Rat Poison - and pets
VETS WARNING
Veterinary Specialist Group's Dr Mark Robson said the clinic was seeing far more animals being affected by rat poison this year.
At least one animal was coming in every week with signs of toxicity, he said.
Robson said the increase in rats was a problem because more people were putting out rat baits and animals were ingesting it - sometimes secondarily, if animals eat rats.
There were two types of rat bait which have differing effects, he said.
The first type (anticoagulants) interferes with normal blood clotting and symptoms include anything to do with bleeding.
The second affects the animal's calcium balance and causes kidney failure. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more often than normal.
For all pet owners, Robson said it was important that they act fast and take their animal to a vet if they notice they are unwell.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
52.7% Human-centred experience and communication
-
14.8% Critical thinking
-
29.5% Resilience and adaptability
-
3% Other - I will share below!
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…