Holistic Vets

11/11/2025

Tummy troubles in pets?

In this video, Dr Liza, a holistic vet from New Zealand, shares her top tips for managing digestive upsets in dogs and cats. She discusses the most common causes of stomach issues and simple, gentle ways to help your furry friends feel better fast.

Watch now to learn how to support a happy, healthy gut the natural way.

In this video, I'll be covering my top tips for digestive upsets in pets. I'm Doctor Liza, a holistic vet from New Zealand, and in this video, I'll be discus...

05/11/2025

Check out this months' newsletter!

*Do You Know What Makes Holistic Vets Unique?
*Farewell Dr Shani
*10 Tips for Optimal Dental Health
*Learn All About Pet Dental Health with Dr Liza’s Online Course!
*Always Time for a S**g at ARRC Wildlife Trust
*Dr Liza’s Vet Tales Excerpt – Adventures with Wildlife

In 2003 I established Holistic Vets, initially as a mobile service. I love being a vet and working with a wonderful and dynamic team to care for animals, their people and our environment. I am so proud of our award-winning business and the many things that make us unique. To find out more about what...

24/10/2025

Let’s Talk About Pet Nutrition

Commercial pet foods were originally created to provide a balanced diet, helping to correct the severe nutritional deficiencies that once caused many health problems in pets. Because of this, nutritional deficiency diseases are now uncommon, which is great news.

However, many commercial foods today do not contain optimal levels of essential fats, vitamins, and antioxidants, all of which are incredibly important for:

• Healthy skin and a shiny coat
• Flexible, comfortable joints
• A strong and balanced immune system

Some foods may also contain poor quality ingredients or high levels of chemical preservatives, which can be detrimental to your pet’s long term health.

Just as in human medicine, pets are now facing more degenerative diseases such as:

• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Autoimmune conditions

What we feed our pets plays a huge role in both the prevention and management of these conditions.

Natural, Wholesome Feeding
Our pets thrive on natural, unprocessed foods, just as we do. These foods are easier to digest, nutrient rich, and packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. They are also simple to prepare.

An ideal diet for dogs and cats includes:

• Raw, high quality meat from well nourished animals
• Free from chemicals and preservatives
• Containing optimal levels of natural nutrients

Nature Knows Best
Feeding our pets the foods their bodies were designed to eat, and have evolved with over thousands of years, helps them live long, healthy, and happy lives.

15/10/2025

PET FOOD INGREDIENTS THAT
MAY BE DETRIMENTAL

What’s really in your pet’s food?

When it comes to feeding your dog or cat, the most important goal is to provide optimal nutrition without the unnecessary extras.

Unfortunately, many commercial pet foods contain synthetic chemicals, preservatives, artificial colours and flavour enhancers that are foreign to the body. These substances are often difficult for pets to metabolise or eliminate, and over time, may contribute to chronic health issues.

The way pet food is processed is also a concern. Heat-treated biscuit or crumble formulations are often stripped of essential nutrients, especially omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are vital for skin, joint, brain and immune health. To compensate, many products include additives designed to improve shelf life and appearance rather than nutritional value.

What to look out for:

Ingredients like propylene glycol, potassium sorbate, sodium nitrite, BHT, BHA and ethoxyquin have been linked to potential health risks including liver and kidney problems, behavioural issues, cancer, and metabolic stress.

Grains are often listed among the top ingredients, even though many pets, especially cats (obligate carnivores), do not thrive on high-grain diets. For animals with allergies or inflammatory conditions, grain-heavy foods can be particularly harmful.

Sugar (or its aliases like corn syrup and sucrose) is another hidden danger, contributing to nervousness, hyperactivity, and conditions such as diabetes.

What to aim for:
High-quality foods are typically preserved naturally using ingredients like vitamin C and tocopherols. They are made from carefully sourced ingredients with minimal exposure to pesticides, antibiotics or hormones.

Some of the most common dietary allergens include beef, dairy, and grains and while sensitivities vary between individuals, it's worth being aware of common triggers.

Ultimately, nature provides the best template. A biologically appropriate raw or natural food diet, free from unnecessary additives, can go a long way toward enhancing your pet’s long-term health and vitality.

At Holistic Vets Tauranga, we can help you make informed decisions about your pet’s nutrition, whether you're looking for tailored diet advice or help with allergy or digestive concerns. Feel free to reach out to book a consultation.

📞 07 578 7054
🌐 holisticvets.co.nz

09/10/2025

🌱 Did You Know? There's a Greener Alternative to Pet Cremation 🐾

Most people are familiar with traditional flame cremation when a beloved pet passes away. But there’s a more gentle, environmentally sustainable option that many still haven’t heard about: Aquamation.

Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, water-based cremation, or flameless cremation, aquamation uses water flow, temperature, and alkalinity, instead of fire to return a pet’s body to the earth. It mirrors the natural decomposition process, but in a way that is faster, clean, and far less harmful to the environment.

💧 Why Aquamation is More Sustainable:

🌍 Produces less than 10% of the carbon emissions compared to flame cremation

⚡ Uses over 90% less energy

🔥 No flames, no burning of fossil fuels

🧪 No release of harmful greenhouse gases or mercury

🕊️ More remains returned to the family, about 20% more

It’s a gentler, more natural process, one that aligns with the love, care, and respect we feel for our pets, even at the end of their journey.

As more people seek eco-conscious choices in every aspect of life, it’s important to know there’s a greener path when it comes to saying goodbye.

💚 Because caring for the planet can be part of how we honor those we love.

Check it out here: https://petaquamation.co.nz/

01/10/2025

Check out this month's newsletter!

*Puppy Classes at Holistic Vets!
*Stress and Anxiety and What to do for your Pet
*Tips for Fireworks Phobias
*Blocked Bladders and Cystitis
*Seagulls at ARRC Wildlife Trust
*Dr Liza’s Vet Tales Excerpt – Our Wildlife Trust Gets Wings

We love working with our patients and their people! Their formative stages are so important and this is when opportunities like Puppy Classes are so helpful. Ably run by our wonderful nurse and behaviourist Linda, they are popular. See more below to book your place.

01/10/2025

Is Your Cat or Dog Struggling to P*e? It Could Be Cystitis!

Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder and can cause pain, frequent urination, or even accidents in the house. It’s common in both cats and dogs and can be caused by infections, bladder stones, or stress.

In male cats especially, cystitis can become life-threatening if the urethra gets blocked this is a medical emergency.

Watch for signs like:

Straining to urinate

P*eing more often or in strange places

Blood in the urine

Crying when trying to p*e

Drinking more water

Lethargy or depression

Diagnosis may involve urine tests, blood work, X-rays, or ultrasound. Sometimes we collect a urine sample using a needle in a quick procedure called cystocentesis.

Treatment often includes anti-inflammatories, dietary changes, stress management, and sometimes herbal or homeopathic support. In serious cases, catheterisation or surgery may be needed.

Tips to help your pet:

Encourage more water (try fountains or wet food)

Reduce stress (pheromone sprays, Rescue Remedy, or calming supplements)

Feed a healthy, balanced diet rich in omega-3s and antioxidants

Cystitis can often be managed successfully but some pets may need lifelong support to stay comfortable and happy.

📞 If you're seeing any signs, don’t wait — early help can make all the difference.

24/09/2025

💚 What to do if you find an injured bird…
Who looks after them… What’s happening in the Bay of Plenty?
Come along to this community event and find out!

💚 When: Saturday 27 September, 1:30–3:00pm
💚 Where: Mount Surf Club, 21 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui
💚 Entry: Gold coin donation

💚 Guest Speakers + Q&A Session:

💚 Dr Liza Schneider – ARRC (Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre)
➡️ Discover the vital work ARRC does for injured and orphaned wildlife.

💚 John Heaphy – Lead Biodiversity Ranger, DOC
➡️ Learn exactly what to do if you come across an injured bird.

💚 Anna Wentsch – Shorebird & Penguin Ranger, Western Bay Wildlife Trust
➡️ Insights into local shorebird and penguin conservation.

💚 Josh Clark – Mauao Ranger, Tauranga City Council
➡️ Hear about exciting new developments happening at Mauao.

This is your chance to get informed, ask questions, and connect with the people protecting our native birds. Don’t miss out!

💚 Register now: kim@bayconservation.nz


ARRC Wildlife Trust Western Bay Wildlife Trust Department of Conservation City Council

19/09/2025

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🌿 Essential Oils for Pets – Nature’s Potent Helpers 🐾

Did you know that essential oils (EOs) are powerful, natural substances distilled from plants, trees, flowers, seeds, and more? These concentrated oils are 50–70x more potent than the plants they come from, packed with healing nutrients, oxygenating molecules, and supportive compounds. 🌸🌿

In pets, EOs can be used to gently support wellness when applied with care:

✨ Diffuse into the air – even a drop on a ceiling fan blade or a wagging tail can help EO molecules reach respiratory tissues
✨ Apply to footpads or hairless areas – for quick absorption into the bloodstream
✨ Internally – ONLY under veterinary supervision, as some oils can be toxic if misused

⚠️ Remember: Some oils must be diluted with a carrier oil (like sesame or olive oil) to prevent skin irritation.

When used properly, essential oils can be an amazing tool to help support your pet’s health, naturally. 🌱🐶🐱
Always research or consult a holistic vet before use!

Have you used essential oils with your pets? Share your experience below! 👇

with Nurture Pets NZ

12/09/2025

Have you thought about what you would like to leave as a legacy?

🌿 Leave a Legacy That Lasts Locally 🌿

September is Wills Month — the perfect time to think about your future and the legacy you’ll leave behind.

Making a will is the only way to ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are cared for. It also gives you the chance to create a lasting impact in your community.

By leaving a gift in your will to ARRC Wildlife Trust, you can help protect and care for wildlife in our region for generations to come.

Through our partnership with the Acorn Foundation, your gift can either:
✨ Make an immediate difference through a direct gift, or
✨ Grow forever through an endowment fund, creating ongoing support year after year.

📖 Learn more about how to prepare your will, the different types of gifts, and local law firms offering free assistance this September:
👉 www.acornfoundation.org.nz

Together, we can make your impact last forever. 💚

12/09/2025

🥦🐾 Let’s Talk Superfoods for Pets! 🐾🥕

The word “superfood” might be overused these days, but when it comes to your pet’s health, certain foods really do pack a powerful punch. Each one has its own unique benefits – from boosting immunity to improving digestion and reducing inflammation.

Animals respond incredibly well to positive changes in their nutrition, so it’s definitely worth paying close attention to what goes into their bowls.

Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference in your pet’s long-term health and quality of life. Stay tuned for tips on which foods to try and how to safely incorporate them!

In this video, I'll be looking at six superfoods you can feed your pets to boost their health and improve their quality of life.The term superfood has been o...

03/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cirym8Ykq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🌿 Leave a Legacy That Lasts Locally 🌿

September is Wills Month — the perfect time to think about your future and the legacy you’ll leave behind.

Making a will is the only way to ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are cared for. It also gives you the chance to create a lasting impact in your community.

By leaving a gift in your will to ARRC Wildlife Trust, you can help protect and care for wildlife in our region for generations to come.

Through our partnership with the Acorn Foundation, your gift can either:
✨ Make an immediate difference through a direct gift, or
✨ Grow forever through an endowment fund, creating ongoing support year after year.

📖 Learn more about how to prepare your will, the different types of gifts, and local law firms offering free assistance this September:
👉 www.acornfoundation.org.nz

Together, we can make your impact last forever. 💚