Care & training
There’s lots to love about winter: crisp morning walks, cosy evenings on the couch, and quality time with our pets. But cooler weather can also bring some challenges. From stiff joints and itchy skin to hidden hazards around the home and garden, winter can affect your pet’s comfort and wellbeing, especially if they’re older or have existing health conditions.
In this blog, we’ll share some simple things to keep in mind to ensure that your furry family member stays warm, healthy, and comfortable throughout the colder months.
Table of contents
- Stiff joints can be more noticeable in winter
- Skin, ears, and paws may need a little extra care
- Changes in behaviour or appetite shouldn’t be brushed off
- Seasonal hazards are easy to overlook
- Keeping your pet active is just as important in winter
- How pet insurance can support you and your pet through every season
Stiff joints can be more noticeable in winter
If your dog seems to be getting out of bed a bit slower than usual or your cat isn’t quite as eager to leap onto their favourite perch, it could be more than just a case of the winter blues. Colder weather can make joint stiffness more noticeable, especially in older pets or those living with arthritis.
Keeping your dog or cat moving with gentle daily exercise can help support their joints. For dogs, shorter, more frequent walks can be a great way to maintain regular activity. Regular movement helps keep joints flexible and muscles strong, while a warm, cosy bed away from cold draughts can help keep your pet comfortable. It’s also worth making sure favourite resting places are easy to access, particularly for older pets who may find jumping or climbing more difficult than they used to.
If your pet seems reluctant to move, is limping, or appears to be in pain, it’s best to book a check-up with your vet.
Skin, ears, and paws may need a little extra care
Winter weather can be surprisingly tough on your pet’s skin. Rain, damp grass, and muddy puddles can trap moisture in the coat and around the paws, while indoor heating may contribute to dry or irritated skin. Dogs with floppy ears can also be more prone to ear problems if moisture isn’t dried properly after wet weather.
After walks, take a few extra moments to dry your pet’s coat, paws, and ears, paying particular attention to spots where moisture can linger, such as between the toes. Keep an eye out for redness, excessive scratching, licking, unusual odours, or head shaking. Identifying these signs early can help ensure any problems are addressed promptly.
Changes in behaviour or appetite shouldn’t be brushed off
Keeping an eye on changes in your pet’s behaviour is an important part of looking after their health and wellbeing. You know what’s normal for them, including their energy levels, appetite and daily routine. If they suddenly seem unusually tired, lose interest in food, develop a cough, or simply don’t seem like themselves, it’s worth keeping a close eye on them.
Although these changes aren’t always related to the weather, they can sometimes be an early sign of illness, pain, or discomfort.
If you’re at all concerned, it’s worth speaking to your vet. Trusting your instincts and seeking advice early can help ensure any potential issues are addressed promptly.
Seasonal hazards are easy to overlook
As the weather cools down, a few seasonal hazards can become more common around the home and garden. Keeping them in mind can go a long way towards helping your pet stay safe and comfortable throughout winter.
After rain, mushrooms can appear in gardens and parks. While some are harmless, others can be toxic if eaten, so it’s best to stop your pet from sniffing or nibbling wild mushrooms. If you think your pet has eaten a wild mushroom, contact your vet immediately.
Heaters, fireplaces, and electric blankets can also pose a risk. Pets naturally seek out warm places to rest, but getting too close to heat sources can lead to burns or overheating. If you use a fireplace or portable heater, consider using a fireguard or safety screen to help prevent curious pets from getting too close. Keep pet beds at least a metre away from heaters and fireplaces, and never leave electric blankets switched on when pets are unattended. Always make sure your pet can move away if they become too warm.
Antifreeze is another hazard that’s easy to overlook during winter. It often contains ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste that can attract pets but is highly toxic, even in small amounts. Although ethylene glycol poisoning is uncommon in Australia, it’s important to clean up any spills immediately and store antifreeze securely out of your pet’s reach. If you think your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your vet straight away, as prompt treatment is critical.
Pets still needs exercise and enrichment in winter
When the weather cools down, it’s tempting for everyone to spend a little more time indoors, including our pets. But while your routine might change, your pet still needs opportunities to move, play, and explore.
If it’s too wet for a long walk, try heading out during the warmest part of the day or swapping a long outing for a shorter one. Indoors, you can keep your pet engaged with puzzle feeders, scent games, training sessions, or DIY enrichment activities using everyday household items. Rotating toys and activities can also help keep things interesting.
Enrichment isn’t just about keeping boredom at bay. It gives pets the chance to express natural behaviours like sniffing, foraging, climbing, scratching and problem-solving, helping to support their mental and physical wellbeing. Spending time playing or training together can also strengthen the bond you share with your pet.
How pet insurance can support you and your pet through every season
Whatever the season, a little extra awareness can go a long way towards helping to keep your pet safe, healthy, and comfortable. And if the colder weather does lead to unexpected trip to the vet, pet insurance can help you manage some of the costs, so you can focus on getting your furry family member back to their best.
With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can customise your cover to suit your pet’s needs and your budget. And because it’s RSPCA Pet Insurance, every policy also helps support vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives across Australia, including rescue, rehab, and rehoming efforts.
To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.
Disclaimer
As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to make sure this cover suits your needs.
References
[1] RSPCA Australia. I think my dog has arthritis, what can I do? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/health-issues/i-think-my-dog-has-arthritis-what-can-i-do
[2] RSPCA Australia. I think my cat has arthritis, what should I do? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/health-issues/i-think-my-cat-has-arthritis-what-should-i-do
[3] RSPCA Australia. How can pain be recognised and monitored in cats? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/how-can-pain-be-recognised-and-monitored-in-cats
[4] RSPCA Australia. Where can I find out about plants that might be poisonous for my pets? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/where-can-i-find-out-about-plants-that-might-be-poisonous-for-my-pets
[5] RSPCA Australia. What garden dangers must I protect my pet from? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/what-garden-dangers-must-i-protect-my-pet-from
[6] RSPCA Australia. How can I create low-cost DIY enrichment for my cat or dog? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-create-low-cost-diy-enrichment-for-my-cat-or-dog
[7] RSPCA Pet Insurance. Product Disclosure Document. RSPCA Pet Insurance; 2026. Available from: https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/
FAQs
Yes. Cooler temperatures can affect joint mobility, skin health, and appetite, particularly in senior pets, puppies, kittens, and pets with existing health conditions. Providing a little extra warmth, drying your pet off after walks, and keeping an eye out for changes in their behaviour can help keep pets comfortable throughout winter.
A warm, draught-free space to rest, a thorough dry-off after walks, and a well-fitted coat can all help keep your dog comfortable during winter. If your dog spends time outdoors, make sure they have access to warm, dry shelter and fresh water. Shifting exercise to the warmest part of the day and keeping joints moving with gentle activity are all important parts of winter care.
Cats are usually good at finding warm, comfortable spots to curl up on their own, but you can help by providing a cosy bed away from cold floors and draughts. Keep heating sources such as heat mats pet-safe, and if your cat has access to a safe, escape-proof outdoor area such as a catio, check their coat and paws for dampness when they come inside. A warm, dry resting place can help keep your cat healthy and comfortable throughout winter.
Cats are usually good at finding warm, comfortable spots to curl up on their own, but you can help by providing a cosy bed away from cold floors and draughts. Keep heating sources such as heat mats pet-safe, and if your cat has access to a safe, escape-proof outdoor area such as a catio, check their coat and paws for dampness when they come inside. A warm, dry resting place can help keep your cat healthy and comfortable throughout winter.
>If your pet becomes unexpectedly ill or injured during winter, pet insurance may help to cover some of the vet costs, depending on your level of cover, the terms of your policy, and any applicable exclusions or exclusion periods.
And if you choose RSPCA Pet Insurance, your policy not only helps protect your pet, but also helps support vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives across Australia, including rescue, rehab, and rehoming efforts.
As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to make sure this cover suits your needs.
