen the joint naturally.

Strict rest & controlled movement

Weight management – essential to reduce strain on the joint.

Joint supplements – including omega-3s, vitamin C, glucosamine, antioxidants, proanthocyanidins, and herbs like turmeric.

🌿 Post-Op & Holistic Rehabilitation

Whether your dog undergoes surgery or is managed conservatively, rest and rehabilitation are critical. Recovery can take 4–12 weeks, during which time your dog should:

Be confined to a crate or small room

Go on lead-only toilet breaks

Avoid stairs, jumping, and rough play

To support healing and reduce inflammation naturally, we may recommend:

💧 Hydrotherapy
🧘 Canine physiotherapy
🌿 Acupuncture & chiropractic care
💨 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
👐 NIS osteopathy, kinesiology, and massage therapy

🍽️ Nutrition Matters Too!

A fresh, balanced, species-appropriate diet supports the healing process. We recommend:

Minimizing processed foods, preservatives, and excess carbohydrates

Providing whole-food nutrition and supportive supplements

Adjusting feeding amounts to prevent weight gain during restricted activity

💡 Did You Know?
Dogs with one injured knee often develop issues in the other leg over time—especially if recovery is prolonged. That’s why early intervention, proper rest, and holistic support are so important.

🐶 With the right care and commitment, most dogs recover beautifully from cruciate injuries and go on to live full, happy lives.

📞 Contact us today if your dog is limping, "toe-touching," or showing signs of knee pain—we’re here to help you explore the best path to healing, naturally and compassionately.

02/09/2025

🌟 FOUND BIRD! 🐦

This little cutie patootie was found by a lovely member of the public and brought in to us for some TLC. We're now on a mission to find their family!

If this feathered friend looks familiar, or you know someone who's missing a bird, please give us a call on 07 578 7054 or send us a message right here on our page.

Let’s get this little one back home where they belong!🐦🐥🦜💐🌻😍

01/09/2025

Check out this month's newsletter!

*National Telehealth Service for Pets by Holistic Vets
*Ccccold Weather & Arrrrrthrrritis: Top 10 Tips for Joint Support
*All About Sore Eyes
*Waxeyes at ARRC Wildlife Trust
*Donate to ARRC, it’s Wills Month
*Dr Liza’s Vet Tales Excerpt – The Call of the Wild

Holistic Vets’ Telehealth Team, Dr Deanna and myself, are so delighted to be able to help pet owners/guardians across New Zealand with practical and innovative health care strategies to help pets with complex health conditions like cancer, seizures, arthritis, allergies and others. We work to comp...

15/08/2025

This is Ginny, a lovely and affectionate kitten who needs a special home to help her with her special needs.

If you’re interested in giving this gorgeous girl, who is vaccinated and been desexed, a loving home please message us or give us a ring and we’ll tell you more.

The Holistic Vets Team 🩷

11/08/2025

Abscesses in Cats and Dogs

While dogs can sometimes develop abscesses, cats are especially prone to them—often after cat fights. An abscess is usually caused by a puncture wound that becomes infected under the skin. As the body tries to fight the infection, pus builds up, creating a painful lump.

Many abscesses burst on their own, bringing relief. If this happens, gently clean the area twice daily with warm water and cotton wool or a swab. However, if your pet is unwell, off their food, lethargic, feverish, or the abscess hasn’t burst, they should see a vet.

Treatment may involve lancing and draining the abscess under sedation, removing any dead tissue, and sometimes placing a surgical drain. Antibiotics may be prescribed, and complementary therapies can also help with healing.

Healthy pets with strong immune systems are less likely to get abscesses and often heal more quickly. A balanced diet, low stress, and preventing fights—especially in cats—are important. Desexing cats can reduce territorial behaviour and fighting, helping to prevent future abscesses.

Key points to remember:
• If your pet is unwell, see a vet.
• If there’s a scab over the abscess, gently remove it to allow drainage.
• A draining abscess is more comfortable and often heals well if kept clean.
• Preventing abscesses through good diet, immune support, and avoiding fights is always best.

06/08/2025

Check out this month's newsletter!

*Aquamation: A Gentle Way to Return Pets Back to Nature
*Puppy Classes at Holistic Vets!
*5 Top Tips to Boost Longevity and Health for Your Pet/s
*Ear Infections Can Be Ouch!
*Fantails at ARRC Wildlife Trust
*Dr Liza’s Vet Tales Excerpt – Talks, other ventures, and magnificent sunsets!

Last month I was excited to give a presentation to our NZ Vet Association’s board and leaders at our annual strategy day in Wellington. I spoke about One Health, a model that acknowledges that the health and well-being of animals, people and our environment are interconnected. Our veterinary profe...

06/08/2025

Gastro-Intestinal Upsets in Pets – What You Need to Know

Just like with any illness, a gastrointestinal (GIT) upset is your pet’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Vomiting and diarrhea are nature’s methods of cleansing the body from irritation or toxins.

Vomiting usually means the issue is in the upper GIT

Diarrhea often points to a problem in the lower GIT

There are many causes for GIT disturbances, ranging from chronic issues like food intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease, worms, or organ failure — to sudden (acute) causes such as toxins, hairballs, infections, rotten food, stress, or sudden diet changes (especially in young kittens).

If your dog or cat is still alert and symptoms are mild, you can support their recovery at home. However, seek veterinary advice immediately if your pet is collapsed, vomiting heavily, has blood in vomit or stool, or is straining without success.

Managing a GIT upset at home:

Give the gut a rest: adults can fast for 24 hours, but puppies/kittens need food sooner (4-12 hours depending on condition).

Keep your pet hydrated with plenty of fresh water and electrolytes — homemade broths or water mixed with a little honey work well.

Soothing supplements like slippery elm powder, kaolin, or bismuth can help heal the gut lining.

Start feeding bland, easy-to-digest meals (boiled chicken, rice, cottage cheese) in small frequent portions once the fasting period is over.

Probiotics and oat bran can help restore healthy gut bacteria.

Activated charcoal may be useful if toxins are suspected.

Homeopathic remedies can be helpful but should be used under guidance.

For chronic problems like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), aloe vera juice (free from harmful preservatives) can improve digestion, alongside nutritional support and therapies like acupuncture or Bowen therapy.

If your pet’s symptoms don’t improve or worsen, always consult your vet for further diagnostics and treatment.