Critter Care

24/06/2024

Keeping Critter Carer, Gabi company during her overnight stay with them

23/06/2024

Your dogs are in good hands with our experienced dog walkers. PM us for more information

22/06/2024

Brace yourselves, winter is coming! ❄️

22/06/2024

Dogs playing together can be so much fun and can include wrestling, chasing, and romping together but sometimes play is inappropriate or can become conflicting. Here's when you should stop two dogs playing together.

🐶 If vocalisations increase or one dog is giving appeasement signals and trying to get away, calmly interrupt or stop the play at this point. Remember though that vocalisation during play can be normal.
🐶 If one dog targets another dog by chasing, stalking, or always playing roughly in a one-sided manner, this type of interaction isn’t usually fun for the dog on the receiving end so the play should be stopped.
🐶 If a dog is repeatedly pushy or plays too rough, they can provoke negative reactions from their playmate that could lead to fights and injuries, so remove the dog from the play situation.

19/06/2024

Gorgeous Cleo rushing to greet her Critter Carer, Dylan.

17/06/2024

Excited to announce we now stock Tagiwig, New Zealand made homoeopathic blends for our furry friends!

❤️10% discount on all orders until 30 June!

I'll be loading up products into our online store but please let me know if you need anything in the meantime.

Natural Pet

17/06/2024

Sometimes you've just gotta swim, despite the drop in temperature!

16/06/2024

Are you going away for Matariki weekend? We can visit your pets while you are away to feed, play, and change litter trays. We can also stay overnight (minimum 12 hours) giving you peace of mind that your pets and home are looked after while you are away. PM us today to find out how we can help while you are away.

12/06/2024

Freya and Loki love it when Dylan visits with treats! 😻

12/06/2024

Making the decision to rehome your pet is really hard but you may find yourself in a position where you are unable to keep your pet, here are some ideas to make the rehoming process as easy on you, and your pet, as possible:
🐾Find a temporary home - if you can't find a permanent home yet and need to rehome quickly ask family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues if they can provide a temporary home. If you can't find someone to help, consider short-term care at a kennel or cattery
🐾Think about your pet's personality - being able to describe your pet's personality will help find the next right owner for them. Do they like a quiet home or a busy home? Do they like to follow you around? Are they a fan of the outdoors? Do they like people? Are they good with kids and other animals?
🐾Take photos and videos of your pet - these can show your pet's personality. Use videos on online platforms to showcase your pet and photos in printed material
🐾Advertise your pet - create a flier to put up on local notice boards, to distribute in mailboxes in your area, or to email to people. Put a listing on Trade Me, post on Facebook community groups and other social media sites. Always ask people to share with others that you are looking for a new home for your pet

09/06/2024

If your pup or kitty cat needs some love, care, and attention while you're out and about then PM us today to find out more information about our home visit services. We can visit to feed, play, and change litter trays.

07/06/2024

Snowflake gets straight into position for her daily spa treatment when Critter Carer Sue pops in for a home visit 😻

07/06/2024

We're excited to be a part of the celebrations tomorrow!

Come see us to arrange your pet sitting needs and purchase Lickimats, treats, pre & pro biotics and more!

See you there! 🎂🎊

100th Birthday Celebration of the Ōtorohanga Railway Station, This is a free community ..., Otorohanga Train Station, Otorohanga, Waikato, 8 June 2024,

06/06/2024

Handsome Dudley jumps all over the place and does laps of the house in excitement when Critter Carer Dylan visits

04/06/2024

Although it's officially winter the autumn leaves are still on the ground and if you're a dog owner autumn and dog p**p can make you cautious....you know it's out there you just don't know where! 🍂💩

03/06/2024

Happy International Corgi Day! Every year on 4th June, Corgi fans from all around the world come together to celebrate International Corgi Day. This day is dedicated to appreciating the loyal and beloved breed of Corgis and their unique characteristics that have brought joy to so many people. 🐾Paws up if you love Corgis!🐾

26/05/2024

Is your doggo like this? Don't call us, we'll call you 🤣🤣

23/05/2024

Great info from our friends at Southern Cross Pet Insurance🐶

Just because it’s cold, it doesn’t mean the adventures need to stop, especially if you follow these handy dog-walking tips.

12/05/2024

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mums 🌹♥️

01/05/2024

Some great info here

Warning: Ball Toys for Dogs.
Yesterday we had a near death incident where a labrador dog at a nearby park was playing with a smooth medium size ball (5-6cm diameter) and managed to slide it past the tongue, instantly obstructing their airway. The dog was saved due the quick action of the owner presenting her dog and the rapidly response of our staff to induce an emergency anaesthesia and remove the airway obstruction. These ball obstructions are very difficult to remove while concious as they are slippery with saliva and often lock into the back of the throat once they pass over the tongue. The dog cant breath so is in a panic due to asphyxiation so we often need anaesthesia to safely and quickly remove them. Sometimes you can retroplush them out of the airway manually by squeezing the throat but this is often unsuccessful.
The US Center for Pet Safety receives numerous reports of dog deaths from ball toys lodging in dog's throat during active play. In most cases reported the pet owner was unable to dislodge the ball and the dogs choked to death, or nearly died because of the ball toys.
The near 100% fatality rate in the reports received means you need to be very careful about the size and nature of ball toys.
The reports received indicate that heavier solid or semi-solid rubber balls with a smooth or semi-smooth surface are involved in these incidents. While tennis balls are also known to obstruct airways of larger pets, they are sports balls and not produced or marketed for use as pet toys. Tennis balls can be compressed by the dogs jaw but then suddenly pop outward and into the back of the throat. Tennis balls can also be very abrasive to teeth and wear down tooth enamel quickly.

The dog should chase the ball. Dont throw directing to the dog. The dog catching the ball, whether launched, thrown, kicked or rebounding off of another surface has been indicated as a primary risk in the reports received.
CPS has identified design flaws with ball toys for dogs that may contribute to the death of the family pet. When combined, the lack of texture, the size, the weight and the velocity of the ball along with the lubrication of the dog’s saliva increase the risk of the ball lodging in the dog’s throat.

What Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Balls

Breed and Size
Different dog breeds have different mouth sizes. It’s important to select a ball that is proportionate to your dog’s size. For example, smaller dogs like Chihuahuas will need smaller balls, while larger breeds like Labradors require balls with a more substantial diameter. The ball should be large enough to rest just behind your dogs canine teeth, and be unable to slip down their throat.

Material
Opt for balls made from non-toxic, durable materials like rubber or natural latex. Avoid balls that are too soft, as they can be easily chewed or torn apart, potentially leading to choking hazards. Tennis balls become similar to sand-paper when they get dirt on them… imagine chewing on dirt! Not great for your teeth over time.

Texture
Choose a ball with an appropriate texture for your dog’s chewing habits. Some dogs prefer smooth balls, while others may enjoy textured surfaces that provide extra gum stimulation. If they are too slick, their size is even more critical as they may more easily slide down a dogs throat.

Weight
A ball that is too heavy may be challenging for small dogs to carry, while a ball that is too light may not engage larger dogs as effectively. Aim for a weight that allows your dog to pick up and carry the ball comfortably.

Supervision
Always supervise playtime, especially with a new toy. This way, you can observe how your dog interacts with the ball and intervene if there are any signs of discomfort or potential choking hazards. Consider a ball on a rope during supervised play; for one, you can chuck it way further, but also it gives you something to pull in case the ball does get lodged in your dogs throat.

Consider Interactive Toys
Consider using interactive toys like treat-dispensing balls such as a Buster Cube or a Kong Wobbler. These not only provide mental stimulation but also encourage slower, controlled play, reducing the risk of choking.

Regular Inspections
Regularly inspect your dog’s toys for signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged or worn-out balls to prevent potential choking hazards.

28/04/2024

Sunday's are for snuggling on the couch 🤗

24/04/2024

Minnie wasn't impressed when the bird she'd worked hard to catch was rescued by Critter Carer Dylan, she watched the rescue from inside 😾

23/04/2024

Is doggy daycare overwhelming for your pup? Accepting no more than 3 other dogs, we offer a stress-free, home environment with time for lots of one-on-one and lots of cuddles. There is plenty of outdoor time in our fully fenced properties, whilst ensuring there is downtime for everyone too. We allow a maximum of two days per week per dog as any more than this is detrimental to the health of your pup. PM us today to book a drop-in visit or let us walk your pup on those non-daycare days.

20/04/2024

Critter Carer Luanne did have a giggle when Charlie called himself a "silly bird"

17/04/2024

Boston loves a game of catch

15/04/2024

Just how do you know who to trust?

Well, Critter Care was established in 2015 so we're not going anywhere!

We are insured.

Our sitters are thoroughly vetted and police checked.

We have plenty of 5* reviews.

We are a team, so if one member becomes unavailable at the last minute, your furry family members will still be cared for.

Want to know more? Check out our page, our website https://www.crittercare.co.nz/ or call us on 021 232 0250.

15/04/2024

Zac was a bit tired after dinner and put himself to bed

13/04/2024

If your pup or kitty cat needs some love, care, and attention while you're out and about then PM us today to find out more information about our home visit services. We can visit to feed, play and change litter trays.

10/04/2024

No Louie, Michelle's shoe is not a good chew toy!

08/04/2024

Your dogs are in good hands with our experienced dog walkers. PM us for more information