Clive Cottage Veterinary Clinic

22/09/2026

🐾 Meet Daisy! 🐾

Beautiful Daisy the Schnauzer has been spending some time in hospital with us after developing an upset tummy. She’s been receiving IV fluids (fluids directly into the bloodstream to maintain hydration), gastroprotectants (medications that protect the stomach and gut), antibiotics and pain relief ,along with plenty of cuddles!

Thankfully, fatty liver wasn’t Daisy’s problem this time, but Schnauzers do have an interesting connection with fat metabolism.

Miniature Schnauzers are particularly prone to hyperlipidaemia, abnormally high levels of fats, especially triglycerides and cholesterol, in the bloodstream. This can increase their risk of pancreatitis (painful inflammation of the pancreas) and can contribute to liver and gallbladder problems.

You may also hear the term hepatic lipidosis, meaning excessive fat accumulation within liver cells. True hepatic lipidosis is much more common in cats, particularly overweight cats that suddenly stop eating.

🩺 How can we help prevent problems?

For dogs with high triglycerides, maintaining a healthy weight and feeding an appropriate low-fat veterinary diet can be very important. Avoid fatty table scraps and high-fat treats, especially in predisposed breeds. Underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and Cushing’s disease can also cause abnormal fat metabolism.

If significant hyperlipidaemia or liver disease develops, treatment may include IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, nutritional support, a therapeutic low-fat diet and treatment of the underlying cause. Blood tests can monitor triglycerides, cholesterol and liver enzymes to see how the patient is responding.

We’re very happy to say that Daisy is now back to her normal self again! 🥰

07/09/2026

Exciting Opportunity: Part-Time or Full-Time Small Animal Veterinarian Clive/Taradale, Hawke’s Bay

The Cottage Vet Clinic is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Small Animal Veterinarian to join our team in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region. We welcome applicants at all experience levels and are excited to find the right fit for our clinic.

About Us
Since our establishment in 2016, Clive Cottage Vet Clinic has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, friendly, and affordable veterinary care. Our modern clinic allows us to provide exceptional service to the local and wider community, supported by a loyal and growing client base.

Our team consists of three veterinarians, seven highly skilled veterinary nurses, and professional receptionists, ensuring a strong staffing ratio that enables us to work collaboratively and support one another. We dedicate 30 minutes to consultations where possible, ensuring thorough and personalized care for every patient. We have a local after hours emergency clinic meaning there is no need for our vets to work after hours shifts. We base on a four day forty hour week. We rotate 1 Saturday per month and our clinic is closed on Sundays all to promote a healthy work-life balance.

What We Offer
• Supportive Team Environment: Work with a professional and friendly team that values collaboration and mutual respect.
• A 4 day 40 hour week with no after-Hours Work: Enjoy a predictable schedule that prioritizes your personal time.
• Professional Development: NZVA membership and opportunities to grow your skills. Courses funded by the clinic via discussion.
• Modern Facility: A fully equipped clinic designed for efficiency, accuracy and comfort: Ultrasound, Dental and routine X-ray, In House Blood Machines, Orthopaedic equipment and Ultrasound Machine.
• Privately Owned Practice: Experience the flexibility and independence of working for a privately owned clinic.
• Commitment to Well-being: We prioritize mental health, creating a positive workplace culture that values our team members’ well-being.
• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a generous and competitive salary package.

Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a veterinarian who:
• Is committed to providing excellent patient care and building strong client relationships.
• Thrives in a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Values professional growth and contributes to maintaining our clinic’s high standards.

Contact Us
If this opportunity resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact Alistair Denton or Elise Sandkuijl at 06 65 12345 for a confidential discussion or send your CV and cover letter [email protected]

Clive Cottage Vet Clinic Hours:
• Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Sunday: Closed

Taradale Cottage Vet Clinic Hours:
• Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed

We look forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

01/09/2026

🐾 FOUND DOG – WHAKATŪ 🐾

Update: She has been picked up by Animal Control. We have asked them to keep us up to date. She is definitely owned. Please microchip your pets ❤️
This lovely female Huntaway cross has been found wandering in Whakatū.

Unfortunately, she does not have a microchip, so we haven’t been able to identify her owner.

Please share so we can help get her home! 🏡❤️

If you recognise her or think she may be yours, please get in touch with Cottage Vets.

11/08/2026

Update: This beautiful girl has not been picked up and currently resides at the Napier Animal Control. She is a clever girl and if you are interested, you can add your name to the list via NCC website. Her reference number is i260094

Lets see if we can find this clever girl a forever home 🧡

🐾 FOUND DOG – PUKETAPU ROAD, TARADALE 🐾

This beautiful girl has taken herself on a little wander around Puketapu Road, Taradale.

Thankfully, a kind Good Samaritan found her and has brought her safely to our Taradale Cottage Vet Clinic, where she is being well looked after.

We’re sure someone must be missing this gorgeous girl!

Please share this post far and wide so we can reunite her with her owner as soon as possible.

If you recognise her or think she may be yours, please get in touch with our Taradale clinic 06-65 12345 Press 2

🐾 Let’s get this lovely girl home! 🐾

04/08/2026

❄️ Brrr… it’s definitely coat weather! ❄️

Bugsy and Peanut are all rugged up and ready to take on the chilly weather! Just like these two cuties, our furry friends appreciate a little extra warmth during the colder months.

Here are a few simple ways to help keep your pets warm, happy, and healthy this week:

🐾 Bring pets inside whenever possible, especially overnight.
🧥 Pop on a warm coat for short-haired, elderly, or small dogs before heading out.
🛏️ Provide a cosy bed off the cold floor with plenty of warm blankets.
🥣 Keep fresh water available, and check outdoor bowls regularly.
🚶 Walk during the warmest part of the day and shorten walks if it’s particularly cold or wet.
🌧️ Dry your pet thoroughly after walks in the rain to prevent them from getting chilled.
🐱 Check under your car bonnet before starting the engine, as cats sometimes seek warmth there.

Older pets and those with arthritis can find winter especially challenging. If your pet seems stiffer than usual or is struggling to get around, we’d be happy to discuss ways to keep them comfortable.

Stay warm, stay safe, and don’t forget to give your pets an extra cuddle this week!

15/07/2026

💔 Deceased Female Tabby Cat Found - Taradale

A kind member of the public has brought a deceased female tabby cat to our Taradale clinic after finding her on Waterhouse Street, Taradale.

If you think this may be your beloved cat, or you know someone who may be missing a tabby from the area, please contact us on 06 651 2345 and press 2.

We would really appreciate it if you could share this post to help us reunite her with her family.

A heartfelt thank you to the kind person who took the time to bring her to us

15/07/2026

Like many New Zealanders, we are incredibly saddened to hear the news that H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed in a wild seabird in New Zealand. Our thoughts are with everyone involved in protecting our precious native wildlife.

To help prevent the spread of disease, please do not bring sick or dead wild birds into our clinics.

If you find a sick or deceased wild bird, please report it to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) by calling the Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66. MPI will provide advice on what to do next and, if necessary, coordinate the appropriate response.

By following this advice, we can all play a part in protecting New Zealand’s wildlife, our pets, and our community.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

🦜 Avian influenza (bird flu) has been detected in New Zealand for the first time.

Today, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) confirmed New Zealand's first detection of avian influenza. We understand this news may be concerning for people who care for birds and other animals.

At this stage, the risk to companion animals and human health remains low, and MPI is the lead agency providing information and updates on the situation. NZ has been preparing for this situation for some time.

If you have concerns about:
🐦 Your pet or backyard birds
🐄 Other animals or mammals in your care
👤 Your own health
..we encourage you to seek the latest guidance directly from MPI and follow any advice they provide:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza

As the situation develops, we'll continue to monitor updates that are relevant to companion animal welfare. In the meantime, for the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to MPI's official channels.

03/07/2026

🚧 Road Closure Alert 🚧

Awatoto Road is currently closed due to roadworks.

If you’re travelling from Taradale or Napier to Clive Cottage Vets today, please come via Fardon Road instead.

Safe travels and we’ll see you soon!

01/07/2026

POV: Your dog actually likes going to the vet 🐾

Sounds impossible. But at Taradale Cottage Vet Clinic, they make sure every visit feels as stress-free as possible for your furry family member.

📍 4 Puketapu Road, Taradale

01/07/2026