Wellness Care

Preventive care is the key to keeping your pet healthy and happy. It is our goal to prevent illness whenever possible, and routine examinations and a complete preventive health care plan are the best ways to stop illness and disease before they affect your pet's quality of life.

When it comes to keeping your pet healthy, prevention is the key. Northlands Animal Care Hospital emphasizes wellness exams and preventive care as part of your pet's overall health care plan. We recommend your pet undergo a thorough wellness exam each year, and in senior pets more frequent exams are encouraged. A "nose to tail" wellness exam can spot diseases and health care problems in your pet before they become more difficult to treat.

Vaccinations

Up-to-date vaccinations are of most importance in your pet's health care. Every pet is unique and so each pet has different needs when it comes to vaccinations. We work closely with you to develop a vaccine protocol for your pet based on his or her needs and lifestyle. Some vaccines require annual boosters, while others do not.

Feline Aids Virus is a leading killer of cats in christchurch, you can protect your cat from this life threating virus with 3 initial vaccinations then 1 annually.

Travelling with your pet overseas? We can help with the vaccination reqirements and provide helpful information.

Puppy and Kitten Care

Northlands Animal Care Hospital wants to help welcome your new puppy or kitten into your home!

Your puppy or kitten’s first year is a critical time in your pet's life. Vaccinations are particularly important and we create a vaccine protocol that is tailored specifically to your pet. Getting an early start on dental care is also a must. We can help you start a dental management routine for your pet that helps prevent periodontal disease and get him or her on to a 100% premium diet that has all the benefits of teeth cleaning added.

We are proud to offer a special welcoming pack for your new puppy or kitten, filled with valuable health care information about your newest family member. This information helps you make informed decisions about the care and training of your new pet.

Each pack also includes a sample of either IAMS, EUKANUBA or HILLS pet food, a free month of worm and/or flea prevention and a discount vouchers for money off premium foods. Plus 4 weeks Ellenco or Pet-n-Sur pet insurance to the value of $1500. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your new puppy or kitten.

Senior Pet Care

Your pet's health care needs change as he or she ages. Pets age faster than people and your pet reaches his or her "senior years" by the age of 7. When it comes to older pets, prevention is the key. Often, symptoms of disease or chronic conditions may be misinterpreted as signs of "old age". Regular wellness exams (at least once a year, though more frequent exams are encouraged), routine blood tests and diagnostic procedures can keep your senior pet healthy for years to come.

You are your older pet's most important ally when it comes to health care. As your pet ages, he or she may develop diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions. Watch for changes in your pet's health and behavior. If you notice any sudden changes, we urge you to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. Together, we can develop a health care plan that best fits the needs of your older pet. We understand the life-long bond you share with your faithful companion, and it is our goal to strengthen and preserve that bond.

Parasite Control

Keeping your pet free from fleas, worms, ticks and other parasites is a must! Parasites cause your pet pain and discomfort; beyond that, some parasites, such as fleas, ticks and hookworms, can affect your family as well. Controling and preventing parasites is an important part of your pet's health care! Northlands Animal Care Hospital offers a great range in parasite prevention:

Veterinary Acupuncture

Susanne Anderson is very pleased to be able to offer acupuncture therapy as an integrative treatment choice for your pets at Northlands Animal Care Hospital.

Acupuncture was developed in China over 2,000 years ago and is used widely in human and veterinary medicine to relieve pain and improve the function of various body systems.

There are over 170 known acupuncture points in the dog and cat and these points provide access to the vital body energy known as “Qi”. Stimulation of these points with needles or even pressure can have the following effects: relief of pain, relief of muscle spasm, regulates nerve transmission, release of beta endorphins and other neurotransmitters, improves blood flow and organ function and improves mood.

Common disorders that can benefit from Acupuncture include pain, spinal disc problems, neck pain, back pain, osteoarthritis, muscle spasm, peripheral nerve paralysis, seizures, gastrointestinal disorders, endocrine disorders, urinary tract disorders, skin disorders.

Acupuncture has very few side effects and can be safely integrated with western medical treatment. Both rely on a good physical examination and medical history and both have the ultimate goal to promote health and prevent disease.

Puppy Preschool

Puppy Preschool classes are held at Northlands Animal Care Hospital weekly on a Wednesday night from 7.30pm-9pm (the whole family is welcome)!

Anne Benson our qualified behavior specialist runs these fun classes for 8-14 week old puppies with their first vaccination. These valuable classes allows new owners to learn basic commands, toilet training, stages of development, dog language, responsible ownership, nutrition, and much more... and the pups have a blast!

Microchipping

Does your pet have a microchip? Each year, thousands of pets go missing and many don't make it back home.

Microchipping your pet is a simple, effective way to prevent this tragedy. The chip about the size and shape of a grain of rice, Is implanted via a needle beneath your pet's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Microchips are encoded with you and you pet's vital information.

Vet clinics, SPCA, Animal shelters, Christchurch City Council and Rangers across the country are equipped with special scanners capable of reading these microchips - if your pet is lost, then found, the microchip is scanned and the number read then this number is checked on the national database for your details to reunite you back with your pet.

Microchipping can be done in a consultation and is also highly recommended for cats.

 

Weight Management Programes

If your pet has a weight issue and the veterinarians recommend a weight loss diet there are now great ways to ensure you as the owner receive all the information to help your pet lose weight, safely and happily!

The Hills PetFit Online Weight Loss Programme is a fun way to record and graph your pets weight and also has heaps of great tips for excersie, treats, calorie counters.

Your pet can win bonus prizes for losing half the target weight and then again for compeltion of target weight. The overall winner will win a years worth of Hills Science Diet Pet Food ($1500 value!!!!!!).

We are happy to help you with any questions you have about your pets nutrition!

Nutrition Advice

The basis of good health is a sound diet, optimum exercise and maintaining an ideal body weight and composition.

Our vets and nurses can determine your pet’s individual needs and design a diet suitable for their breed type, life stage and activity level.

We only recommend quality premium diets made from the highest quality ingredients with the right blend of vitamin and minerals, antioxidants and omegas.

Plus:

• 100% money back guarantee on all premium foods sold
• Loyalty card system for the premium foods

We stock Hills, Eukanuba, Iams, Advance and Royal Canin.

Prescription Diets

We have a large range of specially designed diets for animals with specific health conditions like:

• Kidney, liver or renal disease
• Heart disease
• Weight loss and joint problems
• Teeth and gum cleaning
• Urinary tract (struvite crystals, cystitis, oxalates)
• Brain
• Skin and coat
• Allergies
• Digestive upsets (sensitive stomachs, vomiting and diarrhoea).