Care Guides

Helpful advice for pet owners and farmers

Straight-up answers to the questions we get asked most, from the team at 3 Stone Vets.

How Much Does Desexing a Dog or Cat Cost in NZ?Desexing is one of the most common questions we get about cost - and the honest answer is 'it depends'. The price reflects a real surgery with anaesthetic, pain relief and monitoring, and it varies with your pet's species, size and sex.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule (New Zealand)New puppies need a starter course of vaccinations to build protection against serious diseases like parvovirus and distemper. Here's how the timing usually works in New Zealand.
How Often Should You Worm Your Dog or Cat?'How often should I worm my pet?' is one of the most common - and most misunderstood - questions we get. Worm too rarely and parasites build up; the right interval depends on your pet's age and lifestyle.
Dog Microchipping in New Zealand: Cost & How It WorksA microchip is the surest way to get a lost pet home. In New Zealand, most dogs are legally required to be microchipped - here's how it works and what to keep in mind.
Choosing a Cattery: A Cat Owner's ChecklistLeaving your cat while you're away can be stressful - for both of you. A good cattery makes all the difference. Here's what to look for.
Disbudding Calves: When, Why and HowDisbudding is a routine but important job in the calf shed. Done early and with pain relief, it's better for the calf and easier for you. Here's the what, when and why.
Kitten Vaccinations (New Zealand)Kittens need a starter course of vaccinations to protect them against common, serious cat diseases. Here's how the timing usually works.
Caring for a Senior Pet: Signs to Watch ForPets age faster than we do, and they're masters at hiding discomfort. Knowing what to watch for means you can act early and keep your older pet comfortable for longer.
Why Is My Dog Vomiting? A Vet's GuideAn occasional vomit isn't unusual in dogs - they're famous for eating things they shouldn't. But vomiting can also be the first sign of something serious, and it's not always easy to tell the difference from home.
Dog Diarrhoea: What to Do (and When to See a Vet)Diarrhoea is one of the most common reasons dogs come to see us. Most short bouts settle on their own, but some point to a problem that needs treatment - and dehydration can creep up quickly, especially in small or young dogs.
Why Is My Cat Vomiting? A Vet's GuideCats vomit more readily than dogs, and the odd hairball can be normal. But regular vomiting is not something to shrug off - cats are experts at hiding illness, and repeated vomiting is often the first clue that something's wrong.
Itchy Dog? Understanding Skin AllergiesA constantly scratching, licking or chewing dog is miserable - and so is the owner listening to it all night. Itchy skin is one of the most common problems we treat, and while it's rarely an emergency, it does need proper investigation to fix rather than just mask.
Ear Infections in Dogs & CatsEar infections are painful, and they're one of the most common reasons dogs (and some cats) come to see us. A dog shaking its head and scratching at an ear may look minor, but sore, infected ears need proper treatment - and the wrong home remedy can set things back.
Lumps & Bumps on Dogs & Cats: Should You Worry?Finding a new lump on your pet is unsettling. The good news is that many lumps are harmless - but you genuinely can't tell which is which just by looking or feeling, and that's the whole point of getting them checked.
Arthritis in Dogs & Cats: Spotting the SignsArthritis is far more common than most owners realise - and it's easy to miss, because pets don't complain. We tend to put the signs down to 'getting old' when in fact they're signs of a painful, very treatable condition.
Diabetes in Dogs & Cats: Signs & ManagementDiabetes is one of the more common hormone conditions we diagnose in dogs and cats, and it usually creeps in gradually. The good news is that with treatment most diabetic pets go on to live happy, active lives - the key is catching it and getting the management right.
Kidney Disease in Cats: What to Watch ForChronic kidney disease is one of the most common conditions we see in older cats. The kidneys lose function slowly over months or years, and because cats are so good at hiding illness, the early signs are easy to put down to 'just getting older'.
Is My Pet Overweight? Why Weight MattersCarrying extra weight is one of the most common - and most fixable - health problems we see in pets. It creeps up so gradually that it's genuinely hard to notice on your own pet, and a lot of owners are surprised when we mention it.
My Cat Can't Pee: A Urinary EmergencyThis is one to read before you ever need it. A cat that is straining to urinate but producing little or nothing - especially a male cat - may have a blocked bladder, and that is a genuine, life-threatening emergency.
Common Pet Poisons in New ZealandEvery year we treat pets that have got into something they shouldn't have - and with poisonings, minutes matter. Knowing the common culprits, and having our number handy, can make all the difference.
Seizures in Dogs & Cats: What to DoWatching your pet have a seizure is frightening, and it's hard to know what to do in the moment. The good news is that most single seizures are over within a couple of minutes, and there's a lot we can do to find the cause and manage it.
How Much Do Dog & Cat Vaccinations Cost in NZ?Vaccinations are one of the most common - and best-value - things you'll do for your pet, so 'how much does it cost?' is a fair question. The honest answer is that it depends on your pet and which vaccines they actually need.
How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost in NZ?Worried about what a trip to the vet will cost? It's one of the most common questions we get, and a fair one. A consultation fee is the starting point - what happens next depends on what your pet needs.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It in New Zealand?It's one of the questions we're asked most: is pet insurance worth it? There's no one-size-fits-all answer - it depends on your pet and your circumstances - but it helps to understand how it works before you decide.
How Much Does Cat Boarding Cost in NZ?Planning a holiday and wondering what it'll cost to board your cat? Cattery stays are usually charged per night, and the total comes down to a few simple things.

Prefer to just ask us?

Call 07 870 2696 or send a message - we're always happy to help.