Winter feels comforting for us, warm blankets, hot drinks and slow mornings. But for our pets, the season brings a different set of challenges. Many pet parents assume that dogs and cats are naturally built for the cold, but that’s only partly true. Pets can fall sick faster in winter, and most of the time, the signs are subtle. By the time a pet parent notices, the problem has already grown.
This guide breaks down the real winter illnesses vets see the most, why pets are prone to them, and what you can do at home to keep your furry one safe.
1. Respiratory Infections (Cough, Cold & Pneumonia)
Dogs and cats do get “colds,” but they escalate quickly in winter. Cold air dries the airways, making pets more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections.
Common signs you may miss:
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A wet cough that comes and goes
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Nasal discharge
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Reduced appetite (especially in cats)
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Lethargy that feels “unusual”
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Breathing that sounds a bit heavier
How to prevent it:
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Avoid early-morning and late-night walks during peak cold.
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Keep beds away from draughts and cold flooring.
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Use a humidifier in extremely dry weather.
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Ensure vaccinations (including kennel cough) are updated.
2. Hypothermia & Frostbite
It’s a myth that only small or thin-coated dogs get too cold. Older pets, puppies, brachycephalic breeds, and short-coated breeds (Beagle, Rottweiler, Doberman, Indie, Dalmatian) lose heat quickly. Cats who live outdoors or tend to wander can also land in dangerous situations.
Signs of hypothermia:
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Trembling that doesn’t settle
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Cold ears and paws
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Weakness, slow movements
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Crying, whining or hiding
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Pale or bluish gums (red flag)
How to prevent it:
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Keep walks shorter on very cold days.
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Use sweaters or jackets for sensitive breeds.
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Dry your pet completely after baths or walks in foggy/misty weather.
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Never let wet pets sit under fans or in draughty areas.
3. Arthritis Flare-Ups & Joint Pain
This is one of the biggest winter complaints. Cold weather stiffens joints, especially in senior dogs and cats or breeds predisposed to joint issues (German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Rottweiler).
What pet parents commonly notice:
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Slow to get up in the morning
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Hesitating before climbing stairs
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Limping after rest
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Restless nights
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Snapping or growling when a painful area is touched
Prevention & management:
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Keep your pet warm, avoid sleeping on tiles or cold floors.
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Add joint supplements (after consulting a vet).
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Short but more frequent walks.
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Consider physiotherapy; it helps tremendously in winters.
4. Skin Dryness, Dandruff & Itching
Winter strips natural oils from the skin, and pets feel it more than we think. Many parents confuse winter itching with fleas or allergies, when it's actually dryness.
Typical signs:
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White flakes on the coat
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Scratching more than usual
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Rough or dull fur
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Mild redness around elbows, paws and belly
Prevention:
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Reduce the frequency of baths.
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Switch to moisturising shampoos.
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Use vet-approved coat oils or leave-in conditioners.
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Keep your home at a stable temperature.
5. Gastrointestinal Upset
Winter tends to change pets’ appetite and water intake. Pets often drink less, which can lead to constipation or urinary issues. Some pets also develop food sensitivities in winter because parents switch blindly to “heavier” diets without introducing slowly.
Signs to look out for:
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Lack of appetite
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Vomiting after sudden diet changes
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Constipation or straining
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Increase in accidents (cats may avoid a cold litter box)
Prevention:
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Ensure fresh, room-temperature water at all times.
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Warm the food slightly (not hot).
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Introduce winter foods slowly, especially if moving to homemade items.
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Keep the litter box in a warmer corner.
6. Tick & Flea Issues Don’t Disappear in Winterr
This is a common misconception. Ticks and fleas reduce but don’t vanish, especially in Indian winters, which are mostly mild. They often hide in warm spaces inside homes, on bedding, on carpets.
Signs:
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Sudden biting or scratching
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Scabs around the neck or tail
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Lethargy
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Pale gums (can be a sign of tick fever)
Prevention:
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Continue tick/flea preventives even in winter.
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Wash bedding regularly.
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Vacuum carpets and sofas.
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Inspect your pet after outdoor walks.
How Zigly Can Support You
Winter pet care isn’t about buying more things, it’s about understanding small changes that make a big difference. At Zigly, parents often walk in worried about coughs, itching, sudden limping or lack of appetite in their pets during December–January. Most of these issues, when caught early, are manageable.
Here’s how Zigly helps:
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Vet consultations for respiratory infections, joint pain, digestion issues and general winter illnesses.
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Physiotherapy sessions that support senior pets and arthritis cases.
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Grooming treatments with hydrating shampoos, conditioners and skin-soothing routines.
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Winter nutrition advice to choose foods that suit your pet’s age, breed and activity level.
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Tick & flea control throughout the season.
Winter doesn’t have to be stressful for your pet. With a little attention and timely care, the season can be as comfortable for them as it is for you. Visit your nearest Pet Care centre and choose smart care for your furry ones. You can also stock up on winter essentials available at zigly.com.
