Best ways to keep your pet warm this winter
If you’ve been feeling the chill recently, you’re likely not alone: our pets can get cold too, and it can even have an impact on their health.
Whether you have a cat, dog, or other pet, you’ll want to keep them protected from the adverse impacts of the cold like worsening arthritis or skin rashes. Many pets may need additional care in the colder months, from winter coat maintenance to increased feeding.
Signs your pet is cold
Sure signs of a cold dog or cat include:
- Shivering or shaking
- Behavioural change (can become anxious, needy, drop in mood)
- Drooped tail, hunched posture
- Slowed movement
- Dry or flaky skin (particularly in pets with short coats)
- Seeking warmth (heaters, tight spaces, body heat, etc)
Senior pets, very young animals, and those with pre-existing conditions will be more prone to feeling the cold, so keep a close eye on them.
With energy prices set to skyrocket this winter, keeping the heating on all day isn’t going to be the best solution for your wallet, so we’ve rounded up some winter warmer essentials that will keep your pet snug and healthy.
Tips for keeping your pet warm
Coats and jumpers:
Particularly good for short-coated dogs, coats can be good for keeping in the heat where they lack a double coat.
Hurtta Expedition Parka, Winter Dog Coat
- Full range of sizes available
- Reflective strip for easy visibility
- Designed for a full range of motion
Ideal for dogs with short coats or dogs without undercoats, this coat is double-layered to keep your dog warm through any conditions and the great outdoors. It has no turtleneck or long sleeves which allow for ease of movement and keep your pet feeling comfortable but not constricted.
Gold Paw Duluth Double Fleece Dog Coat Pullover
- Reversible fleece for a choice of designs
- Fun range of colours and prints available
- 4 way stretch with sizes to fit from kittens to Great Danes
For a winter warmer, this cosy option has no buttons or zips to irritate fussy pets. The soft fleece design is double sided and reversible which means you get two designs in one, finished in a range of playful prints and colours. Perfect for any size of pup, this jumper is made of recycled materials and can be thrown in the wash for easy cleaning.
Shelter and bedding:
Make sure that your pet’s have plenty of warmth where they sleep – especially those that sleep outdoors. This can mean ensuring that the dog house is well-insulated, or giving your cat some soft blankets to burrow in. Microwavable pads and pillows can be soothing for arthritis sufferers, while any plug-in options should be avoided to steer clear of electrical hazards.
Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Cat and Dog Bed
- Available in 5 sizes and a range of colours
- Machine washable
- Ideal design for burrowing
The super-soft plush fabric makes this the prime pick for a dog or cat bed in the cooler months. The raised rim adds a sense of security and elevates the neck, with a cushioned filling for joint support. You can also throw the whole bed in the wash when it needs a good clean.
PetAmi Waterproof Dog Blanket, Fleece Pet Throw
- Available in 3 sizes and a range of colours
- Waterproof for accidents and spills
- Soft touch fabrication
Perfect for protecting your furniture and letting your pets get cosy, this blanket is a multi-functional must-have. The soft feel is good for burrowing, while the waterproof design can stand up to the daily wear and tear of pet ownership. If it gets dirty, just throw it in the washing machine!
Winter grooming:
Pay extra attention to grooming in cooler months. A longer coat doesn’t always equal a warmer dog – it can contribute to skin conditions or discomfort. Outdoor pets might also require a bit of extra grooming in the winter months and can be prone to knots and matting. Make sure to clean off any mud and dirt thoroughly, and dry pets off completely after bathing.
Different breeds will have different grooming needs, so stay up to date on what is required for your pet.
Feeding:
Many pets will require extra food intake in the cooler months, since they will use up more energy keeping themselves warm. Consult a vet on how best to adjust their diet without overfeeding.
Activity:
If walking outdoors or playing outside becomes less possible in winter weather, make sure your pet has plenty of indoor entertainment. This can range from treat-based puzzles to add some mental stimulation to your pet’s routine, to the simplicity of a game of tug-of-war.
Lickimat Slomo
- Slows down fast eaters
- Provides mental stimulation
- Easy to clean, dishwasher safe
Suitable for dogs and cats, these mats help to relieve stress and boredom by adding a challenge to the everyday activity of eating. Easy to clean and available in different colours, these are silicone-free and helpful in aiding your pet’s dental hygiene.
Paw 5 Dog Snuffle Mat for Dogs
- Machine washable
- Good for foragers
- Mimics the feel of grass
Whether you use this to encourage slower feeding or to keep your dog entertained on rainy days, snuffle mats are great picks for scavenging and foraging types. The texture mimics grass, allowing pets to search for buried treats by scent and feel as they would in nature – especially when it’s too damp to get outside. Easy to store and machine wash to keep things clean.
SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post
- Wide, sturdy base for all sizes of cats
- Durable sisal fabrication
- Minimal assembly required
Cats love to scratch, and though they might ordinarily target your couch or your chair legs, this sisal scratching post is a much more satisfying use of their energy. The wide post and sturdy base make it a good choice for kittens through to senior cats, or those with a little extra weight. Some assembly is required, but no power tools – so even those with no handy skills should be able to master this. Cats might not be as outdoor-orientated as pets, but they still require the extra attention through the cooler months.
Winter can be a good time to do your regular veterinary check-in, making sure your pet is getting all the care they need in colder temperatures. Compare some of Mozo’s best pet insurance policies below.
Compare pet insurance - last updated 2 May 2024
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Accident and illness
100% Australian owned, Pet Circle Pet Insurance comes with no sneaky sub-limits and your choice of 3 annual limits up to $30K. Enjoy 3 benefit percentage options; 70% 80% or 90%, subject to annual excess. Choose what level of annual excess you need, from $0 to $150. Team of pet experts to help you on hand. Cancel at any time.
annual benefit limit
30000benefit percentage
90choice of excess
$0, $75, $150choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- -
CompareCompareAccident and illness
100% Australian owned, Pet Circle Pet Insurance comes with no sneaky sub-limits and your choice of 3 annual limits up to $30K. Enjoy 3 benefit percentage options; 70% 80% or 90%, subject to annual excess. Choose what level of annual excess you need, from $0 to $150. Team of pet experts to help you on hand. Cancel at any time.
- annual benefit limit
- 30000
- benefit percentage
- 90
- choice of excess
- $0, $75, $150
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- -
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- n/a
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes
- dental cover
- Yes
- emergency boarding
- Yes
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- Yes - Only New Zealand trip of not more than 60 days.
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 8
- minimum age in weeks
- 6
- waiting period
- 1 day for illness. 6 months for orthopaedic conditions
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- -
- claims service
- Online by vet or customer service portal.
- other benefits
- Optional excess is charged once per annual policy period. Complimentary access to the Pet Circle Pet Health Hotline.
- other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Accident and illness
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Exceptional Value Accident & Illness Pet Insurance - 2023
- Exceptional Quality Pet Insurance - 2023
Pet Insurance
Enjoy flexible options that make it simple to tailor your pet insurance. Get a quote in just 2 minutes. Aussie customer care team. There are no sub limits and emergency help is available 24/7. Add optional extras such as dental illness and specialised therapies. Get 10% off your first-year premium using the exclusive promo code "MOZO10" - T&Cs apply.
annual benefit limit
$7,500, $12,5000, or $25,000benefit percentage
70%, 80% or 90%choice of excess
$0, $100, $200 Annual Excesschoice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- -
CompareComparePet Insurance
Enjoy flexible options that make it simple to tailor your pet insurance. Get a quote in just 2 minutes. Aussie customer care team. There are no sub limits and emergency help is available 24/7. Add optional extras such as dental illness and specialised therapies. Get 10% off your first-year premium using the exclusive promo code "MOZO10" - T&Cs apply.
- annual benefit limit
- $7,500, $12,5000, or $25,000
- benefit percentage
- 70%, 80% or 90%
- choice of excess
- $0, $100, $200 Annual Excess
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- -
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- N/A
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes
- dental cover
- Optional
- emergency boarding
- Yes, up to 30 days
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- Yes, only while in New Zealand on a trip of not more than 60 days
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 8
- minimum age in weeks
- 6
- waiting period
- 1 day for illness, 14 days of illness, and 6 months for specified conditions
- special offers
- Get 10% off your first-year premium using the promo code "MOZO10"
- pre approval process
- -
- claims service
- Online by you or your vet
- other benefits
- Optional excess is charged once per annual policy period. Complimentary access to the Knose Pet Health Hotline.
- other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Pet Insurance
-
Major Medical
Get two months free when you sign up with Pet Insurance Australia. Choose between three levels of cover for your pet. Policies cover a range of specified accidental injuries and illnesses. Get refunded for up to 80% of eligible vet bills. 21 day cooling off period.
annual benefit limit
$30,000benefit percentage
80%choice of excess
$0, $100, $200, $500choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- 2 months free when you pay by monthly or fortnightly. Offer end on the 30th June 2024
CompareCompareMajor Medical
Get two months free when you sign up with Pet Insurance Australia. Choose between three levels of cover for your pet. Policies cover a range of specified accidental injuries and illnesses. Get refunded for up to 80% of eligible vet bills. 21 day cooling off period.
- annual benefit limit
- $30,000
- benefit percentage
- 80%
- choice of excess
- $0, $100, $200, $500
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- 2 months free when you pay by monthly or fortnightly. Offer end on the 30th June 2024
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- no
- routine care
- Yes
- routine care limit
- Up to $150
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes, up to $4,000
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes, up to $3,000
- dental cover
- No
- emergency boarding
- Yes, $1,200
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- Yes
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 9
- minimum age in weeks
- -
- waiting period
- 0 days for specified accidental injuries (other than a cruciate ligament condition), 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions, 30 days for illness conditions
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- -
- claims service
- GapOnly techNology available on eligible claims (available at participating vets), electronic claims by vet (processed within 5 business days) or 24/7 online customer service portal
- other benefits
- Complimentary access to online vet consultations with VetChat, up to 4 per month.
- other restrictions
- After pets 8th birthday, annual benefit percentage reduces to 65% on the next policy renewal.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Major Medical
-
Pet Insurance
Get cover for a generous 80% of your eligible vet bill when you take your furry family members to yourchoice of registered vet or veterinary practice in Australia. Enjoy a 15% discount on your first year’s premium for new policies quoted online. T&Cs apply.
annual benefit limit
$12,000benefit percentage
80%choice of excess
$100choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- Receive 15% off the first year’s premium for new policies quoted online
CompareComparePet Insurance
Get cover for a generous 80% of your eligible vet bill when you take your furry family members to yourchoice of registered vet or veterinary practice in Australia. Enjoy a 15% discount on your first year’s premium for new policies quoted online. T&Cs apply.
- annual benefit limit
- $12,000
- benefit percentage
- 80%
- choice of excess
- $100
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- Receive 15% off the first year’s premium for new policies quoted online
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- no
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- N/A
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes, up to $2,600
- hip joint surgery
- Yes, up to $4,000
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes, up to $1,500
- dental cover
- No
- emergency boarding
- No
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- No
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 9
- minimum age in weeks
- 8
- waiting period
- 2 days for accidental injuries, 30 days for illness and tick paralysis, 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- -
- claims service
- Submit claim by email or by post
- other benefits
- -
- other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Pet Insurance
-
Pet Plan
Get dental, physio and behaviour cover included as standard with Fetch 30k cover with no sub-limits. Your plan includes free 24/7 vet support and an all Aussie vet nurse team to manage claims. Claims are paid directly to your vet.
annual benefit limit
$30,000benefit percentage
80%, 90% or 100%choice of excess
$0 - $100choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- -
CompareComparePet Plan
Get dental, physio and behaviour cover included as standard with Fetch 30k cover with no sub-limits. Your plan includes free 24/7 vet support and an all Aussie vet nurse team to manage claims. Claims are paid directly to your vet.
- annual benefit limit
- $30,000
- benefit percentage
- 80%, 90% or 100%
- choice of excess
- $0 - $100
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- -
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- n/a
- dog
- yes
- cat
- no
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes
- dental cover
- Yes
- emergency boarding
- Up to 14 days
- theft or straying
- No - optional support with a social media campaign targeting up to 5,000 people in your postcode
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- No
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 9
- minimum age in weeks
- 8
- waiting period
- 2 days for injury, 30 days illness, Cruciate rupture, Patellar Luxation, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) and Cherry Eye, has a 90-day waiting period.. Option to submit a video to have waiting period waived.
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- Ask your vet to submit a pre-approval and get the outcome in-app.
- claims service
- Claim in-app or your vet submits online.
- other benefits
- Free 24/7 vet support in-app. Physio, Behavior cover included. See PDS for more.
- other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Pet Plan
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* Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.