Tuesday, 26 May 2026, 12:38 pm
Press Release: PD Insurance
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.
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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.
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