Top tips for healthy pets
in winter
Winter in New Zealand brings crisp mornings, shorter days, and plenty of cosy cuddles on the couch with your furry best friend. But while we’re layering up, our pets can face hidden health challenges.
Cold weather, drier indoor air, and the higher likelihood of reduced exercise bring with it the possibility of the winter sniffles and other ailments. And that can affect your fur babies just as much as the rest of the family, says PD Insurance COO Michelle Le Long.
“Look, we’re not going to judge, but we do get a sense that the couch has far greater appeal in the shorter months,” smiles Le Long. “And while that may contribute to less time spent outdoors and a few extra pounds in winter, there can be more to this than meets the eye.”
Explaining further, Dr Hayley Hunt, chair of Healthy Pets NZ, advises, “One of the main issues we see more of for pets in winter is osteoarthritis – a joint disease that leads to reduced mobility and stiffness. While it occurs year-round, it can become more noticeable in senior pets during colder months due to changes in temperature and air pressure. The key message for owners is that stiffness and limping don’t have to be a normal part of ageing—there are a range of effective management options, from warmer bedding and joint-supporting diets to veterinary-prescribed pain relief.”
Seasonal spikes
Le Long says claims data from the past few years helps pinpoint what affects dogs and cats most in the winter months.
The data shows that some ‘year-round’ ailments nevertheless show seasonal spikes. Throughout winter of 2023, 2024 and 2025, Le Long says the top five pet insurance claims are remarkably consistent: ingestion, skin allergy and ear infections top the list, with gastroenteritis fourth. “The fifth spot varies slightly; diarrhoea in 2023, bite wounds in 2024, and vomiting in 2025,” she notes.
While these issues can strike at any time, she says winter adds extra pressure. Our data also shows clear seasonal spikes from autumn (March–May) into winter (June–August).
With pets spending more time indoors, everyday household items such as cleaning products, medications and electrical cords can become bigger hazards. “More time in the house, and perhaps cabin fever boredom, can mean curious cats and dogs get their noses into places they don’t belong,” says Le Long. “The advice here is simple: be a bit more conscious of those temptations and keep potentially hazardous items well outside of your pets’ reach.”
If you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have, contact your vet immediately, she adds. “Early action often prevents expensive complications.”
Winter itch
While allergies for cats and dogs are typically high in spring and summer months due to pollen, grasses and fleas, PD’s claim data shows this is also a winter issue. Skin allergy claims persist, with itchy, inflamed skin leading to scratching, infections, and discomfort.
Dr Hunt unpacks this: “Dust mites can become more problematic in homes in winter due to reduced ventilation. Regardless of how clean homes are, mites tend to live deep within carpets, bedding and furniture.”
Mites aren’t the only issue, Dr Hunt adds: “Fleas can also persist throughout winter, particularly in warmer climates.”
While heat pumps help keep homes warm and dry, it’s worth keeping a closer eye on your pet’s coat and skin during winter. Keep an eye on the pets, though: brush regularly to remove dead skin and distribute natural oils and consider a vet-recommended omega-3 supplement or hypoallergenic diet to support skin health from the inside. Avoid over-bathing, as this can remove those natural oils. When you do, choose moisturising shampoos and dry thoroughly straight away.
Winter ear infections often follow baths, swimming, or simply more time in damp conditions. Trapped moisture combined with reduced ventilation indoors creates the perfect environment for bacteria or yeast.
“If your dog or cat is constantly scratching or has red, flaky skin, book a vet check, as early management can stop secondary ear or skin infections,” says Le Long. “Gently dry ears after any wetting, using a soft cloth or vet-approved ear cleaner. And keep an eye on things, especially floppy-eared breeds, lift ears regularly to improve airflow and check for odours or discharge.”
Never, she stresses, use cotton buds or anything else deep in the ear canal; that’s for the vet to handle.
Sniffles and coughs
Turns out our cats and (more usually) dogs are just as susceptible to the winter sniffles as we humans are, confirms Le Long. “We see a strong uptrend in upper respiratory tract infections, particularly with kennel cough. We’ve seen claims jump significantly in some years, for example, 140% in 2024 and 200% in 2025,” she says.
Dogs are more prone than cats to kennel cough, as they also tend to be more social and can pick up the ailment when mixing at parks, daycare, or boarding facilities. Not, it must be said, all that different to humans in that respect. Cats, on the other hand, can catch a dose of the disease in stuffy indoor environments.
Le Long points out that keeping vaccinations up to date is essential and says the kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccine is especially worthwhile before winter socialising. Make sure bedding is raised, warm, and away from cold draughts.
Watch for coughing, nasal discharge, or noisy breathing; while many cases are mild, some require veterinary treatment. “You can also ensure good ventilation at home and avoid overcrowding with other pets if one shows signs of coughing or sneezing,” Le Long adds.
Just like humans, maintaining a balanced diet and good exercise through the cooler months means a stronger body ready to fend off the seasonal nasties. “Being in touch with your pets means quickly spotting anything that may seem off. Trust your instincts and check in with your vet if in doubt. And here’s to happy, healthy pets all winter long.”
Please note: Cover, exclusions and benefit limits vary by plan. PD may refer to conditions that are not covered under some plans, and per-claim limits may apply.