Pets now have their own global health month, dedicated to helping them live longer, healthier, happier lives.
February 2026 marks the debut of World Pet Health Month, a global initiative spearheaded by PD Insurance in collaboration with leading pet-health organisations. This movement aims to highlight the full spectrum of pet health issues, particularly those that are preventable.
Launched alongside international brands including Healthy Pets NZ and PD’s sister brand, Blue Badge Insurance, it seeks to make pet health awareness as familiar and widely recognised as human-focused campaigns such as Heart Health Month or Movember.
World Pet Health Month encourages people everywhere to rethink how everyday choices around diet, exercise, preventive care and lifestyle directly influence the well-being of our pets.
Drawing a playful comparison to leap years, the initiative reminds us that every year in a pet’s life is packed with “human years,” making their health and happiness something we can’t afford to put off.
This occasion encourages pet owners to reflect on how their care affects their pets’ diet, fitness, and well-being. That’s according to Michelle Le Long, PD Insurance COO, who said the saying ‘health is wealth’ is just as applicable to pets as it is for the rest of us.
She mentioned that pet health awareness has always been important, but noted that, given exceptionally high rates of pet ownership in New Zealand and globally, bringing attention to the issue is worthwhile.
Pets, she continued, experience many health issues similar to those humans do. “And the underlying causes are often the same: excessive processed foods, snacking too often on nutritionally poor treats, reduced physical activity, and preservatives in just about everything.”
As a result, just like people, she said, pets face obesity, diabetes, cancer, dental disease, arthritis, allergies, heart disease and anxiety.
“It starts with awareness. You are what you eat applies to cats and dogs, and when you know what their diet should consist of, how much exercise is necessary, and what should be avoided for their breed, age and health profile, you’re equipped to do best by your pets.”
Tracking the trends
PD Insurance’s charity partner, Healthy Pets NZ, supports research into improved health and welfare for Kiwi pets. As a clinical veterinarian and member of Healthy Pets NZ, Dr Sally Cory noted an increasing interest in advanced and preventive care rather than just reactive care for the nation’s companion animals.
That’s a positive development, because it means many pet owners are ‘front footing’ potential health challenges, and that means there’s a likelihood these pet parents have a close eye on overall health.
However, Dr Cory said rising costs and financial pressure on households are reshaping how care is delivered.
“With staffing challenges and affordability considerations, veterinarians are increasingly providing contextualised care, adapting treatment plans to each situation while still prioritising animal welfare rather than relying on a single, gold-standard approach.”
In these circumstances, Dr Cory says pet parents should focus strongly on preventive measures, including careful diet, disciplined exercise, and extra caution to avoid risks such as accidental ingestions or traffic accidents.
Understanding how a particular breed’s needs contribute to its overall quality of life can be especially useful in this regard—a Border Collie’s exercise regime and diet are not going to be the same as a Pug’s, for example.
From a vet practice perspective, Dr Cory said that antibiotic resistance is on the up and advises pet owners to trust vets’ judgement and follow instructions to finish any antibiotic course.
“One more thing that prospective pet owners should be aware of: before getting a cat or dog, do your research very carefully. Some breeds have a cuteness factor that relates to extreme conformity and may come with common and costly health risks. Make sure to be aware of breed-associated health risks so you can care for pets accordingly, and if you’re buying rather than adopting, be sure to buy from ethical breeders that invest in DNA testing and health screening of parents.”
Year-round health
As any wellness enthusiast will confirm, health is a year-round commitment.
“Awareness is heightened in World Pet Health Month, but it should be practised every day,” said Le Long.
Her pup Buster serves as a case in point. “Cold paws and too much couch time are a real risk! Buster has a short coat and gets cold quickly, so I keep him warm with a jacket. And getting daily exercise is always a priority.”
Colder climes? Frostbite is a risk for exposed paws, noses, and ears, so limit outdoor time in freezing weather.
Spring brings allergies, and Buster gets his snout into every flower bed. Pollen, plants, grass seeds and even insect bites can trigger allergies, and then there’s the return of fleas and ticks.
Summer heat can be brutal, and hydration is key, so make sure your pets have plenty of water.
Avoid walking in the hottest parts of the day and pay particular attention to hot pavements. If it burns your feet, it’ll burn the pup’s pad. Fresh water and shade are essential, and watch for heatstroke, especially in short-nosed breeds.
Going back into autumn means being aware of the perils lurking in leafy piles: sharp sticks, fungi, or other debris can hurt your pet. Some autumn mushrooms are toxic to dogs, so keep an eye out as your pup digs around in the leaves. And pets love the cooler weather and more outdoor playtime, so do secure fences and gates to avoid accidental escapes.
Be aware and act early
Dr Cory highlighted common mistakes made by pet owners include waiting too long before seeking veterinary care, relying on home remedies and social media advice, overfeeding while underestimating the effects of obesity, and dismissing dental disease.
She said you should treat your pet’s wellness like your own: diet, habits, hydration, and exercise are essential during World Pet Health Month (and every month!).
“If owners factored in routine vet visits with blood and urine screening, along with teeth descale and polish annually, we would see much better outcomes for the health of cats and dogs,” she points out.
“When pet parents neglect routine care, it then costs so much more.”
She also stressed that the use of human medications is a big no-no, as many can be toxic.
“Basic good advice is to listen to your vet’s advice. Avoid inconsistent diets and inappropriate or toxic human foods like chocolate or lollies. Be aware of your pet and look out for behavioural changes which may be related to pain or cognitive decline.”
“And please, do not underestimate the cost of pet healthcare, which can be minimised or even avoided by a consistent focus on your pet’s wellbeing.”
Kiwis can get involved in the World Pet Health Month movement by signing the pet health promise and celebrating the care they give their pets. Share the resources online, volunteer at shelters, donate, or start a funding drive.
