School holidays with kids and pets in New Zealand: parasite tips

Introduction

Holidays mean parks, beaches, sleepovers and road trips. Routines slip just as exposure rises. A few family-friendly habits keep protection steady without adding stress.

Home base

Keep the places kids and pets share clean and dry. Cover sandpits when not in use and refresh sand if it smells musty. Pick up dog poo daily and keep food bowls indoors overnight to deter wildlife. Wash pet blankets hot and dry them well before piling them back on the couch.

Out and about

Make a two-minute tick check part of the drive home from bush tracks or beach days. Start at the ear edges and under the collar, then feel the armpits, groin, between the toes and the tail base. Carry a small kit in the car: tick tool or fine tweezers, wipes, poop bags and a spare towel.

Keep the schedule simple

Choose one house dose day and stick to it through the term and the breaks. If you’re away at a bach, pack the next dose and set a reminder. Treat every pet on the same day so no one is missed.

Safety around kids

Apply spot-ons high on the neck when kids are busy elsewhere and allow dry time per the label. Store products out of reach. Never use a dog product on a cat.

Products we trust

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

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

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

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

Safety basics

• Match species, weight band and minimum age

• Chews aren’t washed off by swims; spot-ons need dry time

• Avoid stacking preventatives unless your vet advises

FAQ

Kids and pets are at the beach every day. Will swimming wash protection off?
Chews are not affected by water. Plan swims around spot-on dry times if you use them.

Do indoor-only cats need prevention over the holidays?
Yes. Fleas hitchhike on clothing and gear, and mosquitoes get through screens.

Need a school-holiday dosing plan that fits your itinerary?
Share your dates and pet details and we’ll map it with you — contact us.