Core and non-core vaccines, the puppy schedule, parasite prevention (heartworm, fleas, ticks, intestinal worms) and the annual wellness exam — based on WSAVA vaccination guidelines and parasitology bodies.

A puppy at a veterinary clinic for a check-up

The puppy vaccination schedule, explained

Which shots your puppy needs, when, and why — plus how Singapore’s licensing and rabies-free status affect the plan.

7 min readDogs
A veterinarian preparing a vaccine for a dogVet-reviewed

Core vs non-core dog vaccines explained (WSAVA guidelines)

Not every vaccine is right for every dog. The WSAVA classification separates the ones every dog must have from the ones that depend on lifestyle and local risk — and explains why over-vaccinating carries its own risks.

8 min readDogs
A dog being checked by its owner in a grassy areaVet-reviewed

Fleas, ticks and the diseases they carry: a guide to year-round prevention

Fleas and ticks are more than an itch. They transmit diseases, cause anaemia, and can affect human household members too. In tropical climates, there is no safe season to drop your guard.

8 min readDogs
A veterinarian conducting a thorough wellness examination on a dogVet-reviewed

The annual wellness exam: what your vet checks and why it matters

A yearly check-up is more than a vaccination update. Here is what a thorough wellness exam covers — and why "healthy-looking" dogs benefit from it just as much as sick ones.

7 min readDogs
A New Zealand farm dog sitting beside a sheep in a paddock — a scene that reflects the hydatid tapeworm risk facing rural and semi-rural dogs

Parasite prevention for dogs in New Zealand: fleas, ticks, worms — and why hydatids matter

New Zealand has no heartworm — but it has parasites that barely register in other countries. Hydatid tapeworm alone makes regular worming non-negotiable for any dog with access to the outdoors. A complete guide to what NZ dogs face and how to protect them.

9 min readDogs
A dog walking on a lead near a New Zealand riverbank — both karaka berries underfoot and algae mats in the water are seasonal poisoning risks for NZ dogs

Toxic Plants & Algae for Dogs in New Zealand: Karaka Berries, Tutu, Toxic Algae

Karaka berries, tutu, ngaio and the toxic algae mats in NZ rivers and lakes are genuine, sometimes fatal, hazards for dogs — here is what to know, by season and region, and what to do in an emergency.

12 min readDogs