Just like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies as pollen counts rise during spring. In New Zealand, the main culprits are grass pollens (especially ryegrass, which is widespread across Canterbury, Waikato, and Southland), tree pollens from species like pine and birch, and airborne mould spores that become more active with warm, wet spring conditions.
Environmental allergies in dogs are often called atopic dermatitis, and they tend to worsen year on year if not managed. Breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and West Highland White Terriers are particularly prone. If you suspect allergies, speak to your vet early in the season before symptoms escalate.
Your vet may recommend antihistamines, medicated shampoos, or newer prescription options like Apoquel or Cytopoint for dogs. For cats, corticosteroids are commonly used in the short term. Feeding a high-quality diet with omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or salmon-based food) supports skin barrier function and can reduce inflammatory response.
Vacuum carpets and wash bedding more frequently during peak pollen season, and consider HEPA air purifiers in rooms where your pet sleeps.
Spring is when flea, tick, and worm burdens rise sharply across New Zealand. Warmer soil temperatures activate flea pupae that have been dormant all winter, and tick populations become active across bush-heavy areas in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, and the lower North Island.
A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, meaning an infestation can spiral quickly once spring warmth arrives. The key is to start prevention before you see fleas, not after. Monthly spot-on treatments, flea collars, or chewable tablets (such as Bravecto or NexGard) should be applied or administered at the start of spring. Treat all pets in the household simultaneously even if only one is scratching.
Don’t forget to treat your home. Flea eggs and larvae live in carpets, soft furnishings, and floor crevices. A flea bomb or spray combined with thorough vacuuming can help break the lifecycle. Pay particular attention to your pet’s favourite sleeping spots.
New Zealand has several tick species, with the native bush tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) being the most common threat to pets. While NZ is free from Lyme disease, ticks can still cause tick paralysis and transmit other pathogens. Check your dog thoroughly after walks in long grass or bush, running your fingers through the coat around the neck, ears, between toes, and under the collar.
If you find a tick, use a purpose-designed tick remover tool and twist it out slowly. Avoid squeezing the body. Consult your vet if you notice signs of lethargy, weakness, or wobbling after a tick is found.
Puppies and kittens should be wormed every two weeks until three months of age. Adult pets should be wormed every three months year-round. Spring is a good time to reset your worming calendar if it has slipped over winter. Hydatid tapeworm is a particular concern in rural New Zealand where dogs may encounter infected livestock carcasses or offal.
Many dogs and cats experience a significant shedding event in spring as they shed their winter undercoat. Double-coated breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers can shed enormous amounts of fur over several weeks. This is entirely normal but requires active management.
Spring is gardening season across New Zealand, and that brings an array of hazards that are easy to overlook. Many popular NZ garden plants are toxic to pets, and spring is the time when bulbs are planted, fertilisers are applied, and snail bait is put out.
| Hazard | Risk to Pets | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Snail and slug bait (metaldehyde) | Highly toxic to dogs and cats — can be fatal | Use pet-safe alternatives (iron chelate products) |
| Daffodil and tulip bulbs | Toxic — causes vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse | Keep pets away from bulb planting areas |
| Azalea and rhododendron | Toxic — causes drooling, heart abnormalities | Remove from pet-accessible areas or fence off |
| Compost bins | Mouldy food produces mycotoxins that cause seizures | Ensure compost bins are securely lidded |
| Fertilisers | Bone meal and blood meal are attractive to dogs but toxic in quantity | Store securely and water in well after application |
| Bee and wasp stings | Rise sharply in spring; severe reactions possible | Know your vet’s emergency number and watch for swelling |
If you suspect your pet has ingested anything toxic, contact your vet or the 24-hour animal poison helpline immediately. Speed is critical — the sooner you act, the better the outcome.
Spring is a wonderful time to ramp up outdoor activity, but there are a few practical points to consider before heading out.
New Zealand spring temperatures can spike unexpectedly, particularly in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, and Canterbury. Asphalt absorbs heat rapidly, and pavement that feels comfortable to your hand may be hot enough to burn a dog’s paw pads within seconds. The simple rule: if it’s too hot for the back of your hand held down for seven seconds, it’s too hot for paws. Walk dogs early in the morning or after 6pm as a good habit to establish now before summer arrives.
More people venture outside in spring, which means more dog-to-dog contact at parks and on walking tracks. If your dog hasn’t interacted much during winter, ease them back in gently. Watch for kennel cough, which can circulate through dog parks and grooming salons. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are current before spring socialising begins in earnest.
Spring rains cause rivers and streams to run faster and colder. Debris in waterways can trap or injure dogs that swim enthusiastically in familiar spots. Always check water conditions before allowing your dog to swim in rivers, and be aware that blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can begin forming in still water from late spring onwards. It is highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. If water looks greenish or smells musty, keep pets out.
Spring is an excellent time to book a general health check with your vet if your pet hasn’t been seen for six months or more. A spring check-up is the ideal opportunity to:
Spring in New Zealand includes a number of public holidays and school holidays that often mean travel, gatherings, or disrupted routines — all of which can stress pets.
Dawn services and community events across NZ mean many owners are out of the house early. If your pet is anxious when left alone, plan ahead by arranging a pet sitter or having a family member stay home during the service. Fireworks are occasionally part of community events, so have a plan if your pet is noise-sensitive.
The April school holidays fall during NZ’s spring season. Many families take trips away, which means forward planning for pet care. Booking a trusted in-home pet sitter well in advance is especially important during school holiday periods when demand for quality pet care surges.
Planning a spring getaway? ZiggySitters connects you with experienced, verified pet sitters across New Zealand who care for your pet in your own home. No kennels, no cages — just familiar surroundings and personal attention.
Spring is one of the most enjoyable seasons to be a pet owner in New Zealand. Longer evenings, more outdoor time, and a general lift in mood for both pets and people. With a little proactive planning around parasites, allergies, and garden safety, your cat or dog can thrive through the season safely.
If you need support during the busy spring period — whether it’s regular dog walks, a midday check-in for your cat, or full overnight care while you travel — the ZiggySitters community has experienced pet sitters ready to help across New Zealand’s cities and towns.
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