Flea season in New Zealand: simple plan for dogs and cats

Introduction

New Zealand’s mild climate means fleas can show up most of the year, with bumps in warmer spells. A short home routine plus steady prevention keeps pets comfortable. Prepared with input from our lead vet and founder, Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc.

Why fleas linger here

• Warm rooms and soft furnishings shelter eggs, larvae and pupae

• Pets share cars, couches and beds where flea stages hide

• Outdoor pockets stay mild and humid in many regions

The one-week reset (if you’ve seen fleas)

• Day 1: Treat every pet with a proven product matched to species, age and weight

• Daily for a week: Vacuum rugs, skirting and sofa seams; empty the vacuum outside

• Daily for a week: Hot-wash pet bedding and favourite blankets; dry thoroughly

• Declutter sleeping spots so clean-ups are quick

Weeks 2–4: keep the pressure on

• Vacuum three times a week

• Wash bedding twice a week

• Treat every pet on the same day to avoid gaps

Weeks 5–12: hold a weekly rhythm

• Vacuum once weekly and wash bedding weekly while hidden stages finish emerging

• Stay on time with prevention — consistency clears the environment faster

Build a dosing rhythm that sticks

• Pick one house dose day each month (e.g., salary day)

• Store products together, high and dry, with a sticky note for the next due date

• If you use a long-acting option, add a mid-interval reminder so you don’t forget it

Products we trust

• Dogs (monthly all-in-one): Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs

• Dogs (monthly fleas & ticks): NexGard Chewables for Dogs

• Dogs (longer-acting fleas & ticks): Bravecto Chew for Dogs

• Dogs (on-pet option): Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs

• Cats (broad monthly): Revolution Plus Spot-On for Cats

• Cats (longer-acting fleas & ticks): Bravecto Spot-On for Cats

• Cats (simple monthly): Revolution Topical Solution for Cats

Safety basics

• Dog products for dogs, cat products for cats

• Match current weight band and minimum age every time

• Avoid stacking preventatives unless your vet advises

FAQ

Do NZ winters switch fleas off?
Not completely. They’re quieter outdoors, but indoor heating lets fleas persist. Keep prevention steady and stick to a light weekly clean.

Do dogs in NZ need heartworm prevention?
New Zealand doesn’t have heartworm. If you’re taking your dog to Australia or other endemic regions, talk to your vet before you travel.

Want a plan tailored to your pets and home?
Tell us ages, weights and your routine and we’ll map it with you — contact us.