Working Dogs

OUR APPROACH

Keeping your four-legged workforce in prime condition.

They are a critical part of your daily operations and need to be in tip-top condition for as long as possible. That’s where we can help. We’ve been working with working dogs for a long time and have whiled away the hours researching what makes for great health in these trusted animals. With extensive knowledge and experience in preventative healthcare and a thorough understanding of nutritional requirements, we’ll keep your team as active as they need to be.

We often take referrals from other regions, who travel to VetSouth for orthopaedic surgery and have a huge number of top working dogs who have recovered from extensive broken bones, under the care of Dr Hugh Hasselman, a South Island legend for orthopaedic surgery.

We want to make treating working dogs simple and easy for you. VetSouth's worming programme is a cost-effective, convenient way of keeping your dog's worm-free. Worming tablets are sent directly to your door every 3 months, enough to treat all your dogs for that period (based on their weight) and make sure your loyal workers stay worm-free.

VACCINATIONS

Annual plan to protect from major risk diseases (elements can also be done as part of our regular worming programme sent directly to your mailbox).

Including:

  • Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza.
  • Canine cough (especially important for working dogs).

ANNUAL CHECKUPS

We can allocate time when on farm to give your working dog their "warrant of fitness". From checking their paws, joints, and coats we can often spot if something is not right with your four-legged worker. 

NUTRITION ADVICE & SUPPORT

Our retail stores stock a variety of feed to keep your team going and running efficiently. Putting premium nutrients into your dogs allows for peak performance out in the paddock. 

KENNELING

We have modern well-equipped clinics with experienced staff to look after your dogs, should they require a stay. Our dedicated team of vets and nurses will work with you to reach the best possible outcome for your working companion. 

 

WORKING DOG RUN

Get your best employees a Warrant of Fitness in winter.

Have you opted in for our Working Dog Run? A programme where our vets and nurses come out and give your dog team a Warrant of Fitness. Your team is an important asset in the yards and out in the paddock, so planning ahead with their health is essential. Our team head out the end of June, start of July. Talk to the team to register your interest now. 

THE BENEFITS

Why VetSouth is a great choice

We're locals

We’ve been in the lower South Island for decades. It’s where we’re from and where we raise our families.

Wide network

We’re plugged into the Veterinary world and our team can call on expertise from all over the world, then deliver it locally.

Handy clinics

We’re close to you for consults, supplements, supplies...whatever you need. Pop on in or organise a delivery.

   

INNOVATION & RESEARCH

A never ending quest for improvement and advancement

Researching animal welfare and pathology is a passion we share, with our work being used by industry bodies such as Dairy NZ, the Sustainable Farming Fund and Beef & Lamb.

FURTHER READING

Latest news

Eye disease in working dogs

We all know how vital working dogs are on farms. However, just like humans, these hardworking canines are susceptible to eye diseases. Here are a few common ones to watch out for:  1.Read more

Working dogs in spring

Feed for work performance   Dogs preferentially burn fat for sustained energy over prolonged periods. Pre-season conditioning with the gradual introduction of a high-fat, high-protein diet helpsRead more

Parvo in pups

Typical symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhoea, which results in the severe loss of body fluids and blood proteins, malabsorption of nutrients and increased secondaryRead more

'Twisted gut' in working dogs

Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), commonly called “twisted gut”, is one of the most important reasons that proven, hard working dogs are lost from your farm team.  It has long been reported toRead more

Winter nutrition for working dogs

Some key points for looking after your team through the winter and having them ready in the spring for another busy season. With another busy spring looming large in the farming calendar, yourRead more

Dog vaccinations

A healthy working dog team makes life much more enjoyable and less stressful. Vaccination plays a key role in this. There are two key vaccines that we recommend your team stays up to date with. TheseRead more

Working Dog Run and Pre-Season Check

Get your best employees a Warrant of Fitness this winter. Have you opted in for our Working Dog Run this winter? A program where our vets and nurses come out and gave your dog team a Warrant ofRead more

Working Dogs: Common Health Problems

Looking after your workers is easier when you know what to look for and what to avoid. In a survey of New Zealand working dogs the most common health problems were related to musculoskeletal trauma Read more

Working Dogs: Poisons on Farm

Dogs' sense of smell is noted to be 10000 times stronger than their human counterparts. While we are not sure if they differentiate between what smells “good” or just “interesting”, we doRead more

Twisted Gut in Working Dogs

Large breed dogs with deep chests like our beloved Huntaways, are more susceptible to twisted guts. Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), often referred to as “a twisted gut” is a common,Read more

Working Dogs: Feeding for Performance

Unlocking nutrition can be the key to a successful working dog. If you were to speak to the All Blacks or Lisa Carrington about eating well for performance, you would discover they employ chefs andRead more

Working Dog: Pre-season Checklist

So while we understand you are busy with spring on the farm, it's worthwhile making sure you have a plan for your working dogs' health this coming season. Your main workers benefit from a solidRead more
 

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