Welcome to Pet Smarts, where we share expert insights and tips on caring for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, horses, reptiles, fish and more.

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

How to Keep Your Dog's Teeth Clean

Read our overview of typical dental problems in cats, along with tips on how to prevent and manage them.

Periodontal Disease in Cats: Signs and Treatment

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

How to Choose the Perfect Dog Bed

Mixed feeding gives your dog the best of both: crunchy kibble and moisture-rich wet food.

Wet or Dry Food: Mixed Feeding Tips for Dogs

Here’s a simple list of foods that are ‘nos’ and foods that are ‘gos’ for your cat.

What Foods Can Cats Eat? Toxic and Safe Human Foods for Cats

Looking for the perfect dog breed to join your family? Our comprehensive dog breed guide has got you covered!

Dog Breed Guide

If you've strolled through a dog park lately, chances are you've spotted a curly-haired Oodle or two. (Or ten.) 

Oodles of Oodles: A Guide to Oodle Dog Breeds

Walks around the block are great – but there’s a whole world of enrichment waiting outside your front door.

Who Let the Dogs Out? 7 Ways to Prioritise Outdoor Enrichment

More and more pet owners are reaching for salmon-based dog food – and it’s easy to see why.

Why Salmon Deserves a Spot in Your Dog’s Bowl 

Is your fish looking unwell? We've got tips on identifying a sick fish, how to prevent disease, and what treatment is available.

Caring for a Sick Fish: Diagnosis and Treatment

Forget the chocolate – there are plenty of other ways to spoil your pup over the Easter holidays.

5 Ways to (Safely!) Involve Your Dog in Easter Celebrations

Protect your dog from snake bites in the wild. Learn what the signs and symptoms, and the treatment required to keep them healthy.

Snake Bite Symptoms and Safety for Dogs

Cats can be curious creatures. If you’re a cat owner, you’ll have likely learnt to expect the unexpected.

‘Why Does My Cat…?’ How to Decipher Cat Behaviour

Summer’s here, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy New Zealand’s stunning scenery with your dog. 

Best Dog-Friendly Activities in New Zealand

At Petstock Puppy School, we’re passionate about shaping well-rounded pups, one paw at a time.

Considering Puppy School? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Ensure your dog's safety during fireworks with expert tips and advice. Learn how to calm and protect your furry friend from the stress of fireworks displays. Discover essential tips at Petstock NZ for a worry-free celebration.

How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

With so many pet foods claiming to be the best, finding the right one for your dog can feel like a daunting task. Throw in the need to manage allergies, sensitivities or weight, and the choices can quickly become overwhelming.

When Less Is More: All About Single Protein Dog Food

Latest Posts

Cats love to seek out cosy spots. Offering hiding places like cardboard boxes, cubbies, or soft beds tucked away in quiet corners gives your cat a sense of safety and comfort.

7 Tips to Keep Your Cat Cosy in Winter

Explore essential tips for keeping rabbits comfortable year-round.

Keeping Rabbits Warm in Winter & Cool in Summer

Vizsla laying on couch wearing blue knitted dog jumper

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.

7 Tips to Prepare Your Dog for Winter

For dogs and cats alike, winter is the perfect opportunity to refresh their comfort zone.

8 Winter Essentials You and Your Pet Will Love

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.

How to Care for Dogs in Winter

Winter Care

So, you’re ready for a furry addition to your family? Adopting a dog in need of a loving home is a great first step, but have you considered what you might need to keep your canine companion feeling safe, stimulated, and comfortable in their new home?

First Dog Checklist

Prepare for a seamless transition when bringing a new kitten home with Petstock's essential guide. Explore expert tips on creating a welcoming environment, introducing your kitten to its new surroundings, and building a strong bond from day one. Navigate the exciting journey of adding a new feline family member with confidence. Visit now for practical advice on ensuring a smooth and joyful experience for both you and your new kitten!

What To Do When Bringing A New Kitten Home

Reptiles are increasing in popularity largely because of reduced space requirements and they are relatively inexpensive to keep (although initial purchase costs can be high).

My First Reptile

These tips should help you settle your new feathery friends in with ease!

Bringing Your New Chickens Home

Ensure you have everything you need for your new pet turtle with this handy checklist. Don't overlook important items with our expert guide.

New Turtle Checklist

Get ready to welcome your pet mouse with our new mouse checklist. Prepare for their arrival and a smooth introduction with our expert tips

New Mouse Checklist: Preparing for the Introduction of Your Pet Mouse

There are many breeds of rabbit, each as lovable as the next, but some are more suitable as pets than others

Everything You Need to Know Before Bringing a Pet Rabbit Home

First Time Pet Owners

Sometimes changing your pet’s diet is necessary, but it’s important to transition your pet to new food slowly so their stomach isn’t overwhelmed. In this guide we'll cover the best way to transition your pet to a new food and avoid upset stomachs.

How To Transition Your Pet to a New Food

If you’re thinking about raw food diets for dogs, here’s the basics you need to know. Including research, raw food types, costs and more.

Raw Food Diet for Dogs: The Theory and the Basics

What should you be feeding your dog? There’s lots of options out there, and this article helps break down the options available to you and your pooch. Raw, mixed feeding, grain free and more.

What Do Dogs Eat? Food Diets and Types

There are many different bird seeds and pellets available that suit particular species of birds. Below is a guide to small a variety of birds and their main dietary requirements. Your local PETstock team can help you find a variety of food suitable for your bird’s breed.

What Do Birds Eat? Tips for Feeding Your Bird

Sometimes, owners feel like the best type of food for their cat is the one they will eat! Cats have a reputation of being fussy eaters; on the other hand, many suffer from weight problems because they’ll eat everything in sight!  Just like us though our cats are what they eat and we should always strive to feed them a nutritionally balanced diet.

What Do Cats Eat? Tips for Feeding Your Cat

Explore essential puppy feeding guidelines, including age-appropriate diets, the advantages of super premium foods, and tips for a healthy transition. Learn about safe and harmful foods for puppies, and how to ensure their dental health and overall wellbeing through proper nutrition.

Feeding Puppies: What to Feed Them?

Discover everything you need to know about selecting the perfect kitten food. From nutritional requirements to types of food, find tips, advice, and recommendations for providing a healthy diet to your growing kitten.

What To Feed Kittens: What Do Kittens Eat?

Diet and Nutrition

Looking for a scratching post for your feline friend? Check out this blog post on petstock.co.nz, which offers tips and advice on how to choose the right scratching post for your cat's needs and preferences. From size and material to placement and design, this guide has got you covered.

How To Choose A Scratching Post For Your Cat

Cat spraying is a common behaviour in cats, mostly displayed when your cat is marking their territory or stressed. Find out more about why your cat might be spraying and what you can do to prevent it.

Cat Spraying: Why Cats Spray and How to Stop Cats from Spraying

Are you hesitant to adopt a rescue cat because you’ve heard some bad stereotypes? Don’t believe the negative press, it could be keeping you from your next family member. In recognition of National Pet Adoption Month, we’re busting cat adoption myths!

Cat Adoption Myths Busted

Learn how to choose the perfect bed for your cat. Discover different styles and features to keep your feline friend cozy and comfortable.

How to Choose the Perfect Cat Bed

Desexing your cat benefits both health and wellbeing, along with preventing unwanted litters. Learn more about the procedure for both male and female cats with advice from our Petstock VET team.

Desexing Your Cat

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Get expert tips on dogs, cats, small animals, birds, horses, reptiles, and fish. Our pet blog covers nutrition, behaviour and more. Browse our blog for more info!

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Winter Care

January 2023

First Time Pet Owners

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Diet and Nutrition

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