Beyond Plastic: The Sniff’s Sustainable Take on Dog Enrichment

With environmental sustainability front of mind, we’re looking at a new local brand helping us swap 'plastic-heavy' for more considered choices.

Discover The Sniff’s Foundational Edit: a curated collection of food-grade silicone slow feeders, lick mats, and eco-friendly coffee wood chews for dogs.

When Sunshine Coast mum of two Yvette Page was preparing to bring home her Labradoodle puppy, Rumi, she assumed finding a few high-quality dog essentials would be a simple task. It wasn't.

Like so many new puppy owners, she found herself scrolling through endless options: chew toys, feeders, bowls, and enrichment tools—the vast majority of which were made from generic plastics. Some were labelled "natural," some looked stylish, and others made grand promises, but very little felt genuinely reassuring to a parent looking for safety and longevity.

“I wanted one place I could go where the research had already been done,” says Yvette. “Somewhere I could feel confident about what I was buying for my dog. I couldn’t find it, so I decided to build it.”

As she looked more closely into the category, Yvette uncovered peer-reviewed research showing that the concern was not limited to plastic alone. 

Across different product types, the literature pointed to a mix of chemical and physical risks, confirming that more caution is needed when choosing the items dogs chew, lick, and use daily. 

It also reinforced that labels like “natural” weren't always enough to guarantee a product was clear or trustworthy.

A Better Filter for Dog Owners

That search became The Sniff, a Sunshine Coast-based dog enrichment brand built on a simple premise: if something goes in a dog’s mouth regularly, it should meet a higher standard. 

For Yvette, this was never about creating more products for the sake of it; it was about creating a "better filter"—a calmer, more reliable option for owners who want essentials made from materials they feel good about bringing into their homes.

“The deeper I looked, the more I realised how hard it was to get clear information,” she says. 

“I didn’t want a cart full of random products. I wanted fewer things, chosen properly.”

The Foundational Edit: A Simpler Way to Choose Well

The Sniff launches with its debut release, The Foundational Edit—a tightly curated collection of dog essentials selected for both function and material integrity. Rather than overwhelming owners with dozens of choices, this edit is designed to take the guesswork out of "choosing well," whether for new puppy owners or those looking to replace everyday items with better-considered options.

At its core, The Foundational Edit focuses on the routines dogs return to again and again: feeding, licking, chewing, and play. 

It speaks to a growing number of dog owners who are tired of plastic-heavy pet products and want a reliable alternative without spending hours conducting their own research.

What’s Inside the Collection?

• Food-Grade Silicone Slow Feeder: Designed with deep grooves and a suction base, this feeder is a practical solution for dogs that tend to 'inhale' their food. As we recently covered in our look at tackling Australia’s pet obesity crisis, extending mealtimes is a key step in supporting better digestion and making daily feeding a more engaging, healthy routine.

• Matching Lick Mat: Made from the same food-grade silicone, this mat can be used alone or paired with the bowl. It’s ideal for spreadable treats or meal toppers, tapping into a dog’s natural repetitive licking behaviour to promote a calmer routine.

• Coffee Wood Chew: Sourced from retired coffee trees that have reached the end of their productive life as plantation crops, these are upcycled into durable chews. Unlike garden sticks, this dense wood is designed to fray gradually into soft fibres rather than breaking into sharp splinters.

• FSC-Certified Natural Rubber Ring: A solid, natural rubber option for fetch and interactive play. Sourced from responsibly managed forests, it was selected because the available evidence on natural rubber is significantly more favourable than many conventional plastic toys.

Giving Back Locally

Alongside its launch, The Sniff is supporting rescue dogs closer to home. For every Foundational Edit sold, $1 is donated to the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (SCARS), helping support the rescue and rehoming of dogs and cats across the region. It’s a small but meaningful part of the business that reflects the values behind the brand: thoughtful choices, local connection, and a genuine love of dogs.

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Price & Where to Buy

Special Launch Offer: For early supporters, The Foundational Edit is available at the special launch price of $99 AUD until midnight 27 March 2026 at thesniff.com.au. From 28 March, the RRP is $129 AUD.

Shipping is included Australia-wide. Orders will ship from 30 March 2026.

Connect with The Sniff on Facebook or on Instagram: @thesniff.au

Safety Disclaimer: While The Sniff focuses on safer material choices, no chew toy is indestructible. Australian Dog Lover recommends that all enrichment activities—particularly involving wood or rubber chews—be conducted under supervision to ensure your dog’s specific chewing style remains safe. 

Related Stories

• 5 Enriching Activities You Should Do With Your Dog Every Day From mental focus to the power of a good sniff, discover the five pillars of a happy, well-adjusted dog according to expert animal behaviourists.

• How to Help Your Dog Sleep Better (and why their bed might be toxic) For Sleep Awareness Month, we look at the link between mental rest and a safe, non-toxic sleeping environment.

• Creating an Enriching Environment for Dogs – Our comprehensive '101' guide to transforming your home into a canine paradise.

• Does your Dog need a Sniffari or a Vet Visit? Is your dog restless or truly unwell? Learn how to distinguish between a need for more mental stimulation and a trip to the clinic.

The Bread Heist, "Taz" Circles, and the Midnight Feast: Navigating the Reality of Australia’s Pet Obesity Crisis

In the busy consultation rooms of Melbourne’s Lort Smith Animal Hospital, a quiet but dangerous trend is taking shape. As the largest not-for-profit animal hospital in Australia, the facility sees thousands of pets every year, but recently, the data has reached a tipping point: one in three pets walking through their doors is now classified as dangerously overweight.

“Being overweight can have disastrous consequences for our pets,” says Chief Veterinarian Officer, Dr. Jessica Wilde. 

“We are seeing a spike in life-threatening health risks, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and a significantly reduced life expectancy. We want to start raising awareness now before Victoria—and in fact, all of Australia—is faced with a full-blown obesity crisis in our companion animals.”

While the clinical statistics are alarming, the reality of managing a pet’s weight is often found in the chaotic, humorous, and sometimes "stealthy" environment of the family home. To understand why the numbers are climbing, one only needs to look at the "professional liars" and food-driven personalities that make up the modern Australian household.

Meet the Pack: The Faces of the Struggle

“All three of our dogs are absolute liars. They will use those big, puppy dog eyes to convince you they haven’t been fed.” — Elaine

For Elaine and her family, pet weight management is a tactical daily operation involving three distinct, highly motivated personalities. Each dog brings its own unique challenge to the "household hustle":

• Harvey (3, Black Labrador): A "gentle giant" with a calm nature, Harvey lives with epilepsy. His medication increases his appetite, turning him into a professional opportunist. “While he won’t help himself to food off tables or plates,” Elaine explains, “under the stealth of darkness, he will help himself to any food that is easily—or not so easily—accessible.”

• Emmy (4, Chocolate Lab): The polar opposite of Harvey. A "nuggety little girl" nicknamed "Taz" because she runs in frantic circles and sounds just like the Tasmanian Devil when excited. Emmy is the most difficult dog in the house to manage around food. 

“She is incredibly brazen,” says Elaine. “She will steal from the table or kitchen bench while we are watching.”

• Nessie (6, Golden Retriever): The "Lady" of the group. While she can be greedy, she maintains a sense of decorum that her Labrador siblings lack. However, living with two labs means she is always ready to join a heist if the opportunity arises.

The Great Bread Heist and the Pantry Raids

The struggle to keep pets slim often hits a peak during times of domestic upheaval. Elaine recalls a period of "complete chaos" during major home renovations. With walls demolished and the kitchen removed, the dogs were confined to a study upstairs.

“My husband thought it would be a great idea to set up a space to store some food in the back garage,” Elaine says. “All it took was one person to leave the door open for Harvey to make his move when out for a toilet break. If he’d been smart about it, he’d have stayed in the garage and eaten it. But he wanted to bring the prize back.”

This isn't new behaviour for the family’s dogs. Elaine remembers their previous lab, Pepper, who at just five months old managed a legendary heist. 

“I arrived home one day to find this little pup looking pregnant. Her belly was swaying as she walked and she was obviously quite uncomfortable. She had dragged a 15kg bag of dog food from the laundry and ripped through the heavy plastic. Our Golden Retriever, Bella, had ignored those bags for years, but our clever little lab showed her a new trick.”

The Biology of "Always Hungry": Why They Scavenge

“Research has identified a genetic variation in many Labradors that affects how the brain regulates appetite... they simply don't feel ‘full’ the way other dogs do.” — Dr Jessica Wilde 

Emmy putting her genetic drive to the test
as she eyes off a slice of cheesecake.

Why do breeds like Labradors and Retrievers seem hardwired to scavenge? According to Dr. Wilde, it isn’t a lack of discipline—it’s evolution and genetics.

“There is actually a biological reason why some breeds seem permanently hungry,” Dr. Wilde explains. “Research has identified a genetic variation in many Labradors that affects how the brain regulates appetite and satiety. 

In simple terms, they may feel less ‘full’ after eating compared with other dogs.”

Historically, this trait was beneficial for working dogs that needed strong food motivation for training and retrieving tasks. However, in a modern home where food is plentiful and "midnight feasts" are possible, it makes them particularly prone to weight gain.

“The key for owners is understanding that begging behaviour doesn’t necessarily mean the dog needs more food,” says Dr. Wilde. “Often it simply reflects a strong food drive. Structured routines and slow feeders are essential to satisfy that behavioural need without adding extra calories.”

The "Silent" Impact: More Than Just "Slowing Down"

Dr. Wilde is quick to point out that weight management isn't about "fat-shaming" pets; it’s about their daily quality of life. One of the biggest misconceptions owners have is that an overweight dog is still a happy dog.

“If they’re still eating and wagging their tail, owners think they must be comfortable,” Dr. Wilde says. 

“In reality, excess weight quietly affects every aspect of a dog’s day-to-day life. It places constant strain on joints and muscles, leading to chronic pain and early arthritis.” 

In fact, research shows that fat cells actually release inflammatory proteins that cause body-wide low-grade inflammation, making joint pain even more severe. (Learn more about new treatment solutions for canine arthritis).

“Dogs that are overweight often become less willing to exercise, which owners interpret as ‘slowing down with age,’ when in fact it is discomfort.”

Carrying extra weight also impacts breathing, temperature regulation, and energy levels. Dogs fatigue more quickly on walks and struggle significantly in warmer weather. Because dogs are experts at adapting, they often don't show obvious signs of pain until the problem is quite advanced.

For Elaine, the wake-up call came with their previous Lab, Pepper. “She suffered from arthritis from a very young age after undergoing some orthopaedic surgeries. We found we could keep her more comfortable and active only if her weight was kept strictly in check.”

The Human Reality Check: Cheese, Toast, and "Soft Touches"

The "human food audit" is often the most eye-opening part of a vet consultation. Many owners don't realise that a "little bit" of human food is a "huge bit" for a dog.

“A useful way to think about it is relative calories,” says Dr. Wilde. 

“For example, a small cube of cheese given to a 10kg dog can be the equivalent of a human eating a chocolate bar in terms of calorie proportion.” 

“A slice of buttered toast or a few scraps from the dinner table can represent a very significant percentage of a dog’s daily energy needs.”

Elaine agrees that the humans are often the hardest part of the equation. “The biggest challenge is actually the humans. They often plan to put ‘things’ away… later. When those ‘things’ are food and you have three retrievers in the house, they often aren’t there when you come back. 

“She will steal from the table while we are watching.” Emmy putting her brazen reputation to the test with a roast turkey.

We also have a couple of people in our house who have been known to give in occasionally, and they are now the targets of many a longing stare.”

The "Multi-Feeder" Dilemma: Managing the Household

In a house with multiple family members, "double-feeding" is a major contributor to the obesity crisis. Dogs are master manipulators who know exactly who the "soft touches" are.

To combat this, Lort Smith recommends a shared household responsibility model:

• The Visual Treat Jar: Create a simple system like a treat jar with a set number of pieces for the day. Once the jar is empty, everyone knows the dog has reached their allowance.

• The Check-In: Before filling a bowl, check with other family members. “All three of our dogs are absolute liars,” Elaine says. “They will convince you they haven’t been fed.”

• Low-Calorie Alternatives: Instead of high-fat treats, Elaine uses carrots or pieces of the dog’s regular kibble. “They don’t need high-value treats to get results,” she notes.

The Professional Weight-Loss Journey

For pets like Harvey, Emmy, and Nessie, weight management is a lifelong commitment. At Lort Smith, a professional weight-loss consultation involves a thorough assessment of body condition, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions.

“A weight management consultation is much more than simply telling an owner to feed less food,” says Dr. Wilde. “We develop a realistic plan tailored to the individual household. This includes calculating the appropriate calorie intake, selecting the right diet, and building an achievable exercise plan.”

When the plan sticks, the results are life-changing. “Dogs become more energetic, mobile, and engaged with their environment,” says Dr. Wilde. “Owners frequently tell us they feel like they have their younger dog back again.”

For Elaine, the motivation remains the same: “I don’t have any guilt at all when saying no to giving our dogs food they shouldn’t have. It’s more important that they enjoy long and happy lives.”

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Lort Smith’s Top Tips for a Healthy Pet:

1. Increased Exercise: Tailor activity to the pet’s age and health (especially for dogs with arthritis).

2. Reducing Calories: Use "light" dry food formulas and measure every portion.

3. Monitor Treats: Treats should make up no more than 10% of total daily intake.

4. Use Slow Feeders: Essential for breeds that "inhale" their food to prevent digestive issues and increase satiety.

About Lort Smith Animal Hospital

Lort Smith is Australia’s largest not-for-profit animal hospital, dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care and adoption services. If you are concerned about your pet’s weight or joint health, you can book a consultation online at their North Melbourne or Campbellfield clinics. As a non-profit, they rely on community support to continue their life-saving work; you can donate to support their mission here.

Related Stories & Resources

• Rethinking Pet Obesity: A Vet's Guide to Weight Management – Our latest comprehensive guide on the medical strategies behind successful weight loss.

• Ground-breaking Dietary Treatment for Canine Epilepsy – New RVC research on managing seizures through nutrition.

• Canine Arthritis: New Treatment Solutions – Dr Meredith Crowhurst reviews the latest advances in managing joint pain and inflammation.

• The Impact of Owning a Dog with Epilepsy – A qualitative look at the reality of life with an epileptic pet.

A Wish Come True: How Lola the Cavoodle is Bringing Hope to Eight-Year-Old Sophia

There is a unique kind of magic in the bond between a child and their first dog, but for eight-year-old Sophia, her new puppy represents a life-changing milestone.

Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, Sophia had dreamed of a furry best friend for a very long time. 

In the lead-up to her big day, she had already chosen the name Lola and spent weeks carefully selecting accessories—mostly in her favourite shade of pink. She even had a harness custom-printed with Lola’s name to build the anticipation.

When the "Wish Day" finally arrived, Make-A-Wish volunteers delivered the tiny Toy Cavoodle puppy directly to Sophia. It was love at first sight.

The emotion of the moment was so overwhelming that Sophia cried happy tears as she met her new best friend. Today, the pair are inseparable, often found relaxing in their matching pink pyjamas.

Sophia’s story is a shining example of a major partnership between the Petstock Foundation and Make-A-Wish® Australia, which is currently celebrating a milestone year of wish granting.

A $500,000 Commitment to Joy

In January 2025, the Petstock Foundation became a Major Partner, initially committing $250,000 to support pet-related wishes. 

They have now recommitted another $250,000 for 2026, totalling a massive half-million-dollar investment in joy, comfort, and "lots of pats" for Aussie kids facing critical illnesses.

Over the past 12 months, this partnership has focused on helping children welcome the pet of their dreams. From puppies to ponies, the first year saw 24 wishes granted, with many more in the pipeline. This includes:

• Ciara: Whose wish for a puppy named Oakley helped bring joy back into her life following treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

• Charlie (14): Who received a dog to keep him company and train as a dedicated therapy companion.

Support Beyond the "Wish Day"

The Petstock Foundation’s mission is to create a better future for pets and people, and their support continues long after the puppy arrives home. In addition to the financial donation, they help families with essential supplies from local Petstock stores, ensuring every pet’s arrival is safe and well-supported.

“This partnership is a true extension of our mission,” says Naomi Mancktelow, Petstock Foundation’s Community Engagement Lead. 

“Supporting families as they welcome a new pet means we’re not just granting a wish, we’re helping to build a lasting relationship that brings comfort, routine and love into a child’s life.”

“Animals play a transformative role, and we are grateful to be making a life-changing impact during difficult times.”

Sally Bateman, Make-A-Wish CEO, adds that the impact was immediate: “Petstock has become an invaluable part of our Wish Force. Its generosity has allowed us to grant some incredible wishes that have created deeply personal experiences.” 

“Pet wishes bring ongoing joy long after the wish day itself.”

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About the Partners

The Petstock Foundation A registered charity established in 2007, the Foundation has raised more than $14 million and found homes for over 41,000 rescue pets. It is funded by the Petstock Group, business partners, and team members, with 100% of raised funds going directly to charitable partners and projects while the business covers all operating costs.

Make-A-Wish Australia Part of the world’s largest wish-granting organisation, Make-A-Wish has delivered over 11,000 wishes since 1985. From making unicorns fly to sending kids to the moon, they use a "Wish Journey" program to build anticipation. They were recently recognised in the Top 10 Charity Rankings by YouGov Australia for 2025.

To learn more about this partnership, visit: www.petstock.com.au/pages/make-a-wish-2025

National Brands Issue "Preparation Alert" as 4.5 Million Australians Hit the Road

The "Great Australian Road Trip" has undergone a permanent transformation. Gone are the days of the local kennel being the default Easter solution; in 2026, the dog is the primary passenger. 

New national travel data reveals that one in five Australians now plan pet-inclusive trips, a figure that has climbed 5% year-on-year as travellers prioritise regional stays that accommodate the entire family.

With more than 4.5 million Australians expected to travel this Easter, the demand for pet-friendly infrastructure is reaching a fever pitch. 

In response, retail giant Petstock has partnered with Discovery Parks to address the logistical and safety challenges of this massive movement. The scale of the shift is evidenced by Discovery Parks’ own records: in 2025 alone, they welcomed 70,000 dogs across their national network, and 2026 is already on track to shatter those records.

The 2026 travel surge: More families are choosing destinations like Discovery Parks that offer scenic, pet-friendly infrastructure.

The Reality of the Road: Preparation vs. Panic

While the "pet-friendly" label is a major drawcard for destinations, industry experts warn that the joy of a holiday can quickly evaporate without rigorous preparation. Petstock Vet, Dr. Gloria Ebeyer, notes that long weekends consistently bring an increase in travel-related stress, lost animal reports, and preventable health issues.

“Easter means more cars on the road, more stops in unfamiliar towns, and more distractions,” says Dr. Ebeyer. “The difference between a smooth holiday and an emergency often comes down to the preparation you do before you even pull out of the driveway.”

The "Safety Gap": Restraints and Recovery

Seasoned travellers know that safety begins in the backseat. A significant "safety gap" remains in how Australians transport their pets. As we previously explored in our deep dive into pet restraints, an unrestrained dog is not only a distraction but a high-velocity projectile in the event of a sudden stop—common during heavy Easter traffic.

Furthermore, the risk of a pet bolting in an unfamiliar environment is a primary concern for vets during the Easter break. While Petstock advises updating microchip details 48 hours before travel, owners must also know what to do if the unthinkable happens. As we have seen in previous years, having a microchipped pet is only half the battle; knowing the immediate steps to take when they go missing in a strange town can be the difference between a recovery and a tragedy.

A New Standard for Pet Travel

A joyful start: A German Shepherd enjoys some deck time at a dog-friendly Standard 2 Bedroom Cabin at Discovery Parks Bunbury Foreshore, WA. Modern facilities are increasingly designed to keep the whole family together.

As the industry matures, the expectations of pet parents are evolving. It is no longer enough for a park to simply "allow" dogs; they must cater to them. Discovery Parks now offers more than 70 pet-friendly locations nationwide, aiming to provide a seamless experience for those who have moved away from the "kennel guilt" of previous generations.

However, as the "big hitters" of the industry issue these alerts, the message for our readers remains the same: the best holiday is a prepared one.

Whether you are heading to one of the NSW escapes we recently highlighted or exploring the wider Discovery Parks network, the 2026 Easter break requires a "safety-first" mindset.

To get your pet travel-ready this Easter, explore the range at Petstock or secure your dog-friendly stay at Discovery Parks.

Related Stories You Might Have Missed:

• Keeping Your Pets Safe This Easter: A Comprehensive Guide

• Safe Pet Travel: Why You Must Restrain Your Dog

• Microchipped but Missing: Your Emergency Action Plan

Australia’s Most Accident-Prone Dog Breeds Revealed for 2026

Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) has revealed the dog breeds most likely to find themselves in accidental trouble, with high-energy dogs dominating the 2026 top ten list.

From adventurous explorers to lightning-fast sprinters, these dogs are known for their enthusiasm and curiosity. However, those same traits can sometimes lead to accidents such as fractures, soft tissue injuries, snake or insect bites, heatstroke, and other unexpected mishaps.

According to Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton, the breeds appearing most frequently in accident-related claims often share similar personality traits.

“The dogs that top our accident claims list tend to be incredibly active, curious and athletic,” Crighton says. 

“They’re the dogs that want to explore every park, chase every ball and investigate every smell, which unfortunately can sometimes land them in a bit of trouble.”

The Top 10 Most Accident-Prone Breeds

Based on PIA's 2026 accident-related claims data, the breeds most commonly involved in incidents include:

1. Greyhound

2. Whippet

3. Australian Cattle Dog

4. German Shorthaired Pointer

5. Great Dane

6. Rhodesian Ridgeback

7. Border Collie

8. American Staffordshire Terrier

9. Jack Russell Terrier

10. Boxer

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Why Certain Breeds Lead the List

Many of the breeds appearing on the list share a common trait: high physical energy combined with strong curiosity and speed.

The Speedsters: Greyhounds and Whippets

“Greyhounds and Whippets, for example, are capable of incredible bursts of speed,” Crighton says. “Their athletic build and sprinting ability mean they can easily reach high velocities during play or exercise, which can sometimes lead to slips, collisions or muscle injuries.”

💡 Pro-Tip: A well-conditioned dog is less likely to injure themselves. Building up your dog's "stabiliser" muscles can help them handle the load during high-speed turns.

Read: Simple At-Home Dog Conditioning Exercises

The High-Drive Workers: Pointers and Collies

Meanwhile, breeds such as the German Shorthaired Pointer and Border Collie are known for their intense focus and enthusiasm for activity. 

“These breeds are incredibly intelligent and energetic, which is fantastic for active households,” Crighton says. “But their drive to run, chase and explore means they can occasionally push themselves a little too far.”

Bold Personalities & Unexpected Trouble

Some smaller breeds also make the list due to their fearless nature. “Terrier breeds such as the Jack Russell Terrier are famous for their fearless and inquisitive nature,” Crighton says. 

“These dogs are often determined explorers who love digging, chasing and investigating new environments.”

That curiosity can sometimes expose them to hazards such as insects, snakes, or uneven terrain. 

⚠️ Safety Spotlight: Snake Bites With terriers topping the list for snake-related vet claims, knowing the clinical signs of envenomation is vital. From respiratory distress to sudden collapse, early intervention is key. Read: Essential Tips to Protect Your Dog from Snake Bites

Similarly, powerful and playful breeds like the American Staffordshire Terrier and Boxer are known for their enthusiasm during playtime.

“Many of the accident claims we see involve dogs that are simply having too much fun,” Crighton explains. “Whether it’s chasing a ball, jumping during play or exploring the outdoors, their excitement can sometimes lead to unexpected injuries.”

🐕 Did You Know? Happy Tail Syndrome Boxers aren't just prone to stumbles; they are also among the breeds at highest risk for tail injuries. Research shows their powerful wags can lead to "Happy Tail," where the tail is injured by repeatedly hitting hard surfaces during moments of high excitement. 

Read: Why Boxers and Spaniels are at Highest Risk for Tail Injuries

The Impact of Size and Strength

Large breeds such as the Great Dane and Rhodesian Ridgeback also feature prominently. Because of their size and strength, even minor missteps can result in strains, sprains, or other injuries.

“Large dogs tend to put more force through their bodies when they run, jump or play,” Crighton says. 

“While they’re incredible companions, their size can mean accidents occasionally have bigger consequences.”

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Managing Outdoor Hazards in Australia

In Australia, dogs face unique environmental risks, including snake bites, insect stings, and extreme heat—particularly for active dogs that spend significant time outdoors.

🌡️ Quick Note: Heat Stress

“While we often associate heat with summer, active dogs can suffer from heat stress during autumn's warmer days or through overexertion during high-energy play,” Crighton warns. Read: How to Identify and Prevent Heatstroke in Active Dogs

Pet Insurance Australia encourages owners of energetic breeds to remain mindful of these risks and to supervise dogs during high-energy play. “These dogs thrive on activity and stimulation,” Crighton says. “The key is ensuring their environment is as safe as possible so they can enjoy their adventures without unnecessary risk.”

Loyal Companions Worth the Risk 

Despite their higher appearance in accident claims, PIA emphasises that these breeds are among the most loyal, intelligent, and engaging companions.

“These dogs bring enormous joy to their families,” Crighton says. “Their energy, enthusiasm and intelligence are exactly what people love about them.” With the right care, exercise, and supervision, these dogs can enjoy long, happy, and active lives.

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About the Data

PIA Data 2026. This report highlights the importance of pet insurance and environmental awareness for high-energy breeds to ensure they live long, active lives.

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Pet Insurance Australia Information

Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd (ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233).

Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.