VetsOne Hastings

03/09/2026

With bird flu (H5N1) continuing to make headlines internationally, we encourage our community to check the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website for the most up‑to‑date and accurate information for New Zealand.

MPI provides clear guidance on current detections, national surveillance, what to do if you find sick or dead birds, and how risks are being managed across the country.

Their page is updated as new information becomes available, and remains the best source for reliable, science‑based advice.

You can read the latest updates here:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/h5-bird-flu

H5 bird flu (H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b) is a highly contagious viral disease of birds that has been spreading around the world. It has been detected in wild birds in New Zealand

29/08/2026

With recent detections of H5 bird flu in a small number of wild seabirds in New Zealand, many of our clients have asked whether their cats are currently at risk.

At this stage, the risk to the general cat population remains very low, and there is no evidence of widespread infection in domestic animals. The virus has only been found in isolated wild birds, and national surveillance continues to show no spread through local wildlife or poultry. Most cats have no exposure to affected species, and everyday outdoor activity is considered safe.

As a precaution, MPI advises avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and reporting groups of three or more to 0800 80 99 66. If you do find a dead bird at home, please do not touch it — call us or MPI for guidance.

We’ll continue to monitor updates closely and keep our community informed, but for now, cat owners can be reassured that the current risk level is very low.

26/08/2026

Mr Pumpernickle’s Whisker Report

"Spring Hopes, Rude Labels & Highly Domesticated Hunting"

I’m feeling quite positive this week — there are signs of spring in the air at last. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and that warm sunshine on my fur is the best feeling in the world. I’ve been soaking it up whenever I can, like a ginger solar panel powering back to life.

However, not everything has been respectful. One of the nurses locked me into a day unit and thought it would be funny to earmark me as a “fractious cat.”

This is rude.

I am many things — dramatic, opinionated, easily offended — but fractious?

Absolutely not.

I sat there with the dignity of a king wrongfully imprisoned.

I also assisted with patient distraction during a blood test. Honestly, I don’t think he even noticed the needle — he spent the whole time admiring my beauty while I comforted him with my slow, soft appeasement blinking. Afterwards we got to climb around like little kids on a playground, which was extremely fun and should be part of all medical procedures.

Lastly, my hunting has become dramatically domesticated. I now stalk the printer, waiting for paper to pop out like a strange little creature emerging from its cave. I crouch, I’m bewildered, and honestly… I don’t even like the smell.

But I persist. It’s elite sport.

The nurses say it’s not “real hunting.........” but I say it’s modern hunting.
....... Anyway until next time!
Mr Pumpernickle

25/08/2026

With bird flu (H5 HPAI) detected in a small number of wild birds in New Zealand, the NZVA and MPI are asking veterinary clinics to take extra precautions to keep everyone safe.

If you find an injured wild bird and need to bring it to us, please leave the bird in your car and call when you arrive. A staff member will come out wearing appropriate PPE and assess the bird safely outside, rather than having it brought into the clinic.

If you discover a dead bird at home, do not touch it or move it — contact us or MPI’s exotic disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 for advice on what to do next.

These simple steps help protect you, our team, and other animals while national surveillance continues.

We’ll keep updating our community as new information becomes available.

20/08/2026

If your pets get anxious during storms, fireworks, busy households, or simply struggle to settle at night, you might love Relax My Dog and Relax My Cat.

These platforms create calming music and gentle visual content designed specifically for pets, using dog‑ and cat‑friendly frequencies to help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Many owners find it helpful for separation anxiety, bedtime routines, crate training, and soothing nervous animals during winter weather. You can play the music through Spotify, YouTube, or their apps — perfect for creating a peaceful environment at home.

Relax My Dog: Relax My Dog
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2V4cW1a8YJrjX7LrjKQwQK
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/relaxmydog

Relax My Cat: Relax My Cat
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Z3pZQvZp8YtS9x2QVFGkM
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/relaxmycat

These are great tools for anxious pets, new puppies or kittens, or any household wanting a calmer, more comforting atmosphere.

17/08/2026

Discover Project Island Song — The Wild Side of the Bay of Islands

If you’re looking for something beautiful, local, and uplifting to explore, we’re sharing one of our favourite conservation projects: Project Island Song — a community‑driven effort restoring the native wildlife of the Bay of Islands.

This sanctuary is home to some of Aotearoa’s most precious species, including kākāriki, tīeke, and pōpokotea, all thriving thanks to years of dedicated pest‑free restoration. Whether you’re planning a trip north or simply love learning about NZ wildlife, their website is full of stunning photos, species info, volunteer stories, and ways to support conservation.

If you’re visiting the islands, they also have a super easy biosecurity checklist to help keep these special places safe. It’s a great reminder of how small actions from all of us can protect our native taonga.

Check them out here:
www.projectislandsong.co.nz
www.facebook.com/Project.Island.Song

A beautiful slice of the Bay worth exploring.

Project Island Song is a pest-free wildlife sanctuary covering the seven islands in the eastern Bay of Islands.

14/08/2026

If you’re looking for a fun, safe, and educational way to teach your children about caring for animals, we highly recommend the SPCA Kids Education website.

It’s packed with easy‑to‑follow guides on how to look after pets and farm animals — from cats and dogs through to rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, chickens, horses, and more.

The site includes videos, storybooks, colouring activities, and simple animal‑care lessons designed specifically for kids, helping them learn kindness, responsibility, and safe behaviour around animals.

It’s a wonderful resource for families wanting to build good habits early, especially for children who love animals or are getting their first pet.

You can explore it here: kids.spcaeducation.org.nz — it’s free, fun, and full of great learning tools for young animal guardians.

SPCA New Zealand

12/08/2026

Healthy nails are more important for pets than many people realise, and regular clipping helps keep their feet comfortable, stable, and safe.

When nails grow too long, they change the way a pet walks, putting pressure on the toes and joints, and can even lead to painful splaying or arthritis over time.

Overgrown nails are also far more likely to catch on carpet, decking, or bedding, which can result in the nail tearing, splitting, or being completely pulled off. A torn nail is extremely painful and often bleeds heavily, and because the quick is exposed, it can easily become infected.

If your pet does pull a nail off, keep the area clean, apply gentle pressure if it’s bleeding, and have them seen promptly — they may need pain relief, antibiotics, and proper trimming of the damaged nail to help it heal.

Regular nail checks and trims are one of the simplest ways to prevent injuries and keep your pet moving comfortably. If you need a nail clip give out Customer Care Team (06) 878866 a call for a booking.

11/08/2026

Today we were lucky to have Renate from The Rehab Vet visit our clinic and spend time with our nursing team, sharing the incredible range of rehabilitation and mobility services she provides for pets across Hawke’s Bay.

Renate’s passion for improving comfort, strength, and quality of life shines through in everything she does — from personalised plans, shockwave therapy (not as scary as it sounds), acupuncture, manual therapy, custom orthotics and prosthetics, exercise therapy and pain management consults.

If your pet is recovering from injury or surgery, slowing down with age, or could benefit from improved mobility, Renate’s services are amazing.

Our nurses loved learning more about how her expertise can complement the care we already provide, and we’re excited to share her work with our community. Thank you, Renate, for your time, your knowledge, and the dedication you bring to every patient you support!

If you would like to know more check out her website www.therehabvet.co.nz or check our her socials!

Veterinary rehabilitation in Hawkes Bay, helping pets and working dogs move better, recover from injury or surgery, and live more comfortable, active lives. Acupuncture, Shockwave Therapy, physical Therapy, prosthetics and orthotics

09/08/2026

FOUND CAT – FRANCIS HICKS AVE

This morning, one of our staff members found a large ginger male adult cat on Francis Hicks Ave. Sadly, he was deceased when found. He was entire (not desexed) and not microchipped.

If you believe this may be your cat, please contact the clinic so we can help you confirm and ensure he is treated with care and dignity (06)8788666.