First Vets

03/03/2025

🩷 Love Grace Handbag Appeal 💜

"Love Grace - the handbag appeal was set up by Grace’s family and friends as a legacy in Grace Millane’s name, to help women that have been affected by domestic violence."

First Vets are participating in the Love Grace Handbag Appeal this year! 👜💗

If you have any of the following items in *new and unused* condition that you would like to donate, please drop them off to the clinic before the end of the day on Friday 7th of March.

You may also donate second-hand handbags which are still in good condition - ideally around 30cm in size to fit multiple items inside 👜

Any donations would be much appreciated 🤗💜

More information can be found here:
🩷 https://www.lovegrace.co.uk/donate/ -to-donate
💜 https://www.facebook.com/lovegracenz

26/02/2025

🔶Karaka Berries🔶

There's an abundance of Karaka trees fruiting at the moment!
Make sure to keep your dogs away from the berries, and the old seeds...

See our previous post for more details on Karaka berry toxicity! 🌳

🟠 KARAKA BERRIES 🟠

Here's some cracker facts about Karaka Berries:

🌳 Karaka trees are in full fruiting season at the moment!
🌳 Fruiting usually happens from Summer to Autumn in New Zealand.
🌳 Karaka trees are very tall (~15m) and have distinct dark glossy leaves.
🌳 Fruit begins green and slowly changes colour to orange over the fruiting season.
🌳 The toxin in Karaka Berries is called Karakin
🌳 Karakin is a neurotoxin which effects the nerves
🌳 Karakin toxicity can look like: seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea, hindlimb paralysis, ataxia (wobbly) and death.
🌳 Karakin toxin is still present in old fruit once the fruiting season is finished
🌳 There is no antidote for Karaka Berry Toxicity, only supportive care can be performed while the dog recovers.

🌳 If your dog eats Karaka Berries, please seek out emergency veterinary treatment ASAP!

07/02/2025

** DECEASED CAT **

Sadly we have been brought in a deceased female, calico coloured, domestic short hair cat. She was found on the side of Mosston Road near Karyn St and wasn't microchipped.

If you think this cat may be yours, please contact us on (06) 281 3157, or via messenger and we can try confirm her identity.

Our sincere condolences to her family 🌷

07/02/2025

Meet Jayde!

Jayde started with us as a new graduate Veterinary Nurse in October 2024.

Jayde was born in Sandton City, South Africa and made the move with her family to New Zealand in 2016. Having always had a love for animals, she pursued her veterinary nursing studies at Unitec. Jayde frequented the clinic for veterinary nursing student placement, so she leaped at the chance to be employed at First Vets.

Jayde’s favourite parts of veterinary nursing include anaesthesia, ward nursing; looking after hospitalised patients, and SPCA Surgery Days where she gets plenty of cuddles from the puppies and kittens of the Whanganui SPCA centre.

Jayde is passionate about developing her career in veterinary nursing and being able to provide the best care possible for her patients.

Outside of work, Jayde has many extra-curricular activities which she enjoys. For one, she loves to bake delicious goodies. With a deep-set love for animal welfare, Jayde also volunteers with the Whanganui SPCA. She also enjoys taking her cat Whiskey on adventures, such as out to the beach! ⛱

At home, Jayde and her family have four cats 🐈‍⬛ Charlie the black and white domestic short hair (DSH), Felix the grey and white DSH, Tigger the tabby DSH, and Whiskey the black and white DSH. Whiskey is her special needs cat who has a neurological condition which makes him wobble around – like he’s drunk on whiskey! She adopted Whiskey from the SPCA after fostering him as a baby. Over the years, Jayde has also had many pet rats. She recalls how gentle, intelligent, and adventurous they are 🐭

Jayde can’t wait to get to know you and your pets!

04/02/2025

🤩 Waitangi Day 2025 🤩

The next mid-week public holiday is here, and as usual; here are our hours.
Totally Vets Accident and Medical Centre will cover the after-hours emergencies for the entire day🩺🏥

To contact them:
📞 Call them directly on 06 324 0812
📞 Call us and push 5 when prompted

03/02/2025

🤩 Student Placements 🤩

With university and tertiary education centers about to open for the year, we know that keen vet and vet nursing students will be eager to organise placements!

If you are keen on attending placement here at First Vets, please fill out the following Google Form to submit your request ☺️

Fill out your form below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdB8pIKFIA7Mnq6CVaTknJ1eZtVpLyJEoxaarQrhVfSBQ8nag/viewform?usp=header

🤩🤩

28/01/2025

🐾 Weight Loss Clinics! ⚖️

Does your pet have a New Years Resolution to lose weight?

Never fear, Olivia is here!

Our Vet Nurse Olivia has been busy behind the scenes organising a weight loss clinic! This will help you help your pet to lose weight and get them down to, and maintain a healthy weight!

The Weight Loss Clinic package includes:
🤩 Initial consultation with Olivia to discuss your pets needs
🤩 Regular check ins with Olivia to monitor progress
🤩 Goodie bags FULL of helpful items to kick start your pets weight loss programme

Get in touch with our team now to find out more, and get your pets weight loss journey started!

28/01/2025

🤩 Discounted BlackHawk Puppy Food! 🤩

We have 2 bags of BlackHawk Original Medium Breed Puppy Food - Chicken and Rice 10kg available at a discounted rate.

These 2 bags are short dated, so need to find a hungry puppy to feed 🐶

Original RRP: $140.00
Discounted Rate: $100.80

Come on down to the clinic ASAP to get your hands on a great deal 🤗

23/01/2025

🐾 PUPPY PRESCHOOL 🐶

Julz from Julz's Canine Aftercare has a new Puppy Preschool starting soon! 🤩🐾

🐾 The new class will begin on Wednesday 5th of February 6:00pm-7:00pm.
🐾 There is a maximum of 6 puppies per class.
🐾 The course is 6 weeks long.
🐾 The puppy must be aged between 8-16wks at the beginning of the course
🐾 The puppy must also have had at LEAST one DHP 'Parvo' Vaccination
🐾 The course cost is $100.00 per puppy.
🐾 Course is run by a qualified Dog Trainer.
🐾 Class is open to for enrolments now!

If this sounds like something you'd like to do with your new puppy, then contact the clinic, or Julz at [email protected] to register your interest! 🤩🐾🎓

15/01/2025

🤩 Wellington Anniversary Weekend 2025 🤩

The next long weekend is coming, and as usual; here are our hours for the weekend.
Totally Vets Accident and Medical Centre will cover the after-hours emergencies for the entire weekend 🩺🏥

To contact them:
📞 Call them directly on 06 324 0812
📞 Call us and push 5 when prompted

13/01/2025

We think it's safe to say that the vaccination day went very well! 🤩💉🐶

09/01/2025

💉Parvovirus Vaccination Day💉

Reminder to our followers 🤩

SPCA Whanganui and First Vets are hosting a Parvovirus (DHP) vaccination day!

When? This Sunday the 12th of January 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Where? SPCA Whanganui Centre at 134 London Street
How much? There is no cost to you to get your dog vaccinated against parvovirus

This is a DROP-IN service - first-in, first-served.

Please talk to volunteers / staff first, BEFORE bringing your dog out of the vehicle.

See you on Sunday! 🤗

31/12/2024

🐾Animal Emergency? Think P.E.T 🏥

New Years is here and that means another mid-week break, if you think your pet needs to be seen over the next 2 days, think P.E.T!

What is P.E.T?

⏸️Pause🐾
Think for a moment about whether your pet needs emergency care or could be seen by their vet during normal business hours.

📞Emergency Call 📲

Call your vet clinic for advice if you think your pet needs emergency care or you’re unsure.

🚗Take🏥
Follow the advice you receive to either take your pet to an emergency service provider, or book an appointment during normal business hours.

31/12/2024

💉Parvovirus Vaccination Day!💉

Along with SPCA Whanganui, we have some very exciting news to share!

The SPCA will be hosting a Parvovirus Vaccination Day very soon - for FREE! 🤩

Where - SPCA Whanganui Centre (134 London Street)
When - Sunday 12th of January from 12:00pm to 3:00pm

We expect this to be a popular event, so please be patient while waiting for your dog's turn 😊

In response to reports of parvo cases in the Whanganui region this summer, Whanganui SPCA is offering free parvo vaccinations for unvaccinated dogs owned by Whanganui residents.

The vaccination event will take place on Sunday, 12th January at the Whanganui SPCA. Please be patient as some wait times may apply.

A special thank you to Freda Sutherland Memorial Trust and First Vets for their support in making this possible.

21/12/2024

🍖 Christmas Hazards 🥑

While we all love a good Christmas Feast, the food served at the table this holiday season ideally needs to remain a human only feast!

You're best to resist those puppy eyes 🥺 and deter those cat burglars who will steal food right off your plate! 🚫

Below is a list of foods that can pose a risk to your pets health over the holiday season, which may require an unexpected Afterhours / Emergency Vet Clinic trip! 😬

For more information visit:
www.pawsoff.co.nz/ingredients.htm

Have a safe holiday!

16/12/2024

🎅🏼🎄 Christmas & New Years Hours 🥳🎆

Not too many sleeps until we get to celebrate Christmas and New Years!

We are closed for the statutory public holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, and Day After New Years Day)

Totally Vets Accident and Medical Centre will cover the after-hours emergencies for the public holidays, and Massey University Pet Emergency Centre will cover the weekdays🩺🏥

To contact them:
📞 Call us and push 5 when prompted, and you'll be directed to the right afterhours help

29/11/2024

🐾 PUPPY PRESCHOOL 🐶

Julz from Julz's Canine Aftercare has a new Puppy Preschool starting soon! 🤩🐾

🐾 The new class will begin on Wednesday 11th of December 6:00pm-7:00pm.
🐾 There is a maximum of 6 puppies per class.
🐾 The course is 6 weeks long.
🐾 The puppy must be aged between 8-16wks at the beginning of the course
🐾 The puppy must also have had at LEAST one DHP 'Parvo' Vaccination
🐾 The course cost is $100.00 per puppy.
🐾 Course is run by a qualified Dog Trainer.
🐾 Class is open to for enrolments now!

If this sounds like something you'd like to do with your new puppy, then contact the clinic, or Julz at [email protected] to register your interest! 🤩🐾🎓

🎄Please note there will be a break over Christmas and New Years for this class - Contact Julz for exact breaks 🎆

26/11/2024

🤩 Desexing discounts leading up to Christmas 🤩

Our thanks to you!

As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to reflect on the year that’s passed and the relationships we've built.

At First Vets, we’re incredibly grateful for the trust and support our clients have shown, especially during these challenging times. In the spirit of the season, we want to give back in a meaningful way.

🎁 A Gift for You This Christmas 🎁
We know that times are tough financially for many, and we want to do our part to ease the burden where we can. That’s why we’re offering a special 10% discount on all desexings performed between now and Christmas.

✂️ Why Desexing is Important ✂️
Desexing is not only a responsible step in managing your pet’s health and behavior, but it also helps reduce the number of unwanted animals in our communities.
By taking advantage of this offer, you’re making a lasting impact on both your pet and the broader animal welfare cause.

📞 Book Your Appointment Today! 📞
Spaces are limited, so be sure to get in touch soon to secure a spot.

Please note: this offer is available for established First Vets clients

To book your appointment or if you have any questions, please give us a call on (06) 281 3157

We are truly thankful for your continued loyalty, and we look forward to serving you in the year ahead.

Happy holidays from all of us at First Vets!