Articles for Dog Lovers
Take a look at our dog and puppy articles for advice, tips and more.

Care

February 2024
We all enjoy warm weather, but hot days present a risk of heatstroke or heat stress in dogs. From causes of heatstroke in dogs to symptoms, treatment and prevention – Pet Smarts has the info you need to enjoy the warmer months safely with your pooch!

November 2023
Ensure your puppy's health with a proper worming schedule. Learn the key age milestones for treating worms in puppies, from liquid wormers to tablets, and keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

November 2023
Helping a dog with separation anxiety can take time and isn’t always straightforward. Petstock is here to help you and your pup through this transition. A great place to buy pet food and pet supplies

December 2023
All dogs need at least a little of grooming to maintain a healthy coat and improved appearance and smell.

June 2026
We’ve got all the teeth cleaning basics covered, with helpful tips and insights from Petstock vet, Dr Natalia Li.

December 2023
Empower yourself with knowledge on dog worms – their symptoms and treatments, with PETstock's comprehensive guide. Learn to recognize signs of worm infestation, explore effective treatment options, and discover preventive measures for your canine companion's health. Trust our expert insights to keep your dog happy and healthy. Visit now for essential information on maintaining a worm-free and thriving furry friend!

December 2023
Here’s how to care for dogs in winter based on some of your most common queries. Plus, some additional quick tips! Become winter ready for your pooch.

April 2024
From bedding updates to pet clothes and wet-weather activity ideas, here are our top tips to get you through a fuss-free winter season.

December 2023
The benefits of adopting a pet can be life-changing, and you might just find that your soulmate isn’t what you expected, but exactly what you need.

December 2023
It sounds serious, and that’s because it is. Periodontal disease in dogs can cause your pooch pain, discomfort, and frustration – just like when we experience a debilitating toothache or dental issue.

June 2023
Discover the benefits of pet heat pads with our guide. Learn how these warming pads can provide comfort and therapeutic benefits for pets, including pain relief, relaxation, and improved circulation. Whether you're looking to help your senior dog or cat stay cozy or aid in post-operative recovery, pet heat pads may be just what your furry friend needs.

July 2024
Get ready to welcome your new furry friend with our helpful tips for bringing home a new puppy.

June 2023
As much as we want to spend every waking moment with our furry friends, most pet parents work either full or part-time. But how long can you leave them alone at home before it might become an issue?

July 2025
There’s no better time than winter to make sure your pup has the perfect place to snuggle.

October 2024
Thinking about adopting a pet or giving a pet as a gift for Christmas? Find out if you should and what your options are.

November 2024
While digestive problems in dogs are not always a cause for concern, understanding what’s normal and what’s not can make all the difference.

January 2025
We all love long walks with our dogs on sunny days – but as temperatures rise, so do the risks.

January 2025
With the help of our expert vets, we’re investigating parasite prevention for dogs – from what parasites you need to watch out for to how to prevent parasites and treat infestations, Pet Smarts has the lowdown on all your parasite prevention needs.

June 2023
If you're planning a trip with your furry companion, finding pet-friendly accommodation can be a challenge. In this guide, we've compiled a list of pet-friendly hotels, motels, holiday parks, and other accommodations across New Zealand, so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday with your dog. We also provide some tips on how to prepare your pet for travel, what to pack, and how to ensure your pet's safety and comfort during the journey. Whether you're looking for a cozy cottage by the beach or a luxurious city hotel, this guide will help you find the perfect pet-friendly accommodation for your next adventure.

January 2017
Microchipping is not only a quick and painless procedure, but will help your buddy find their way home if they’re ever lost!

June 2023
Dogs stay happy and healthy by combining a balanced diet with a healthy amount of exercise. Here, we break down how much exercise your dog needs and provide creative exercise tips to keep your dog in good physical shape and mentally stimulated!

June 2026
It's good to know what costs you can expect with caring for a four-legged friend, both in the short and long term.

May 2026
A puppy health check is exactly what it sounds like: a full nose-to-tail assessment by a vet to make sure your new arrival is developing well.

November 2025
Beach days are all about fun, but keeping your dog safe matters most.

June 2026
It’s funny how for some people, having one dog just isn't enough!

June 2026
If you’ve been settling into life with a new little girl puppy and she’s heading towards her first season, don’t worry.

January 2020
Desexing your dog is a common procedure undertaken by vets every day. Learn everything you need to know before you book it in.

July 2026
Getting your first dog is one of life’s greatest joys. But before you run out to pick the cutest puppy you can find, it’s worth considering which kind of dog will be the best match for you.

June 2026
Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy into your home or looking for ways to give your adult Lab the absolute best life, understanding this breed’s unique needs is key.

July 2026
Losing a pet is one of the most difficult experiences we can face, and it is completely normal to feel unsure about what to do next.

August 2026
One day you look at your dog and realise they've gone from a sprightly little puppy to a mature dog.

July 2026
Recognising if your dog has joint pain could mean the difference between catching the problem early and preventing long-term pain for your dog.

September 2026
Keeping your dog active is important for their physical and mental health.

September 2026
Friendly, intelligent and famously food-motivated, Golden Retrievers can make wonderful companions for the right household.

September 2026
Bringing a new dog home is exciting for the whole family.

September 2026
Dogs can be surprisingly good at masking discomfort or pain.

June 2026
Dr Chris Brown from Bondi Vet gives insight on how to spot the early warning signs of arthritis.

June 2026
Dogs as young as seven can be considered senior – which means they have different care requirements than their younger counterparts.

March 2023
Dogs get fevers too! In this article, we’ll teach you how to take your dog’s temperature, how tell if your dog has a fever and give our tips on how to treat a fever.

February 2024
Do you keep up to date with your dog’s worming treatment? If your dog is not regularly wormed, they could get seriously ill. Here’s everything you need to know about tapeworms in dogs, including detection, symptoms and treatment.

February 2024
Summer is a great time to get out there with your pet, but it poses some risks.

August 2026
Would you know if your dog or cat contracted a tick? In consultation with expert vet Dr Alison Kemp, here’s everything you need to know about tick prevention and treatment for pets, along with the different species of ticks.

February 2024
The big firework booms are coming! But new research has revealed fascinating new ways to manage pet discomfort when it comes to New Year’s Eve fireworks. In a guest post for Pet Smarts, Dr Chris Brown has the solutions for a stress-free New Year’s Eve.

September 2022
From first aid and CPR to common pet emergencies, we’re going to break down dangerous situations you might find your pet in and detail how to best react. Quick action can make all the difference!

August 2020
Before picking up your new pet, you'll need to think about early preparation, travelling home and settling in.

March 2023
Taking on a pet is a big responsibility – are you ready for the challenge? Here are 10 questions to consider before adopting a rescue pet… can you answer them all?

February 2024
Dr Chris Brown from Bondi Vet breaks down the nitty gritty of chocolate toxicity.

February 2024
Dr Fiona Smith shares the details on how dogs can donate blood.

March 2025
Unfortunately, fleas, ticks and worms don’t take a break just because you’re dealing with storm clean-up — they’re out in full force, looking for a new host.

January 2026
Ear care is one of those things most dog parents aren’t totally sure about – how often to clean, what products to use, or when it’s time to leave it to the vet.

January 2026
Your dog could be panting for several reasons. Here are the most common.

April 2024
Learn what mushrooms to watch out for, how to spot the signs of mushroom toxicity, and what to do if your dog accidentally ingests wild mushrooms.

April 2024
Dr Chris Brown reveals why your pet sheds so much in autumn.