Dogs exist in a plethora of shapes, sizes, colours, and coat types. We believe there is one for everyone! From the diminutive Chihuahua, to the statuesque Great Dane, the fluffy Poodle to the sleek Xoloitzcuintli. With this variety in phenotype (how they look), also comes a variety in genotype (their collection of genes) and this can lead to certain breeds and mixes being prone to certain health concerns.
At The Strand Vet, we don’t believe in the ‘cookie cutter’ approach or being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. We believe in a proactive approach and targeting at risk breeds and types to provide individualised care. This means that we may suggest some non-routine tests, different medication plans, or early screening for predisposed breeds of dogs, leading to better care for your beloved companion.
We recommend checking the Dogs New Zealand website while investigating your breed and breeder.
Bringing home, a new furry family member is always an exciting time, but in this age of technology and information overload, finding good advice can be a bit of a minefield. As experience animal care professionals, we know the first 16 weeks of a puppy’s life is critical from a complete pet healthcare point of view, setting them up for a quality life for them, you, and your family.
The Strand Vet Team are here to help offering an initial free puppy consult to take some of the guesswork out for you. We are happy to chat to you in depth about wellness and preventative healthcare topics such as vaccinations and titre testing, parasite control, appropriate exercise, co-operative care, puppy training and puppy nutrition. We will also make sure you are up to speed on puppy pet insurance, emergency vet care and what puppies should not be eating.
Our Pet Project Wellness Plans have everything you and your puppy needs for the first year of your life together. Puppy health checks and desexing included, our vet nurse cooperative care and dental hygiene consultations will help prevent behaviour issues and disease for your puppy’s life.
We want to ensure the expansion of your family is as stress free as possible, so whether you have just adopted a puppy or are even thinking about it - give our team a call.
Have you recently welcomed a new puppy into your home or something you are considering?
You may have been researching for months to find your perfect pup, it could be that you are getting your first puppy, or you have not raised a pup for the best part of 12 years. Preparing for the patter of puppy paws is no mean feat!
Life with a new puppy will never be the same again, although we say this with a smile on our face at The Strand Veterinarian.
Raising a puppy is rewarding, and yet at times frustrating, and you can find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed. Good doggy manners do not come naturally so you must teach your pup how to behave.
Where do I start?
Enrolling your new friend at the right veterinary clinic and puppy school prior to their crucial learning period coming to an end (16 weeks of age) is the best way to set them up for success.
Investing your time to set up your puppy’s healthcare and training needs, including joining a short course of puppy classes, can give you the right tools to teach your puppy the skills to grow into a healthy, well-mannered part of the family.
At The Strand Veterinarian we offer a complimentary puppy consultation, with a puppy pack, so as soon as you get your puppy, we can give critical and essential advice on wellbeing and health care to get you and your pup off to a healthy start.
Training good dogs for life
Run from our clinic, Sophie’s School for Pups is a 5-week course and covers but is not limited to: Life's essentials - toileting, sleeping, leaving your pup alone, an intro into cooperative care handling, dealing with unwanted behaviours, hassle free vet visits, socialisation, loose leash walking, basic obedience, and recall.
Taking those steps into their first class, with their chubby little puppy rolls hiding behind your legs. Then going on to see their confidence grow, whilst interacting safely with other pups of all different breeds – is for our pup owner simply priceless.
Weeks later on graduation day, the class members have nearly doubled in size, and bursting with pride collecting their certificate you will be astonished at all you have both learnt.
By keeping the classes small, this ensures your puppy is in the perfect place to learn vital, social and communication skills in a safe and calm, yet fun environment, while developing basic manners.
Our Pet Project Wellness Plans have everything you and your puppy needs for the first year of your life together. Puppy health checks and desexing included, our vet nurse cooperative care and dental hygiene consultations will help prevent behaviour issues and disease for your puppy’s life.
Short-nosed breeds such as Boston Terriers, Pugs, French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs are incredibly cute but there is more than meets the eye to their snub noses and adorable snores. The increased noise while breathing is from a narrow airway - caused by restricted nostrils, a long soft palate and sometimes a thin or narrowed trachea. There is not much we can do about the trachea, but there is a lot we can do for the soft palate and nostrils to help prevent further life-threatening respiratory collapse and gastrointestinal problems down the track.
Why would we change them?
When they exert themselves in any way (a walk/run/hot day), breathing becomes e difficult as they are required to suck air harder through obstructed and narrow airways. If you want to get an idea of what they experience, cover most of your nostrils, close your mouth and try to breathe. Over time, the constant “sucking” starts to change the structure of the throat, making the airway even narrower. These changes can eventually lead to fainting episodes, gastric reflux issues, heatstroke or even death.
When is it best to operate?
As soon as possible. We usually operate at the time of the desexing, before any life-threatening issues have had time to develop. At this stage, they are young and healthy aiding in less complications and quicker recovery. If yours has not had early intervention we recommend investigating this surgery as soon as possible.
How much does it cost?
This costs approximately $1500 in addition to a desexing procedure, but we will work out an accurate estimate based on your pet’s weight and age.
After a year of age, we recommend referral to a registered veterinary specialist hospital to limit post-operative complications as your pet will need round the clock post-operative care for optimal patient outcomes.
Is this covered by my Pet Insurance?
This is not usually covered by Pet Insurance as it is a preventative surgery, however some companies have policies which cover depending on when and what symptoms are being exhibited by your pet. Check with your Pet Insurance company to clarify cover for your pet.
Wellness plans for your best friend
At The Strand Veterinarian, we believe we can give every animal companion we meet a great life.
Join our affordable wellness plans
Our wellness plans start at $19.50 per month with a set-up fee of $75.
This includes an individualised wellness plan discussion with a Pet Wellness Consultant each year to ensure you are on the best plan for your individual pet based on your veterinarian’s recommendations, your current financial budget, and your individual approach to healthcare for your pet.
Junior
3 vaccination consults
1 mid-year wellness check
12 months of flea & worm treatment
20% off desexing related surgeries
20% off dental procedures
10% off selected dental home care and supplements
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:
Desexing, dental, preventative bloods, faecal egg count
Adult Core
2 wellness health checks
Annual tailored vaccinations
1 worming treatment in clinic (feline)
20% off desexing related surgeries
20% off dental procedures
10% off selected dental home care and supplements
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:
Desexing, dental, preventative bloods, faecal egg count
Adult Plus
2 wellness health checks
Annual tailored vaccinations
12 months of flea & worm treatment delivered to your door
20% off desexing related surgeries
20% off dental procedures
10% off selected dental home care and supplements
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:
Desexing, dental, preventative bloods, faecal egg count