No Rest For Rescues: Why Your Couch is the Best Christmas Gift for an Aussie Dog in Need

This Christmas, national animal welfare charity and advocacy group Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is urging Australians to open their homes to a foster pet – even for a short time – to help relieve the intense seasonal pressure faced by shelters and rescues across the country.

December is one of the busiest periods of the year for companion animal welfare organisations. More pets need urgent care, while volunteer availability drops and adoption interest slows as families focus on Christmas plans.

Foster Homes Offer a Lifeline

CANA’s member organisations include both traditional shelters and foster-based rescue groups who rely on volunteer carers to provide day-to-day care for animals in need.

CANA CEO Trish Ennis emphasizes the profound impact fostering has:

“Fostering is a simple but powerful way to change a pet’s life. Foster homes are a preferred environment to keeping animals in a shelter, offering consistency and security that some animals have never had. And the experience is deeply rewarding for carers, too!”

With cost-of-living pressures discouraging many families from adopting right now, Ms. Ennis stressed that foster carers have never been more important:

“Fostering offers a meaningful way to help without the long-term financial commitment of adoption.”

The Growing Pressures Facing Shelters

CANA’s latest Impact Report (2024/25) reveals the increasing pressures facing shelters and their foster networks that make temporary homes critical right now:

• Dogs Arriving as Strays: 61% of dogs arrive at CANA member organisations as strays, many needing calm, temporary homes until they can be reunited or adopted.

• The Holiday Surge: “The holiday period often brings a wave of lost or displaced dogs. Foster care helps provide stability for these pets at a time when they are at their most vulnerable,” said Trish Ennis.

• Adoptions Falling: Adoptions fell by 17% this year, despite fewer animals entering shelters. “This means more animals are staying in care for longer, placing ongoing pressure on shelters, staff and volunteer foster networks,” Ms. Ennis said.

• Surrenders Persist: Surrenders dropped by only 6%, remaining almost unchanged from last year. “Families continue to struggle with rental challenges, rising living costs and changes in personal circumstances,” said Ms. Ennis.

Note on Kitten Season: The intense demand is compounded by kitten season, with more than half of the cats entering CANA member organisations being under six months old. “Fostering a litter, or even a single kitten, over Christmas can dramatically reduce pressure on rescue services,” said Ms Ennis.

Case Study: The Man Behind 138 Wagging Tails

Andrew Hutton, an Adelaide local, proves just how transformative fostering can be for both pets and people. Through Scruffer Lovers—a 100% volunteer-run rescue and proud CANA affiliate—Andrew has fostered an incredible 138 dogs over the last 4.5 years.

Andrew Hutton with Max the Cavoodle
at a Scruffer Lovers adoption event.

Andrew is motivated by a simple desire to help animals. His own dog, Kiani, a Kelpie cross, was a "foster failure" he adopted: “I connected with her straight away,” he recalls. “She’s beautiful, friendly, great with other dogs… I got attached pretty quickly.” Kiani now plays an important role in helping new foster dogs settle in.

At the moment, Andrew is caring for three foster guests — Max the Cavoodle, Dante the Kelpie cross, and Leia, a Staffy pup recovering well from hip surgery — and they all get along.

Many of the dogs Andrew fosters come from pounds in NSW with difficult or unknown backgrounds. He takes them on daily walks, socialises them, helps them rebuild trust, and guides them from fear to confidence.

For Andrew, the transformation is life-changing:

“It gives me a purpose,” he says. After a stroke in 2012 and challenges with depression, fostering has become a grounding part of his life. “To see a scared dog turn into one full of confidence who loves people, it’s fantastic. Very rewarding.”

Andrew fosters each dog until they find their forever home, often driving five hours each way to collect dogs from rural pounds. He speaks highly of the support Scruffer Lovers provides, from covering vet bills and supplying food to helping with fuel for transport.

Andrew's advice for those worried about starting? “If you have patience and time, you’ll be OK.” His home—always open to wagging tails—proves the immense difference one person can make.

Why Fostering is Accessible and Rewarding

Foster a senior dog and change a life. (Photo by Barnabas Davoti)

For those wondering if they can realistically foster, CANA highlights that it is designed to be accessible:

• Costs Covered: Pet food, medication, and vet care are covered by CANA member organisations.

• Flexibility: "Even short-term or holiday placements, whether a week, a weekend or just overnight, can make a significant difference to a pet and the rescue supporting them,” Ms Ennis explains.

Top Reasons to Foster a Pet This Christmas:

✔️ Costs are Covered: Pet food, medication, and vet care are covered by CANA member organisations.

✔️ It’s a Compassionate Act: Thousands of pets rely on foster homes each year.

✔️ Pets Thrive Outside Shelters: Pets benefit enormously from time outside the shelter environment.

✔️ Companionship Without Commitment: If you've recently lost a pet, fostering offers companionship without long-term commitment.

✔️ A Trial Run for Ownership: For first-time pet households, fostering is a great way to explore what pet ownership looks like.

✔️ Socialisation: For families with existing pets, fostering can help animals become socialised and confident.

Can’t Foster? You Can Still Help

If fostering isn’t possible this year, Australians can still make a vital difference by donating to CANA to help member agencies manage the seasonal surge in animals needing care.

“For those unable to foster a pet, a donation to CANA helps fund the vital work of our member organisation, supporting them with essentials like food, veterinary treatment and emergency care during the busiest time of year,” said Ms Ennis.

“Together, we can give vulnerable cats and dogs the comfort and compassion they deserve this festive season.”

​A Heart for Every Dog - Dekota & Finn with Mal the Greyhound

Fostering for Dogs' Homes of Tasmania gives Dekota and her housemates a source of "connection, purpose, and laughter". See how they help dogs of all needs and read Dekota's full story here

How to Start Fostering Today

If you are considering fostering a pet, contact your local animal shelter or rescue organisation today.

Find a Foster Program via a CANA Member:

• Animal Welfare League Queensland (QLD)

• Lort Smith Animal Hospital (VIC)

• Sydney Dogs and Cats Home (NSW)

• Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania (TAS)

• Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE Inc) (WA)

• Scruffer Lovers (SA)

• Ginger Ninja Rescue (SA)

• ACT Rescue & Foster Inc (ARF) (ACT)

About Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA)

Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of our member agencies across the country, including Animal Welfare League QLD, Lort Smith (VIC), Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (WA). Together, our members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year. Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we celebrate the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership. We use our national voice to campaign for the humane treatment of all companion animals and we rally support for programs that deliver high welfare standards. We also lobby governments to drive change and preserve the bond between humans and their animals. Australia CAN celebrates the human-animal bond and promotes responsible pet ownership through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, including the Rent with Pets and Pets in Aged Care programs. To discover more, visit www.australiacan.org.au

Unwrap fascinating books this holiday that explore the full spectrum of the human-canine bond! From adrenaline-pumping K-9 handler thrillers and true stories of military heroism to honest guidance on pet loss grief and provocative veterinary ethics. Gain deep insights into your dog's mind, celebrate canine individuality, and laugh along with heart-warming tales of devotion. The ultimate thoughtful gift bundle for any adult who believes dogs are family.

Start exploring the incredible stories and insights in our adult selection below!

Treat your kids with a collection bursting with Christmas dog magic and adventure! They'll join a detective dog in a fun dognapping mystery, learn essential dog safety tips through rhymes, and discover that every dog is unique and adorable. With two hilarious versions of "The Night Before Christmas" and a cuddly picture book featuring a famous Golden Retriever, festive fun is guaranteed. The perfect reading tradition to start a lifetime of loving dogs!

DEADLY TRADE
by Sara Driscoll (Author)

FBI K-9 handler Meg Jennings can never walk away from her job, even amid her Hawaiian Islands honeymoon, where she and her search-and-rescue black Lab encounter a double threat from wildlife poachers and Mother Nature.

After a difficult assignment and the excitement of her wedding to firefighter Todd Webb, Meg is more than ready for two weeks of sun, sea, and gorgeous Hawaiian scenery. Her K-9 partner, Hawk, accompanies Meg and Todd to their resort, revelling in his celebrity status with both staff and guests. After a week of relaxation, all three are ready to get out into nature on the Big Island, where Meg and Hawk can practice search strategies.

In the remote fern forest of Pu'u Maka'ala Natural Area Reserve, Hawk's senses are on high alert. When Meg lets him leave the path, they encounter two men trapping bright birds. The poachers escape, leaving their bounty behind, and when agents from the FBI and US Fish and Wildlife arrive, they confirm that the birds are all endangered species near extinction. Super-wealthy collectors acquire them for private zoos, with no regard for the birds' survival. Alive or dead, these beautiful creatures are merely trophies.

Meg, Todd, and Hawk join an official search using a local conservation dog to pinpoint vulnerable nesting grounds in an attempt to protect trafficked wildlife and to stop the poachers in their tracks. But beyond the threat posed by determined poachers lurks another danger-Mauna Loa, one of the island's active volcanoes, has been grumbling, and is poised to turn this mission into their most terrifying yet.

Hardcover, 304 pages
Publisher: ‎Kensington, ‎9 December 2025

Price: $59.85 from www.amazon.com.au

DOGS OF WAR
Guardians of the Battlefield: True Stories of Loyalty and Bravery

by Nigel Allsopp

These are the stories we rarely hear ― the ones that stay with soldiers long after the war is over.

From the frozen training grounds of Norway to the deserts of Afghanistan, from the jungles of East Timor to the streets of Ukraine, these remarkable dogs have served in every climate and conflict. Trained to detect explosives, track enemies, protect bases, and comfort soldiers under fire, they have saved countless lives while asking for nothing in return.

These pages share the real accounts of soldiers and handlers who trusted their lives to a dog ― rescue dogs turned warriors, mascots who became comrades, and special operations canines who leapt into danger without hesitation. What sets these stories apart is not only the dogs’ loyalty and courage, but also the unbreakable bonds they forged with their human partners ― bonds that endured long after the battle ended.

Dogs of War is a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering companionship of the four-legged diggers who carried the weight of war alongside those who led them.

Nigel Allsopp has worked with military and police dogs for over three decades, both in Australia and internationally. He has spent many months over the last several years in war-torn Ukraine, training handlers in advanced K9 First aid ― continuing his mission to honour the animals who serve beside us.

Royalties will be donated to The Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation.

‘More than heroes, these dogs were lifelines ― loyal, fearless, unforgettable.’

Hardcover, ‎336 pages
Publisher‏: Big Sky Publishing, 25 November 2025

Price: $29.75 from www.amazon.com.au

DOG AFFIRMATIONS
An Illustrated Journey Through Your Dog's Thoughts
by Andrea Cáceres (Author)

An adorable, fun, delightfully illustrated book full of wisdom (and humour) from your dog's perspective--to help you live your best and most authentic human life.

Andrea Cáceres watches her dog every day dozing, gazing, dreaming. Like her fellow dog owners, she often wonders, what are they thinking about?

In this delightful, colourful book, Cáceres takes us on an imaginative journey into the world of dogs, each page filled with positivity, humour, and a deep understanding of the special bond between humans and their canine friends.

Enjoy this hilarious and heartfelt journey into your dog's world, and hold close the heartwarming advice only man's best friend can give. This is the perfect gift for dog owners, dog lovers, and anyone who wants to add a little paws-itivity to their life.

Hardcover, ‎96 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing, 4 November 2025

Price: $18.75 from www.amazon.com.au

PerPETual Love: It's Not 'Just' a Pet
Forever in Your Heart: a Guide Through Pet Loss Grief
by Ann Harris (Author)

For Those Preparing to Say Goodbye, Mourning a Beloved Pet, or Supporting a Loved One Through Their Loss

The bond you shared with your pet – whether a dog, cat, bird, reptile, or any cherished companion – was one of unconditional love and companionship. Losing them can feel overwhelming, and hearing ‘it was just a pet’ only deepens the pain. Your grief is real, and your emotions are completely valid – a natural response to the love you shared.

You are not alone in your grief.

Though they are no longer by your side, their love will always be a part of you.

In PerPETual Love: Forever In Your Heart – A Guide Through Pet Loss Grief, certified grief educator Ann Harris offers heartfelt support, understanding, and practical guidance to help you through this difficult time. Discover:

✔️ Why pet loss can feel as deep as losing a human loved one – and why your grief is valid. 

✔️ 30 Ways to Honour Your Pet’s Memory – Meaningful tributes, keepsakes, and ways to celebrate their life.
✔️ Guidance for Helping Children Process Loss – Age-appropriate ways to explain grief.
✔️ Making Difficult Decisions – Including euthanasia and whether to welcome a new pet.
✔️ Support for Seniors & Grieving Pet Owners – Special considerations for every pet lover.
✔️ How to Help a Grieving Friend or Family Member – The right words to say (and what to avoid).

Drawing on her experiences as a certified grief educator, dog trainer, animal trainer for TV and film, and advocate for animal therapy, Ann Harris provides practical advice, emotional insights, and real-life stories to help you honour your pet and navigate grief in a way that feels right for you.

Paperback,‎ 210 pages

Publisher:‎ Ann Harris, 10 February 2025

RRP: $21.99 from www.amazon.com.au

PAWNDERINGS

Tales of Tails & Whiskered Wisdom

by Hester Regoort (Author)

Caution: may cause laughter, empathy, and an irresistible urge to get a dog!

Step into the mischievous, wise, and utterly charming world of dogs who think they know everything — and just might be right. Pawnderings is packed with cheeky stories, heartfelt reflections, and life lessons from clever pups met on sits in Kent, England, and south-west France. 

Through these tales, you’ll laugh, pause, and reflect — all inspired by the antics, wisdom, and unexpected genius of the dogs themselves.

Hester Regoort has been happily outsmarted by more dogs than she can count. She writes about their adventures, the lessons they teach us, and the joys of seeing the world through muddy pawprints and curious noses.

A perfect gift for dog lovers, or anyone who wants to see life from a furry, wise, and occasionally mischievous perspective.

Kindle Edition, File size: ‎16.9 MB
Publication date‏: ‎17 October 2025

Price: $11.99 from www.amazon.com.au

WHAT KIND OF DOG IS THAT?
by Grace Chon (Author), David Haworth (Foreword)

A mixed-breed dog is 100 percent unique, and the question "What kind of dog is that?" is one that owners are all too familiar with. With the advent of DNA testing for dogs, they finally have their answer. 

In this book, photographer Grace Chon pairs their genetic breakdown with distinctive portraits of the pups. She captures what we love most about these special pets and how they stand apart from the pack in fun and unexpected ways. 

The DNA results provide insight to the mash-up of cuteness, from long bodies and stubby legs to that one floppy ear that refuses to stand up straight. 

With a fascinating explanation of the research, the book is as unique as its dogs. Sometimes funny, sometimes surprising, and always exceptionally lovable, this book is a must-have for every dog lover.

Hardcover, 128 pages
Publisher: ‎Countryman Press,‎ 22nd November 2025

Price: $22.47 from www.amazon.com.au 

VETERINARY CONTROVERSIES & ETHICAL DILEMMAS 

Provocative Reflections on Clinical Practice
by Tanya Stephens, R. Eddie Clutton, Polly Taylor, Kathy Murphy (Editors)

This book identifies increasing concerns with the veterinary profession and confronts them provocatively, with a view to stimulating positive change. A central theme is the emergence of the profitable ‘fur baby’ which is being propagated through encouraged anthropomorphism, a limited evidence base, overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and practice corporatisation. 

Richly accompanied with thoughts on veterinary celebrity, the misrepresentation of veterinary 'success', research using client-owned animals, unregulated treatments and end-of-life decision-making, the book represents a small room full of large elephants. With experienced contributors from around the world, each chapter combines personal stories with evidence-based reflections.

While many of the subjects presented will have undergone some degree of ethical analysis, the book itself does not intend to teach veterinary ethics; instead, its role is to identify key concerns with the profession’s current trajectory and to present them with candour, from the perspective of concerned veterinary professionals.

Ideal for use within the veterinary curriculum to stimulate undergraduate thought and discussion, this book will also be a valuable reference for practitioners as the veterinary profession comes to terms with life in a post-truth era.

Hardcover: ‎386 pages
Publisher: CRC Press, 10 September 2025

Price: $53.54 from www.amazon.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

RUNT AND THE DIABOLICAL DOGNAPPING
by Craig Silvey, Sara Acton (Illustrator)

The sequel to Runt, the phenomenal bestseller and family favourite, by award-winning author Craig Silvey.

Six weeks have passed since Annie Shearer and Runt competed valiantly at the Krumpets Dog Show.

The town of Upson Downs is rejuvenated. The grass is green. The rivers are flowing. And a Tournament of Champions has just been announced, with the world's best canine talent invited to showcase their skills in the Grand Ballroom of the abandoned Robert-Barren estate.

But as preparations for the event get underway, Runt mysteriously goes missing, and a trail of suspicious clues surround his doghouse. Annie's worst fears are confirmed when she discovers a ransom note with a peculiar demand: she must win it all to see her friend again.

It's up to Annie and her brother Max - now an intrepid investigative reporter with the Upson Downs Speculator - to rescue Runt before it's too late.

Endlessly charming, deeply funny and bursting with heart, Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping is an engrossing mystery filled with twists and surprises. A beautiful, tender and moving sequel to the bestselling, multi-award-winning classic, Runt.

Hardcover, 416 pages
Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's, 30th September 2025
For Ages: 9 - 99 years old

Price: $16.00 from www.amazon.com.au

AN AUSSIE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
20th Anniversary Edition

by Yvonne Morrison (Author), Kilmeny Niland (Illustrator)

We ran to the screen door, peeked cautiously out, Snuck onto the deck, then let out a shout. Guess what had woken us up from our snooze― But a rusty old ute pulled by eight mighty roos.

Christmas in the middle of the Australian summer means Santa has to find creative ways to deliver his presents. Yvonne Morrison’s rollicking rewrite of the famous old poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas gives the original version an hilarious Aussie twist.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: ‎Scholastic Press, 1 October 2025

Price: $10.00 from www.amazon.com.au

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT (WITH MONSTERS)
by Adam Simpson, illustrated by Gypsy Taylor

A heart-warming picture book (with Monsters!) for bedtime stories and read-aloud family fun.

Stars Dozer the Golden Retriever, loyal sidekick of Nagi Maehashi and official Taste-Tester at RecipeTin Eats.

A night-time adventure.
A classic nursery rhyme.
A dog called Dozer.

BUMP, BUMP, BUMP.
There are things that go BUMP at night.
Are there monsters in our house?

Row, row, row your boat,
Row your boat with me,
Let's go look for monsters,
Wherever they may be.

Hardcover, 44 pages
Publisher: Macmillan Australia, 11th November 2025

For: Kids aged 3+ years

RRP: $29.99 from www.panmacmillan.com.au

WHEN HARRY GOT LOST
by Leonie Jarrett

When Harry Got Lost - On a scorching New Year's Day, a simple café stop turns into every dog owner's nightmare.

Golden Retriever Harry, full of playful energy, breaks free with a metal chair clanging behind him, sending him bolting down busy streets, chased by frantic shouts from his family. 

As parents Anthony and Leanne, alongside anxious Albus, desperately track his path through strangers' sightings and fading clues, the search becomes a race against fear, noise and the chaos of unfamiliar territory. 

Joined by their children, who comb the streets with hope and heavy hearts, the family faces the depth of their bond, the meaning of home and the resilience of love amid mounting panic. Will they bring Harry back, or will their beloved escapee be lost forever?

This heart-stopping tale captures loyalty, chaos and the lengths we go for the ones we adore.

Paperback, ‎46 pages
Publisher: Nightingale Books, 30 October 2025

Price: $17.76 from www.amazon.com.au

'OUR DOG’S NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS' PERSONALISED BOOK
by Samantha Bosch, illustrated by Yana Kozak

Christmas Magic for Dog Lovers

What happens when Santa leaves on Christmas Eve night? The adventure continues with Our Dog's Night Before Christmas! 

This personalised children's book is a doggy version of the beloved poem, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" that's narrated from your pup's point of view. You can also add two photos and family names to appear in the story and illustrations—written in the snow, the stars, and stockings on the mantel.

Santa Paws is On the Way!

Meet Santa Paws, Santa's magical pet and best friend, on a mission to deliver toys to good dogs everywhere.

A Reading Tradition with Family

Whether you have a pet or wish to introduce kids to Santa Paws, this gift is a delightful way to continue the original poem and start a cherished new reading tradition with your family!

Hardcover, 22 pages
Publisher: i See Me! Printed in Australia (on demand)
For All Ages

Price: $34.99 from www.iseeme.com

IS IT OKAY FOR US TO PLAY?
A Guide for Safer Interactions Between Children and Dogs
by Catherine Hepburn

Is It Okay For Us To Play? is a charming rhyming picture book that helps young readers learn how to safely interact with the family dog. 

Through catchy, easy-to-remember rhymes and vibrant, playful illustrations, this book teaches important safety rules in a fun and engaging way. Perfect for families with pets, it's a must-read for helping children build respectful, safe, and loving relationships with their furry friends-right at home.

Paperback, 30 pages
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd., 7th November 2025
For Ages: 3 - 5 years old

Price: $15.35 from www.booktopia.com.au

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DOGS
The Classic Edition
by Amanda Sobotka, Chris Dunn (Illustrator)

Celebrate the holiday season with The Twelve Days of Christmas Dogs, a delightful canine twist on the classic holiday poem. This charming book features original illustrations that bring to life twelve festive, playful dog breeds.

The traditional twelve days of Christmas poem is joyfully reimagined, with each spread showcasing adorable dogs in holiday-themed settings. From fluffy Golden Retrievers and spirited Beagles to elegant Dalmatians and cuddly Pugs, these delightful dogs leap off the pages, inviting young readers to join in their merry celebrations.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Dogs is an enchanting read-aloud for children or adults who are young at heart. Boasting beautiful, heart-warming illustrations that capture the spirit of the season, it makes an ideal gift for dog lovers, pet parents, or anyone who appreciates a wagging tail.

Join these adorable holiday pups in this enchanting and heart-warming celebration of the season’s magic!

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson, 20th November 2025

For Ages: 3+ Years

Price: $36.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

To all our loyal readers over the past 10 years and our most recent ones, thank you for your support.

Before you go, don't forget to check our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Pet Parents bursting with 20 unique gift ideas to spoil the dog lovers (including yourself) and pooches in your life!

And from our pack to yours, we wish you an early Very Merry Woofmas!

How to Keep Aussie Dogs Safe This Christmas Season

by Dr. Claire Jenkins, Founder and CEO at VetChat

The Australian Christmas season is a magical time of celebration, good food, and time spent with loved ones—including our four-legged family members. But while the holidays feel joyous to us, they can bring a surprising number of risks for dogs.

From tempting fatty leftovers to glittering hazards and the unique challenge of summer heat, the festive environment is full of potential dangers. Many pet owners don't realise these could send their beloved companion to an emergency vet.

The good news is that most Christmas-related incidents are entirely preventable. By understanding the most common hazards and taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure your dog enjoys a happy, safe festive season alongside the rest of the family.

Festive Foods: The Hidden Dangers in Your Feast

Chocolate may be the most widely known danger, but it’s far from the only festive food that can harm dogs.

Toxic Ingredients to Strictly Avoid

These foods contain ingredients that can lead to severe illness or be life-threatening:

❌ Grapes & Raisins: Found in Christmas pudding and fruit platters. These can cause severe kidney failure.

❌ Chocolate: Contains the stimulant theobromine, which is toxic.

❌ Xylitol (Birch Sugar): Found in many sugar-free treats and baked goods. This sweetener is highly toxic, causing rapid insulin release and life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

❌ Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors.

❌ Cooked Bones: They splinter easily, causing severe damage, intestinal blockages, or constipation requiring surgery.

Rich Foods That Cause Painful Illness

Many classic Christmas dishes are simply too rich or fatty for a dog's digestive system.

Rich ingredients like ham, turkey skin, gravy, sausages, cheese boards, and fatty meats can trigger pancreatitis—a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas.

Even a small amount of rich or fatty food can cause problems in sensitive dogs.

Safe Alternatives for the Dinner Table

If you'd like your dog to feel included, offer safe, healthy alternatives:

✔️ Plain, unseasoned chicken or turkey (without skin or bones)

✔️ Carrot sticks

✔️ Apple slices (seeds removed)

✔️ Blueberries

✔️ High-quality dog treats

Friendly Reminder: Be vigilant and remind guests not to slip your dog snacks under the table, no matter how compelling those puppy-dog eyes can be.

Decorations & Plants: Chewing Hazards

Christmas decorations are often irresistible to curious dogs. Take these precautions to keep your home safe and festive:

Hazard Prevention Checklist

1. Tinsel, Ribbons, String, and Bows:

❌ Risk: If swallowed, these linear materials can cause severe intestinal blockages that usually require emergency surgery.

✔️ Action: Clean up wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows immediately. Place tinsel high up, or avoid it altogether.

2. Fragile Ornaments:

❌ Risk: Glass baubles can shatter into sharp pieces, causing cuts or internal injury if ingested.

✔️ Action: Use shatterproof decorations on lower branches. Place fragile, sentimental ornaments higher up.

3. Fairy Lights & Electrical Cords:

❌ Risk: Tempting to chew and can cause burns or electrocution.

✔️ Action: Tuck away electrical cords with covers or cable guards.

4. Toxic Holiday Plants:

❌ Risk: Lilies, mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are all toxic if ingested.

✔️ Action: Place holiday plants strictly out of reach.

5. Christmas Tree Water:

❌ Risk: Can contain preservatives or fertilisers that may make dogs unwell.

✔️ Action: Securely cover or block access to the tree water stand.

Tree Safety Pro-Tip: Secure your Christmas tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from toppling, and consider a barrier or exercise pen around the base to deter enthusiastic explorers.

Gift Wrapping & Packaging Hazards

The textures and smells of gift wrapping are often irresistible, and accidents frequently peak on Christmas morning amidst the excitement and mess.

Post-Unwrapping Dangers

• Packaging Waste: This includes small items like silica gel packets (desiccants) found in new product packaging, which can cause gastrointestinal upset or blockages if swallowed.

• Wrapped Food Gifts: A determined dog can sniff out and tear open any gift containing food, chocolate, or scented items in seconds, leading to toxicity or overindulgence.

 Action Steps

✅ Clean up paper and waste immediately as gifts are opened.

✅ Avoid leaving food-containing or scented gifts under the tree, especially overnight.

✅ Ensure all ribbons, bows, and string (which pose a linear obstruction risk) are cleared away instantly.

Managing the Australian Summer Heat

An Australian Christmas often means warm, humid weather. Heat stress is one of the most common summertime emergencies and demands vigilance.

Dogs don’t sweat like humans and rely on panting to cool themselves, which becomes ineffective in extreme heat. Flat-faced breeds, older dogs, and overweight pets are especially vulnerable. You can read more about the signs and prevention of heatstroke in dogs here.

Essential Heat Safety Checks

1. Water & Shade: Always ensure your dog has unlimited access to shade and fresh, cool water.

2. Timing Walks: Avoid exercising or walking your dog during the hottest part of the day (usually 10 am–4 pm).

3. Hot Surfaces: Remember that footpaths, sand, and asphalt can get hot enough to seriously burn paws. Test the surface with the back of your hand; if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for their paws.

Watch for Signs of Heatstroke (Act Urgently!)

If you suspect heatstroke, act urgently. Signs include:

• Excessive panting and drooling

• Bright red or pale gums

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Wobbliness, staggering, or collapse

Immediate Action: Begin cooling your dog immediately with cool (not icy) water or damp towels, and seek veterinary care urgently.

Prepare for Emergencies, Just in Case

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Pre-planning saves valuable time, money, and stress during the busiest season of the year.

Emergency Preparation Steps

✔️ Locate Emergency Vet: Research your nearest 24-hour emergency vet and save the number now.

✔️ Consider Telehealth: Given that recent studies show 1 in 6 Australian pet owners are skipping essential vet visits due to cost, using veterinary telehealth can be an affordable and stress-reducing first step.

For less urgent concerns, or when you’re unsure if a situation warrants an emergency visit, veterinary telehealth (like VetChat) can be invaluable.

Case Study: Ollie the Border Collie 

Last Christmas, VetChat helped a distressed owner whose 31kg border collie, Ollie, had stolen approximately six chocolate M&Ms and a few Maltesers from under the tree.

Within minutes, a vet was able to reassure them that at Ollie's size, he ingested well under the toxic threshold. The owner was advised to simply monitor for any unusual symptoms and enjoy the rest of their Christmas, avoiding an expensive and stressful emergency vet visit on Christmas Day.

A little planning and awareness this Christmas can make all the difference, ensuring your dog enjoys a safe, happy holiday season alongside the whole family!

About VetChat

VetChat is Australia’s leading veterinary telehealth provider, offering fast, affordable online consultations with qualified vets. 

With a focus on accessibility and peace of mind, VetChat provides general advice and triage services that complement in-person vet care. 

Last year, VetChat delivered more than 63,000 consultations, with 90% of pet owners connecting to a vet in under two minutes, achieving a 95% satisfaction score. For more information, visit www.vetchat.com.au. 

Connect with VetChat on Social Media:

• Facebook: @VetChat

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