VetsOne Hastings

25/09/2025

Allergy Season Isn’t Just for Humans

Sneezing, scratching, licking—spring allergies can sneak up on pets too.

We’re here to help soothe the season.

If you think your pet is breaking out with spring allergies get in touch to book a consultation with one of our Veterinarians.

(06)8788666

23/09/2025

Tiny Shells, Big Responsibility: Why We like Turtle Rescue NZ!

Did you know that many pet turtles in Aotearoa are living in tanks that are too small, too cold, or missing vital elements like UVB lighting and proper filtration?

That’s where Turtle Rescue and Rehoming steps in—with heart, expertise, and a deep commitment to giving these gentle creatures the care they deserve. Run by Donna Moot in Christchurch, Turtle Rescue NZ offers:
- Practical advice on tank setup, nutrition, and health
- Rehoming services for turtles in need of a second chance
- Holiday care and emergency support for unwell turtles
- Education for new owners—saving money and lives by preventing common mistakes

We love Turtle Rescue NZ because they treat turtles not just as pets, but as lifelong companions who deserve thoughtful, informed care. Just like puppies and kittens, turtles need the right environment, diet, and attention to thrive.

If you’re thinking about adopting a turtle, or already have one and want to check your setup, Donna’s website is a treasure trove of compassionate, practical guidance. You might be surprised how a few small changes can make your turtle happier and healthier.

www.turtlerescue.co.nz

21/09/2025

Looking for a way to spark curiosity and wonder in your kids—without handing them another mindless screen?

Check out National Geographic Kids!

This vibrant, interactive site is packed with:
- Fascinating animal facts
- Brain-boosting quizzes and puzzles
- Educational videos that feel like adventures
- Craft ideas and fun challenges
- Homework help and history highlights

Whether your child is obsessed with dinosaurs, dreaming of space, or just loves learning cool things about the world, Nat Geo Kids makes education feel like play. It’s safe, age-appropriate, and beautifully designed to nurture curiosity and confidence.

Perfect for rainy afternoons, classroom inspiration, or just a joyful scroll through the wonders of our planet.

Let your little explorers dive in—you might just learn something too!

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

19/09/2025

🌼 Garden Safety Tips for Pets 🌼

🌿 Beware of Toxic Plants
- Common spring blooms like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and especially lilies can be toxic—lilies are extremely dangerous for cats, even from pollen exposure.
- Native New Zealand plants like karaka berries, deathcap mushrooms, and tree nettle (Onga Onga) also pose serious risks.
- Safe alternatives: sunflowers, marigolds, alyssum, hibiscus, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil.

🌿 Avoid Harmful Garden Products
- Fertilisers (especially blood and bone) are tempting to dogs but can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Pesticides, herbicides, and slug/snail bait containing metaldehyde are highly toxic even in small amounts.
- Opt for pet-safe alternatives and keep pets indoors during application.

🌿 Compost with Caution
- Compost can harbor moulds and fungi that cause toxicity.
- Avoid tossing in human foods that are toxic to pets (e.g., onions, garlic, chocolate).

🌿 Secure Tools and Hazards
- Sharp tools, nails, broken fencing, and chicken wire can cause injuries.
- Store tools safely and inspect garden areas for hidden dangers.

🌿 Design a Pet-Friendly Garden
- Create sensory zones with non-toxic plants, soft mulch (avoid cocoa mulch), and shaded rest areas.
- A veggie patch with pumpkin, courgette, kumara vine, and beets can be enriching just monitor for over-snacking.

🌿 Indoor Bouquets Matter Too
- If you bring flowers indoors, avoid lilies entirely if you have cats.
- Display bouquets out of reach and monitor for nibbling.

17/09/2025

Fresh Starts Begin with Flea Control

As the weather warms, so do As the weather warms, so do pesky parasites.

Let’s keep tails wagging and skin itch-free—ask us about gentle, effective flea prevention today.

If you want to know more about how to protect your pet from fleas, worms, ticks and mites give us a call on (06)8788666 and talk to our friendly Customer care team.

17/09/2025

Feeling the winter blues? Let’s take a virtual safari to sunny California…

The San Diego Zoo’s Live Cams are a delightful way to escape the cold and reconnect with the wild. From giraffes grazing under golden skies to koalas snoozing in eucalyptus trees, these real-time windows into animal life are pure joy.

What you’ll find:
🐧 Penguins waddling and diving in their icy playground
🦍 Apes lounging and playing with quiet wisdom
🐘 Elephants roaming with grace and curiosity
🐅 Tigers, hippos, burrowing owls, and even platypuses—yes, really!

Whether you're curled up with a cuppa or sharing a moment with your kids, these cams offer a gentle, heartwarming escape. They’re perfect for calming nerves, sparking curiosity, or simply reminding us of the beauty that exists beyond our own backyard.

https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cameras

16/09/2025

15/09/2025

Mr Pumpernickel loves this sunshine!

14/09/2025

End of life care

When a beloved pet receives a serious or terminal diagnosis, the world can feel like it’s shifted beneath your feet. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, heartbroken, and unsure of what comes next. End-of-life care is not about giving up—it’s about giving more: more comfort, more presence, and more love in the time that remains. This stage can be deeply meaningful, offering a chance to honor your pet’s life and ensure their final days are filled with peace and dignity.

Our veterinarians can discuss options like palliative care, which focuses on managing pain and maintaining quality of life rather than curing illness. This might include medications to ease discomfort, dietary adjustments, mobility support, and creating a calm, familiar environment. Some pets benefit from hospice-style care at home, where routines are gentle and tailored to their changing needs. You’ll be encouraged to monitor signs of distress—such as labored breathing, loss of appetite, or withdrawal—and to keep in close contact with your veterinary team to adjust care as needed.

Emotionally, this time is tender and complex. You may find comfort in creating rituals: a favorite walk, a special meal, or simply quiet time together. Some families choose to document these moments through photos or journaling, while others focus on being fully present without distraction. If euthanasia becomes the kindest option, we can offer in-home services that allow your pet to pass peacefully in a familiar setting, surrounded by love.

You are not alone in this. Compassionate care includes support for you, too— Also, there is support through grief counseling, community groups, or simply having someone to talk to who understands the depth of your bond.

Saying goodbye is never easy, but it can be beautiful. It’s a final act of love, guided by empathy, and rooted in the lifelong connection you’ve shared.

13/09/2025

Today is Pet Memorial Day

We know how deeply our pets touch our lives. They are family, companions, healers, and teachers of unconditional love. Saying goodbye is never easy, and today we take a moment to honour and remember the pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge.

To all our clients, past and present, who have said farewell to a beloved friend – our hearts are with you.

We invite you to share a favourite memory, photo, or even just your pet’s name in the comments below so we can celebrate their life together.

“A pet’s life may be shorter than ours, but their love fills us for a lifetime. That love never truly leaves.”

With love,
VetsOne Team 💙🐾

-Stella Violano, 2009

12/09/2025

🚨 SCAM ALERT FOR PET OWNERS 🚨

We’ve been notified of a scam email circulating that falsely claims your pet’s microchip registration has expired. These emails appear to come from “Petchip” and may include your pet’s name, microchip number, and other personal details to make them seem legitimate.

Please be cautious — the Dog and Cat Management Board has confirmed there has been no data breach of the official Dogs and Cats Online database. Genuine communications from them will never include that level of personal information.

What you can do: • Do not click on any links or share personal details in these emails. • If you're unsure about any message you receive, contact your local council or the Dog and Cat Management Board directly for clarification.

Your pet’s safety and your peace of mind matter to us. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns — we’re here to help. 🐾

12/09/2025

"Sweetie’s Strength Shines Through!"

Sweetie faced a long road to recovery—Read Vet Tech Abi’s touching account of how her insurance coverage made all the difference.