Help your pet navigate the world with confidence

For some fur friends, the world can be a big, scary place.

Others might be so keen to get out and explore it, they'll chew a hole through the door, dig right under the fence or make your world theirs with a bit of... creative redesigning.

Pet parents have an important role to play in helping their fur friends make sense of the world, get along with other pets and people, let off steam in the right way and stay calm in new situations. And we're here to help you keep your pets healthy, happy and living their best life.

Nobody likes being afraid...

Just like us, our pets can feel anxious or scared, especially in unfamiliar situations. Understanding the signs of anxiety in your fur friend is the first step to helping them feel safe and confident.

Anxious dogs may:

Pant, pace or shake, crouch or cower
Bark or whine excessively
Growl or react aggressively
Display destructive chewing or digging
Stick close to you, act clingy or refuse to go outside or be left alone

Anxious cats may:

Hide or avoid contact and refuse food or treats
Groom excessively
Scratch furniture or spray/mark furniture or walls
Show aggression or irritability
Use the litter box inconsistently or urinate in other places

Our team can help you identify the reason for out of the ordinary behaviour and recommend strategies, training or products to help.
Ask in clinic or chat to your local Petfirst team on WhatsApp (or text 3489).

Product Spotlight: Sileo (for dogs)

Sileo is a prescription-only, easily administered treatment for dogs who suffer from noise aversion, where noises including fireworks, thunder or even household appliances such as blenders or vacuum cleaners.

Sileo is used only when needed, is easily administered into your dog's cheek and works quickly.

Ask your vet about sileo

Keep your fur friends safe and happy during Guy Fawkes

Forget Hallowe'en, for some fur friends, Guy Fawkes is the true fright night. Keep them safe, happy and calm with these tips.

Keep your fur friends close, indoors with you where they know they'll be safe. Toilet and walk dogs early to tire them out and set up a litter box for cats.
Create a safe space by closing blinds and curtains, playing music or the TV and making sure your fur friend has a cosy place to hide away if they wish.
Be there for your fur friend and distract them with toys, treats and attention. Understand if they want to hide away and tolerant of fearful behaviours.
Talk to our team early about how Adaptil or Feliway can support your pets through stressful situations - including Guy Fawkes.

Product Spotlight: Feliway (for cats)

Feliway replicates natural pheromones to reassure your cat that their surroundings (or feline flatmates) are safe and friendly.

Feliway Classic is ideal for cats showing stress through behaviours such as urine spraying, scratching or hiding, while Feliway Friends will help cats live harmoniously together.

Find out more about Feliway

Busting boredom from the beginning

Ensuring that your furry friend never gets bored (and avoids creating issues for both of you) starts before they even join the family. When choosing a pet, consider your lifestyle as well as the space, training and energy needs of your future best friend. For dogs, research sites like dogsnz.org.nz (formerly the NZ Kennel Club) and don't forget to consider the different temperaments of cat, bunny and bird breeds too!

Training and enrichment

Whether you adopt an adult or start with a tiny ball of fluff or fur, your best life together starts early with basic training and socialisation. For puppies, we recommend starting with Puppy Preschool, followed by further training, if needed. High-energy dogs (particularly traditional working and herding breeds) will love activities like agility. Join a reputable club who can advise on age-appropriate activities for your pet. For cats, socialisation is key to avoiding stress or fear later in in life. Redirect undesirable behaviours such as scratching and climbing by providing cat trees, scratching pads and posts.

At home, dogs, cats, small animals and birds will benefit from toys that engage their brains and strengthen the bond between you through play. It's great for your mental health as well as theirs! Talk to your local Petfirst clinic team about our enrichment range of products, including food puzzles and lickmats - particularly rewarding for food-driven fur friends like Labradors!

Once your fur friend is fully vaccinated, get out and about and explore your neighbourhood and beyond. Having your best friend with you offers a whole new perspective on familiar surroundings. Lots of cats enjoy heading out on a harness if familiarisation starts early - our March 2025 calendar star Nico, goes golfing, camping and even hiking with dog friends! Visit local council websites to find dog-friendly on and off leash areas and learn about your local regulations.

Our favourite places

We're pet lovers too! Our fur friends love coming out and about with us and finding places where they can live their best lives is part of us living ours.

Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly places and spaces to dip into next time you're heading out with your good boy or girl.

Remember to make sure your buddy is fully vaccinated before visiting places they could come into contact with other dogs and to pick up what they leave behind.