After rain: parasite surge in New Zealand — what pet owners should do
Introduction
When warm rain moves through, parasites wake up. Flea eggs hatch faster, ticks quest higher on wet vegetation, and mosquitoes breed in puddles. You don’t need a complicated regime — just a steady week of action and a calm routine afterward.
The first week, made simple
Day one is about coverage. Treat every pet with a product that matches species, age and weight. Over the next seven days, vacuum the high-traffic areas (rugs, skirting, sofa seams, car mats) and hot-wash the bedding your pet actually sleeps on. Empty the vacuum outside so you don’t redeposit what you collect.
Quick checklist
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Dose all pets on the same day
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Vacuum daily for a week; then ease to weekly
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Hot-wash blankets and beds; dry thoroughly
Yard tidy after rain
Think airflow and sunlight. Short grass makes tick checks easier, trimmed shrubs reduce damp hideouts, and tipping out pot saucers cuts mosquito breeding. If you’ve been away for the weekend, give the deck a quick sweep and shake out travel blankets before bringing them in.
Daily tick check (two minutes)
In bushy or coastal areas, run hands over your pet each evening. Pay attention to lips and chin, ear edges, under the collar, armpits, groin, between toes, and the tail base. If you find a tick, grip close to the skin with a tick tool or fine tweezers and lift straight out with steady pressure.
Products we trust
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Dogs (monthly all-in-one): Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs
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Dogs (monthly fleas & ticks): NexGard Chewables for Dogs
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Dogs (longer-acting fleas & ticks): Bravecto Chew for Dogs
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Dogs (on-pet option): Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs
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Cats (broad monthly): Revolution Plus Spot-On for Cats
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Cats (longer-acting fleas & ticks): Bravecto Spot-On for Cats
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Cats (simple monthly): Revolution Topical Solution for Cats
Safety basics
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Use dog products for dogs, cat products for cats
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Match current weight band and minimum age
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Avoid stacking preventatives unless your vet advises
FAQ
We dosed yesterday but still saw fleas today — normal?
Yes. Hidden stages keep emerging after rain. Stay on schedule and keep the short clean-up going; numbers fall as the environment clears.
Do I need to change products after a storm?
Usually not. Consistency matters more than swapping brands.
Want a wet-weather plan for your pets and property?
Tell us ages, weights and your setup — contact us.
