Tick season in New Zealand: protect dogs and cats

Introduction

New Zealand has ticks, mainly the New Zealand cattle tick. Risk lifts with warm, humid weather and after rain, especially around bush edges and long grass. A steady routine keeps pets comfortable. Prepared with input from our lead vet and founder,

Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc.

NZ tick calendar at a glance

Spring (Sep–Nov)

• Warmer, wet spells wake larvae and nymphs

• Start quick hands-on checks after walks

Summer (Dec–Feb)

• Peak activity in many coastal and bush margins

• Keep lawns short and avoid dense scrub

Autumn (Mar–May)

• Still active after late rain and in mild regions

• Stay on time with prevention

Winter (Jun–Aug)

• Slower in cold snaps, but sheltered pockets stay active

• Maintain prevention if you hike, farm, or travel to warmer spots

Where risk is higher

• Bush tracks, farm margins and long grass

• Coastal scrub and shaded garden corners

• Travel between regions with warm, humid microclimates

Daily tick check (two minutes)

Lips and chin, ear edges, under the collar, armpits, groin, between toes, tail base. Re-check after bush or beach days.

Safe tick removal

1. Part the coat and grip close to the skin with a tick tool or fine-tipped tweezers

2. Lift straight out with steady pressure

3. Seal the tick in a container and note the date

4. Watch your pet for 24–48 hours

Home and yard habits

• Vacuum rugs and car mats after big days out; empty the vacuum outside

• Hot-wash pet bedding and dry thoroughly

• Keep grass short and trim dense shrubs to make checks easier

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

• Avoid stacking preventatives unless your vet advises

FAQ

Do pets get tick paralysis here?
Paralysis cases aren’t a feature of NZ tick exposure, but bites still irritate skin. Remove ticks promptly and keep prevention on schedule.

We’re taking the dog to Australia. What changes?
Talk to your vet about destination-specific tick risks and adding heartworm cover before you travel.

Need help matching a product to your pet and location?
We’ll tailor a simple plan one-to-one — contact us.