Spring Dog Health & Holiday Planning in New Zealand

🌱 Health & Parasite Prevention

1. Flea & Worm Treatments

Spring brings a surge in flea activity, so make sure you’re on top of your monthly flea and tick treatments. Worming is just as important – aim for every three months, or more frequently if your dog scavenges or eats raw food. Many Kiwi vets recommend staggering flea and worm treatments by about 48 hours to avoid overloading your dog’s system.

2. Annual Vet Check-Up

Spring is an ideal time to book your dog’s yearly vet visit. A thorough check will cover:

• Vaccinations (including kennel cough, important for social dogs or those going into boarding)

• Weight and body condition

• Dental health

• Skin and coat check (spring allergies can flare up!)

• Parasite prevention tailored to New Zealand conditions

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🐾 Holiday Planning – What to Do With Your Dog

With summer holidays just around the corner, many families are planning trips. Deciding what’s best for your dog is just as important as booking your own accommodation. You generally have three options:

Take Your Dog With You

• Perfect for road trips, camping, or pet-friendly stays.

• More and more motels, Airbnb's, and holiday parks in NZ are dog-friendly.

• Always check DOC restrictions – dogs aren’t allowed in many national parks.

• Don’t forget a travel kit: vaccination record, parasite schedule, portable water bowl, and a car restraint.

  
  

Pet Sitter at Home

• Ideal for dogs that thrive in their home environment.

• Less stress, consistent feeding, exercise, and routine.

• Professional pet sitters can also give your house a “lived-in” feel while you’re away.

• A great choice for avoiding kennel cough risk.

  
  

Boarding Kennels or Dog Lodges

• Suitable for dogs who love socialising.

• Book well ahead, especially during school holidays.

• Visit first: check cleanliness, staff-to-dog ratio, and shade areas.

• Ask about their vaccination policy and how they handle special diets or medications.

• Consider a “trial day stay” before a longer boarding period.

  
  

✅ Pre-Holiday Checklist

• Flea & worm treatments up to date

• Vaccinations current (kennel cough included)

• Stock enough food and any medications

• Leave clear written care instructions (feeding, quirks, emergency contacts)

• Microchip and ID tags updated

• Trial run for boarding kennels if needed

  
  

Final Thoughts

Spring is a season of renewal, and it’s the perfect time to reset your dog’s health and plan ahead for the busy holiday months. Whether you decide to take your dog along on adventures, arrange a sitter, or book into boarding, a little preparation now will ensure peace of mind later.

At Lil Luka Dog Walks, we know how important it is to keep dogs safe, healthy, and happy through every season. If you’d like help with exercise routines, pet sitting options, or advice on keeping your dog calm while you’re away, we’re here to help.