Too Cold For You? It's Too Cold For Your Pet Too, Says Petdirect Vet

Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 10:03 am
Press Release: Petdirect

Auckland, NZ – Tuesday 27 May 2025 – As New Zealand heads into its coldest months, Petdirect’s in-house veterinarian, Dr. Olja Jovovich, is urging pet owners to treat winter as seriously for their pets as they do for themselves. Her key advice?

“If you’re feeling the chill, your pet probably is too—keep them warm, dry, and comfortable,” says Dr. Jovovich.

From shivering Whippets to indoor-bound grumpy cats, winter poses risks that many pet owners overlook. Dr. Jovovich shares essential tips to ensure pets stay healthy and happy when temperatures drop.

How cold is too cold?
“A good rule of thumb is this: if you need a jacket, your dog might too,” says Dr. Jovovich.
Below 10°C, small, short-haired, or senior dogs should always wear a warm coat when heading outdoors. While cats don’t need jackets, they do need shelter, warmth, and the ability to come indoors freely.

Signs your pet is feeling the cold
Common signs include shivering, a hunched posture with tail tucked in, cold ears and paws, sluggish movement, and reluctance to go outside (which may lead to toileting accidents indoors). “If your cat doesn't have a litter tray, they're even more at risk of developing stress-related health issues,” adds Dr. Jovovich.

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Winter-proofing your home
Dr. Jovovich suggests raising pet beds off cold floors, using pet-safe heat pads (never electric blankets), and making sure cats have clean indoor litter trays. She recommends keeping pets stimulated with puzzle feeders.

“Rainy days don’t have to mean lazy days,” she says. “Mental stimulation can be just as important as physical exercise. Interactive puzzle toys are a great way to keep your pet’s brain engaged and help prevent boredom during those indoor days.”

Don’t forget the paws
“Cold weather can cause painful irritation to your pet’s paws, especially in colder parts of New Zealand, like down south where frosty conditions are common,” warns Dr. Jovovich. She recommends wiping or washing paws after walks, applying paw balm before and after outings, and using booties in particularly cold conditions—if the dog tolerates them.

Short-haired, thin-coated, small, senior, or low-body-fat breeds—like Whippets, Greyhounds, Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinschers—should wear jackets when outdoors in the cold.

Food, supplements and hydration
Unless a pet’s activity increases significantly in winter, there’s no need to adjust their diet. Dr. Jovovich notes that most pets on a balanced or prescription diet won’t need extra supplements. However, hydration still matters:

“Heaters dry out the air, so consider offering more wet food and using water fountains to encourage drinking—especially for cats.”

Common seasonal risks
Dr. Jovovich sees a range of winter-related issues, including:

• Urinary problems in cats from ‘holding on’ due to cold or lack of litter trays
• Arthritis flare-ups, especially in older pets
• Unnoticed weight gain from lower activity levels
  Dry skin and dull coats, particularly in areas with drier air
• Breathing issues in flat-faced breeds exposed to cold or dry conditions

Dr. Jovovich's final tip for all pet owners: 'If you're cold, your pet probably is too—keep them warm, dry, and comfortable this winter.'"

About Petdirect

Petdirect’s mission is to become New Zealand’s most trusted and convenient destination for pet owners. Launched just as the country entered its first lockdown in March 2020, Petdirect quickly emerged as a leader in the online pet specialty space. By combining a wide range of premium products and services with exceptional customer care and consistently competitive pricing, Petdirect built a loyal customer base and earned the top spot in the online pet specialty market by July 2023.

Learn more at petdirect.co.nz

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