World Pet Health Month Draws Attention To Preventable Pet Health Issues

Pets now have their own global health month - dedicated entirely 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 as a collaboration between leading pet-health organisations.

This movement aims to cast a spotlight on 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 like 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 wellbeing 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 wellbeing. That’s according to Michelle Le Long, PD Insurance COO, who says the saying ‘health is wealth’ is just as applicable to pets as it is for the rest of us. “But that doesn’t mean our pets aren’t falling victim to completely avoidable ‘diseases of the affluent’,” she says.

Le Long says pet health awareness has always been important but reflects that, along with exceptionally high rates of pet ownership in New Zealand and globally, bringing attention to the issue is worthwhile. “Many new pet owners might not know what’s best for their companion animal, so we like keeping the topic on the agenda,” she smiles.

Pets, she continues, experience many health issues similar to those suffered by humans. “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 says 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—comprising a team of volunteer veterinary professionals—supports research into improved health and welfare for Kiwi pets. As a clinical veterinarian and member of Healthy Pets NZ, Dr Sally Cory notes there is increasing interest in advanced and preventative care rather than just reactive care for the nation’s companion animals. “These treatments include weight management, preventative dental health, preventative screening, and more,” she says.

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 says 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 preventative measures, including care in diet, discipline with 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 notes 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 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,” says 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. “Adorable, sure, but the price is sneezing fits,” Le Long laughs. Pollen, plants, grass seeds and even insect bites can trigger allergies - and then there’s the return of fleas and ticks. “Make sure your pet’s preventative treatments are up to date,” she advises.

Summer heat can be brutal, and hydration is key, so make sure your pets have plenty of water. “Avoid walkies 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 pads,” Le Long says. 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 says 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 says you should treat pet wellness like your own wellness: diet, habits, hydration and exercise are essential in 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.”

Dr Cory stresses 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.

Access the PD Insurance World Pet Health Month hub for free pet health resources such as healthy feeding guidelines and pet-to-human-years age converters: www.pdinsurance.co.nz/world-pet-health-month/

About PD Insurance (pd.co.nz)

PD is a pet insurance specialist offering pet insurance for cats and dogs with no annual lock-in contracts. The business is a pet insurance company created by pet people for pet people and is committed to fast and fair claims (in as little as two business days) and its customer service philosophy centres around Simplicity (in service delivery) and Soft Landings (a commitment to providing customers a gentle landing in times of need).

Headquartered in Auckland and part of Pacific International Insurance, pd.co.nz has partnered with Healthy Pets New Zealand and Dogs New Zealand to promote pet health and responsible ownership. Recognised for excellence, the business won the 2024 Reader's Digest Silver Pet Insurance award, the 2023 MoneyHub Favourite Pet Insurer Award and Canstar's 2022 Most Satisfied Customers - Pet Insurance award.

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