As autumn turns to winter across Aotearoa, pet owners often underestimate how much the cold affects their animals. Dogs and cats are more vulnerable to temperature changes than many people realise, particularly seniors, puppies, kittens, and short-coated breeds. This guide covers everything you need to know about winter pet care in New Zealand — from keeping your home warm and pet-safe, to adjusting exercise routines, nutrition, and vet checks.
New Zealand winters vary dramatically by region. Dunedin and Queenstown can drop to near-freezing overnight, while Auckland rarely dips below 8°C. That said, even mild cold combined with dampness can be harder on pets than pure cold in a dry climate.
As a general guide:
Signs your pet is too cold include shivering, reluctance to walk, lifting paws off cold ground, hunching the body, seeking warmth against walls or under furniture, and in serious cases, lethargy or disorientation. Act immediately if you see these signs.
Cold floors are one of the biggest winter hazards for pets, especially those with arthritis or joint issues. In New Zealand homes — many of which have minimal insulation and no central heating — floor temperatures can drop significantly overnight.
Many NZ households use portable heaters, heat pumps, or log fires in winter. All of these carry risks for curious pets.
Dog coats and jumpers are not just fashion accessories — for the right breeds, they are essential winter gear in New Zealand.
Breeds that genuinely benefit from a winter coat include:
Look for waterproof outer shells for wet Wellington days, or wool-lined fleece for cold Southland nights. Ensure the coat fits properly — it should cover the neck to the base of the tail without restricting movement or chafing under the legs.
Dogs still need daily exercise in winter — skipping walks for weeks is not the answer. But you may need to adjust timing, duration, and intensity.
In New Zealand winters, the warmest part of the day is typically between 11am and 2pm. If your dog is sensitive to cold, shift morning walks later or split exercise into shorter midday sessions rather than one long early-morning outing.
Frost and cold wet surfaces can irritate your dog's paw pads, causing cracking or redness. After walks:
When it's genuinely too wet or cold for a walk, mental stimulation can partially replace physical exercise. Options include:
Pets that spend time outdoors burn more calories in cold weather to maintain body temperature. However, for most NZ pet dogs and cats that live primarily indoors, caloric needs in winter are similar to the rest of the year.
The main winter nutrition considerations are:
Less exercise combined with the same food intake is a recipe for weight gain. If your dog is getting fewer walks in winter, reduce portions slightly or switch to a lower-calorie formula until activity levels return to normal.
Cold, dry air can make skin and coat issues worse in winter. A daily fish oil supplement (or a food rich in omega-3s) helps maintain coat quality and has anti-inflammatory benefits for dogs with joint issues.
Pets drink less water in winter because they are less thirsty, but hydration is still essential. Ensure fresh water is always available and at room temperature — some pets will refuse very cold water. Cats especially benefit from a water fountain, which encourages drinking year-round.
If you have a senior dog or cat, or a breed prone to hip dysplasia (Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs), winter is the hardest season on their joints. Cold temperatures genuinely do make arthritis worse — this is not just an old wives' tale.
Signs of joint pain worsening in winter include:
Management options include:
Heading away this winter? Leaving a senior or arthritic pet at home?
ZiggySitters NZ connects you with experienced in-home pet sitters who understand the needs of older animals — so your pet stays warm, comfortable, and cared for while you travel.
Cats are generally better at self-regulating body temperature than dogs, but they still need extra attention in winter.
If your cat usually goes outside, you may find they spend much more time indoors in winter — which is fine. Provide additional litter trays if needed (indoor accidents increase when cats avoid going outside in the cold), and ensure they have warm, elevated sleeping spots away from draughts.
Winter is a known risk period for FLUTD in cats, particularly males. Stress from being cooped up indoors, reduced water intake, and cold temperatures all contribute. Encourage water consumption (wet food, fountains) and watch for signs like straining to urinate, frequent small urinations, or blood in urine — these require urgent veterinary attention.
Cats seeking warmth may crawl into car engine bays, outdoor sheds, or neighbouring garages. Before starting your car in winter, knock on the bonnet and check around the vehicle. Make sure your cat is microchipped and registered in case they wander further than usual.
Autumn is the ideal time to get a few things sorted before winter arrives, but it is not too late to book now:
Many New Zealanders travel during the school holiday period in July. Winter is also a popular time for ski trips to Queenstown, Wanaka, or Ruapehu — and that means arranging pet care.
For winter trips, we strongly recommend in-home pet sitting over kennels or catteries. Here is why:
| Factor | In-Home Pet Sitter | Kennel/Cattery |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth and comfort | Your pet stays in their own warm, familiar home | Commercial facilities vary widely in heating |
| Stress levels | Low — familiar environment and routine | Higher — unfamiliar place, proximity to other animals |
| Senior/arthritic pets | Sitter can manage medication, warming aids, gentle exercise | May lack capacity for special needs in busy season |
| Illness risk | No contact with other animals | Higher exposure to respiratory illness (kennel cough) |
| Individual attention | Your pet gets dedicated one-on-one care | Staff manage multiple animals simultaneously |
New Zealand winters are rarely extreme, but they do require some adjustments for your pet's comfort and health. The key priorities are warmth (especially sleeping spots and heating safety), maintaining exercise with appropriate adjustments, monitoring joint health in older animals, and being aware of winter-specific toxins around the home. With a warm bed, regular meals, and a trusted pet sitter when you need to travel, your dog or cat can get through winter in great shape.
Need a reliable pet sitter this winter?
ZiggySitters connects NZ pet owners with trusted, verified in-home pet sitters across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and beyond. Your pet stays home, warm, and happy.