How Cats Age: Life Stages and What Changes When
Cats change as they get older, but not always in the ways we expect. The shift from playful adult to mellow senior doesn't happen overnight, and the signs are often subtle. Knowing… read more
Cats change as they get older, but not always in the ways we expect. The shift from playful adult to mellow senior doesn't happen overnight, and the signs are often subtle. Knowing… read more
Poodles are smart, sociable and famously easy on people with allergies, but anyone who owns one knows they can be surprisingly itchy themselves. If your Poodle is scratching more than you'd expect,… read more
Your cat's hit senior age and you've picked up a new bag of 7+ food. Now comes the tricky bit: actually getting them to eat it. Cats are famously fussy about change,… read more
You've noticed something a little off with your older cat. Maybe there's a wet patch on the bed that wasn't there before. Maybe they're chewing a bit weirdly, or they've started leaving… read more
Dental care is one of the most overlooked parts of caring for a senior cat. Unlike dogs, cats rarely show obvious signs that their teeth are bothering them, so problems can go… read more
If you've been looking into supplements for your older dog, chances are you've come across omega-3s. Fish oils, flax seed oils, green-lipped mussel powders, and a long list of products all promise… read more
Watching your dog get older can be bittersweet. The grey hairs around their muzzle, the slightly slower walk, the longer naps in the sunniest spot. It is all part of life. But… read more
Whether it is a short trip to the vet, a weekend away, or a longer drive across the country, how you travel with your pet makes a real difference to their safety… read more
Getting pet food delivered to your door in New Zealand has never been easier. Whether you live in central Auckland or on a lifestyle block in the Waikato, you can have your… read more
Switching your dog to a senior diet is one of the best things you can do for them as they get older. Senior foods are designed to support ageing joints, maintain a… read more
A bit of dog breath is normal. But if your older dog's breath has become noticeably worse, or has a strong, persistent smell that was not there before, it is worth paying… read more
If there is one area of senior dog care that tends to fly under the radar, it is dental health. Many dog owners do not realise how common dental problems are in… read more
As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, your senior cat will start feeling the change of season more than they used to. Cooler mornings, damp weather, and less daylight can… read more
Whether your cat has always lived indoors, spent their days roaming the garden, or somewhere in between, their needs change as they get older. A cat that once loved exploring outside may… read more
Cats are famously clean animals. They spend a good chunk of their day grooming themselves, keeping their coat smooth, their skin healthy, and their scent in check. So when an older cat… read more
Has your cat stopped jumping onto the bed, or started hesitating before leaping onto the couch? It might seem like a normal part of getting older, but changes in how your cat… read more
Arthritis and joint stiffness are far more common in cats than most owners realise. Studies suggest that up to 90% of cats over 12 years of age have some degree of degenerative… read more
As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, autumn is the perfect time to check in on your senior dog's health and comfort. Cooler weather can make joint stiffness worse, reduce… read more
Not all dogs age at the same rate. A Chihuahua at 10 years old is in a very different place to a Great Dane at 10. Breed size has a significant impact… read more
Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions in older dogs, but it is also one of the most under-recognised. Studies suggest that up to 80% of dogs over 8 years… read more
Dogs experience the world through their noses. With up to 300 million scent receptors compared to our 6 million, sniffing is not just something dogs do on walks. It is how they… read more
As dogs get older, it is completely normal for them to slow down a little. They might take longer on walks, sleep more during the day, or show less enthusiasm for a… read more
Joint stiffness, slowing down on walks, and difficulty getting up after a rest are some of the most common signs of ageing in dogs. Arthritis and joint degeneration affect a large number… read more
If you have spent any time looking at enrichment toys for dogs, chances are you have come across West Paw . The American brand is known for its Zogoflex range, a line… read more
If your older cat is losing weight, it is natural to feel concerned. While some gradual changes in body condition are a normal part of ageing, unexplained or rapid weight loss in… read more
Cats are considered senior from around 7 years of age, and by the time they reach 11 or 12, they are well into their golden years. While your cat might still look… read more
Feijoa season is here, and if you are a NZ pet owner, there is a good chance your backyard is covered in fallen fruit right now. It is a fair question: can… read more
If you've been shopping at Petdirect for a while, you've probably heard about Pet Perks. It's our free loyalty programme, and it's designed to save you money on the things you buy… read more
Cats are masters at hiding discomfort and change. Unlike dogs, who tend to show their age more obviously, cats can slip into their senior years so quietly that many owners do not… read more
As your dog gets older, their body changes in ways you might not immediately notice. Their metabolism slows, their joints stiffen, their digestion becomes more sensitive, and their nutritional needs shift. The… read more
If your dog regularly gets an upset stomach, loose stools, gas, or vomiting after meals, you are not alone. Digestive sensitivity is one of the most common reasons NZ dog owners switch… read more
Border Collies are one of the most popular and hardest-working dog breeds in New Zealand. Whether they are rounding up sheep on a Canterbury farm, competing in agility, or keeping a busy… read more
If you have ever wondered whether wet dog food is worth it, the short answer is yes. It is one of the easiest ways to add hydration, flavour, and variety to your… read more
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are one of the most popular breeds in New Zealand. They are compact, muscular, and full of energy, with a loyal temperament that makes them brilliant family dogs. But… read more
ACANA is a premium pet food brand known for using fresh, regional ingredients and biologically appropriate recipes. It has built a strong following among NZ pet owners who want to feed their… read more
Benebone has become one of the most popular chew toy brands in New Zealand, and for good reason. Their chews are made in the USA from real food ingredients infused into tough… read more
Easter is a wonderful time for families, but for cat owners it brings a handful of serious risks that are easy to overlook. Chocolate eggs, Easter lilies, hot cross buns, foil wrappers,… read more
Easter is one of the best long weekends of the year, but it comes with a few hidden risks for our pets. Between chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, Easter lilies, and the… read more
If your older dog has started drinking noticeably more water than usual, you are not imagining it. Increased thirst (known as polydipsia) is one of the most common changes pet parents notice… read more
Most dog owners know their pet will slow down eventually, but the early signs of ageing are easy to miss. By the time you notice a limp or a greying muzzle, changes… read more
Whether your cat is a gravy enthusiast, a pate devotee, or a fussy eater who turns their nose up at everything, finding the right wet food can make a real difference to… read more
If your dog gets nervous during storms, hides when visitors arrive, or struggles with being left alone, you are not on your own. Anxiety is one of the most common behavioural challenges… read more
Just because your dog is slowing down a little does not mean playtime is over. In fact, the right toys can make a real difference to your senior dog's quality of life,… read more
Dogs age at different rates depending on their breed and size, and knowing when your dog enters their senior years helps you give them the right care at the right time. While… read more
Has your cat started napping in spots they used to ignore? Turning their nose up at food they once loved? Maybe they are not leaping onto the bench with quite the same… read more
As your dog gets older, their nutritional needs change. Their metabolism slows down, their joints need more support, and their digestive system may not handle food the way it used to. The… read more
Wondering how often to feed your Shih Tzu ? You're in the right place! With their adorable faces and playful spirits, Shih Tzus require a balanced diet to keep them happy and… read more
If your dog treats every toy like a personal challenge, you are not alone. Heavy chewers can demolish a standard plush toy in minutes, leaving you with a pile of stuffing and… read more
If you have ever stood in the pet aisle doing mental maths on how much you spend on pet food each month, you are not alone. Between kibble, wet food, treats, and… read more
We all know cats love a good explore. But as much as they enjoy the great outdoors, keeping them safe while doing so is every pet parent’s priority. That’s where cat-proofing your… read more