{"id":445232,"date":"2026-05-26T01:45:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T01:45:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/445232\/"},"modified":"2026-05-26T01:45:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T01:45:11","slug":"winter-health-claims-reveal-seasonal-risks-facing-cats-and-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/445232\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Health Claims Reveal Seasonal Risks Facing Cats And Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tuesday, 26 May 2026, 12:38 pm
Press Release: PD Insurance<\/a><\/p>\n

Winter in New Zealand brings crisp mornings, shorter
\ndays, and plenty of cosy cuddles on the couch with your
\nfurry best friend. But while we\u2019re layering up, our pets
\ncan face hidden health challenges.<\/p>\n

Cold weather, drier
\nindoor air, and the higher likelihood of reduced exercise
\nbring with it the possibility of the winter sniffles and
\nother ailments. And that can affect your fur babies just as
\nmuch as the rest of the family, says PD Insurance COO
\nMichelle Le Long.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, we\u2019re not going to judge,
\nbut we do get a sense that the couch has far greater appeal
\nin the shorter months,\u201d smiles Le Long. \u201cAnd while that
\nmay contribute to less time spent outdoors and a few extra
\npounds in winter, there can be more to this than meets the
\neye.\u201d<\/p>\n

Explaining further, Dr Hayley Hunt, chair of
\nHealthy Pets NZ, advises, \u201cOne of the main issues we see
\nmore of for pets in winter is osteoarthritis \u2013 a joint
\ndisease that leads to reduced mobility and stiffness. While
\nit occurs year-round, it can become more noticeable in
\nsenior pets during colder months due to changes in
\ntemperature and air pressure. The key message for owners is
\nthat stiffness and limping don\u2019t have to be a normal part
\nof ageing\u2014there are a range of effective management
\noptions, from warmer bedding and joint-supporting diets to
\nveterinary-prescribed pain relief.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seasonal
\nspikes<\/p>\n

Le Long says claims data from the past few
\nyears helps pinpoint what affects dogs and cats most in the
\nwinter months.<\/p>\n

Advertisement – scroll to continue reading<\/p>\n

The data shows that some
\n\u2018year-round\u2019 ailments nevertheless show seasonal spikes.
\nThroughout winter of 2023, 2024 and 2025, Le Long says the
\ntop five pet insurance claims are remarkably consistent:
\ningestion, skin allergy and ear infections top the list,
\nwith gastroenteritis fourth. \u201cThe fifth spot varies
\nslightly; diarrhoea in 2023, bite wounds in 2024, and
\nvomiting in 2025,\u201d she notes.<\/p>\n

While these issues can
\nstrike at any time, she says winter adds extra pressure. Our
\ndata also shows clear seasonal spikes from autumn
\n(March\u2013May) into winter (June\u2013August).<\/p>\n

With pets
\nspending more time indoors, everyday household items such as
\ncleaning products, medications and electrical cords can
\nbecome bigger hazards. \u201cMore time in the house, and
\nperhaps cabin fever boredom, can mean curious cats and dogs
\nget their noses into places they don\u2019t
\nbelong,\u201d says Le Long. \u201cThe advice here is simple: be a
\nbit more conscious of those temptations and keep potentially
\nhazardous items well outside of your pets\u2019
\nreach.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you suspect your pet has eaten something
\nthey shouldn\u2019t have, contact your vet immediately, she
\nadds. \u201cEarly action often prevents expensive
\ncomplications.\u201d<\/p>\n

Winter itch<\/p>\n

While allergies
\nfor cats and dogs are typically high in spring and summer
\nmonths due to pollen, grasses and fleas, PD\u2019s claim data
\nshows this is also a winter issue. Skin allergy claims
\npersist, with itchy, inflamed skin leading to scratching,
\ninfections, and discomfort.<\/p>\n

Dr Hunt unpacks this:
\n\u201cDust mites can become more problematic in homes in winter
\ndue to reduced ventilation. Regardless of how clean homes
\nare, mites tend to live deep within carpets, bedding and
\nfurniture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mites aren\u2019t the only issue, Dr Hunt
\nadds: \u201cFleas can also persist throughout winter,
\nparticularly in warmer climates.\u201d<\/p>\n

While heat pumps
\nhelp keep homes warm and dry, it\u2019s worth keeping a closer
\neye on your pet\u2019s coat and skin during winter. Keep an eye
\non the pets, though: brush regularly to remove dead skin and
\ndistribute natural oils and consider a vet-recommended
\nomega-3 supplement or hypoallergenic diet to support skin
\nhealth from the inside. Avoid over-bathing, as this can
\nremove those natural oils. When you do, choose moisturising
\nshampoos and dry thoroughly straight away.<\/p>\n

Winter ear
\ninfections often follow baths, swimming, or simply more time
\nin damp conditions. Trapped moisture combined with reduced
\nventilation indoors creates the perfect environment for
\nbacteria or yeast.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf your dog or cat is constantly
\nscratching or has red, flaky skin, book a vet check, as
\nearly management can stop secondary ear or skin
\ninfections,\u201d says Le Long. \u201cGently dry ears after any
\nwetting, using a soft cloth or vet-approved ear cleaner. And
\nkeep an eye on things, especially floppy-eared breeds, lift
\nears regularly to improve airflow and check for odours or
\ndischarge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Never, she stresses, use cotton buds or
\nanything else deep in the ear canal; that\u2019s for the vet to
\nhandle.<\/p>\n

Sniffles and coughs<\/p>\n

Turns out our cats
\nand (more usually) dogs are just as susceptible to the
\nwinter sniffles as we humans are, confirms Le Long. \u201cWe
\nsee a strong uptrend in upper respiratory tract infections,
\nparticularly with kennel cough. We\u2019ve seen claims jump
\nsignificantly in some years, for example, 140% in 2024 and
\n200% in 2025,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Dogs are more prone than
\ncats to kennel cough, as they also tend to be more social
\nand can pick up the ailment when mixing at parks, daycare,
\nor boarding facilities. Not, it must be said, all that
\ndifferent to humans in that respect. Cats, on the other
\nhand, can catch a dose of the disease in stuffy indoor
\nenvironments.<\/p>\n

Le Long points out that keeping
\nvaccinations up to date is essential and says the kennel
\ncough (Bordetella) vaccine is especially worthwhile before
\nwinter socialising. Make sure bedding is raised, warm, and
\naway from cold draughts.<\/p>\n

Watch for coughing, nasal
\ndischarge, or noisy breathing; while many cases are mild,
\nsome require veterinary treatment. \u201cYou can also ensure
\ngood ventilation at home and avoid overcrowding with other
\npets if one shows signs of coughing or sneezing,\u201d Le Long
\nadds.<\/p>\n

Just like humans, maintaining a balanced diet
\nand good exercise through the cooler months means a stronger
\nbody ready to fend off the seasonal nasties. \u201cBeing in
\ntouch with your pets means quickly spotting anything that
\nmay seem off. Trust your instincts and check in with your
\nvet if in doubt. And here\u2019s to happy, healthy pets all
\nwinter long.\u201d<\/p>\n

Please note: Cover, exclusions and
\nbenefit limits vary by plan. PD may refer to conditions that
\nare not covered under some plans, and per-claim limits may
\napply.<\/p>\n

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