Late summer is when many pet parents start noticing the shift. 

The scratching increases, red patches appear, coats lose their shine, that “small irritated spot” suddenly feels bigger than it should.

You’re not imagining it.

Late summer can be one of the most challenging times of year for your dog’s skin, especially here in New Zealand.

Let’s talk about why.

1. Dry grass, dust & allergen build-up

By this point in summer, grass is drier, seed heads are everywhere, pollen has had months to build up in the environment.

All of that settles into your dog’s coat and onto their skin.

You might notice:

• Increased paw licking

• Face rubbing

• Rolling more than usual

• Redness on the belly or underarms

Left sitting on the skin, these irritants can gradually compromise the skin barrier, this is where gentle, consistent cleansing matters.

HoneyVet Nourishing Shampoo was designed for exactly this kind of everyday skin support, using Kānuka honey, aloe vera and naturally derived ingredients to cleanse without stripping the coat.

Because in late summer, the goal isn’t to “deep clean.” It’s to restore balance.

2. Salt water, sand & chlorine

Beach dogs are living their best lives but salt water and sand can dry the coat surprisingly quickly. Pool time? Chlorine strips natural oils too.

Without proper rinsing and conditioning, this can lead to:

• Flaky skin

• Dull coat

• Itchy patches

• Early irritation

After a beach rinse, following with a gentle wash and a supportive conditioner can help maintain softness and hydration.

HoneyVet Calming Conditioner works alongside the shampoo to add extra goodness back into the coat, using Kānuka honey, beeswax and coconut oil to support moisture and shine.

Think of it as restoring what summer takes out.

3. Over-bathing & stripping the skin barrier

When dogs are sandy or dusty every day, it’s tempting to wash them constantly. But frequent washing with harsh products can weaken the skin’s natural barrier.

Signs the barrier may be compromised:

• Tight or dry-feeling skin

• Coat losing its gloss

• Small irritations escalating quickly

HoneyVet products were developed by a veterinarian and created with everyday use in mind, designed to be gentle, safe and easy to integrate into real routines.

No harsh additives, no unnecessary extras, just thoughtfully selected ingredients grounded in nature.

4. Heat + moisture = escalation

Late summer warmth combined with trapped moisture (under collars, behind ears, between toes) can cause small irritations to spread quickly.

Supporting skin early is key. If you notice a patch of redness or irritation, addressing it sooner rather than later helps prevent it from becoming something more uncomfortable.

HoneyVet Soothing Skin Spray is formulated with Kānuka honey and kawakawa extract to gently cool and support irritated skin.

It’s easy to use, non-greasy, and designed to fit into everyday care, whether for family pets or performance animals.

Why Kānuka Honey Matters

At the heart of the HoneyVet range is New Zealand Kānuka honey, a unique botanical found only here.

Kānuka honey is known for its skin-supportive qualities and natural humectant properties, meaning it helps draw moisture into the skin and lock it in.

In late summer, when coats are dry and reactive, this kind of gentle moisture support makes a noticeable difference.

Premium, New Zealand-made care, created with science and nature working together.

A simple late-summer reset routine

If your dog’s skin has been a little reactive lately, try this:

• Rinse after beach or bush walks
• Cleanse with a gentle, balanced shampoo
• Follow with conditioner to restore softness
• Dry thoroughly
• Support small irritations early

Small, consistent care goes a long way and late summer skin flare-ups don’t usually happen overnight, they build. That’s why HoneyVet was created, to support everyday skin, coat and hygiene routines using naturally derived ingredients, developed with veterinary guidance.

From dogs and cats to performance animals, our range is trusted by pet owners across New Zealand.

If your dog’s skin has been a little unsettled lately, this might be your sign to reset.

Explore the HoneyVet range at honeyvet.co.nz