Position Vacant: Is Your High-Energy Rescue Dog Ready to Fill Bear’s Iconic Boots and Save Our Koalas?

If you have ever shared your home with a high-energy, toy-obsessed rescue dog, you know they can be an absolute handful. They are the dogs that never stop tracking, never stop pacing, and refuse to drop the ball, no matter how many times you throw it.

But what if those exact "problem" traits were actually superpowers in disguise?

Right now, a nationwide search is underway across Australia for a very specific kind of canine hero. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Innovation for Conservation, and the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Detection Dogs for Conservation (DDC) have teamed up to find a successor for a true legend: a koala detection dog named Bear.

Leaving Big Boots to Fill

If Bear’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he is world-famous. As an 11-year-old rescue dog, Bear became a pioneer in wildlife conservation, trained specifically to catch the scent of live koala fur.

During the devastating Black Summer bushfires, Bear stepped into the spotlight—quite literally wearing custom red protective fire boots—and successfully located more than 100 injured, displaced, or trapped koalas in need of urgent veterinary care. 

His heroic efforts earned him the admiration of animal lovers globally, even catching the attention of Hollywood stars like Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Earlier this year, after a decade on the frontline, Bear officially hung up his boots for a well-deserved retirement.

“Bear set the gold standard for koala detection dogs," says Josey Sharrad, IFAW Oceania’s head of programs. "He’s leaving very big boots to fill, but now it’s time to find his successor to follow in his pawprints and keep protecting koalas.”

While the team still has Loki—another vital detection dog on the squad—Loki’s job is a bit different. He is trained to find koala scat (poo) to map populations. The team now needs a new recruit who can look up and track live koalas hidden high in the tree canopy.

The Ultimate "Win-Win" for Rescue Dogs

The most beautiful part of this search? The team is looking exclusively for a rescue dog.

Often, dogs with an intense, obsessive drive struggle to find traditional family homes because their energy is simply too much for a standard suburban backyard. But for conservation work, that obsessive focus is exactly what makes them elite.

“By only recruiting a rescue dog, it’s a win-win," says Russell Miller, director and handler at Innovation for Conservation. "We're giving a dog the chance of a new life while helping our iconic koalas.”

The training process is intense. Teaching a dog to look up into the trees to detect an animal is one of the hardest jobs a handler can face. "Training Bear was a long journey," Miller admits. "But with the right expertise, we are hoping we can fast-track the process this time and get a new koala dog trained and working in time for the next bushfire season.”

To help make that happen, the new recruit will be trained under the guidance of Frédéric Chappée, IFAW’s director of canine units. Mr. Chappée brings over 20 years of experience, starting his career with dog units in the French army before training anti-poaching teams worldwide. He has even developed a specialised "doggy distance learning program" to oversee the Australian team’s progress alongside local, on-the-ground handlers.

“The performance of a conservation dog is never a miracle,” Mr. Chappée says.

“It’s the result of hard work, strategy, and respect from its handler and trainer. The dog’s dedication is immense, but our responsibility for them is just as great.”

L-R: Olivia Katz (UniSC) and Frédéric Chappée (IFAW) with the Detection Dogs for Conservation squad on the Sunshine Coast.

Does Your Pup Have What It Takes?

The team is actively looking for candidates, and they have a very specific checklist for their next superstar. They are searching for a rescue dog who is:

✔ Under two years old: Young enough to undergo rigorous training and have a long career ahead.

✔ 100% toy-obsessed: They must want to play every single day. For this dog, toys are king—they shouldn't care about other dogs or distractions.

✔ Zero prey drive: This is crucial. They must be completely non-aggressive and show absolutely no interest in chasing, hunting, or barking at other animals, birds, or cats—it is essential they show zero desire to hunt wildlife.

✔ Fearless and social: They need to be naturally confident, well-socialised with humans, and completely unfazed by new places.

✔ Goldilocks sized: A medium build is best—not so small that they struggle to navigate the thick Aussie bush, but not so big that a handler can't carry them over obstacles if needed.

✔ Fit and healthy: Ready for long, rugged bushwalks followed by even more playtime.

How to Apply

If you know a rescue pup on the Sunshine Coast (or anywhere in Australia via video assessment) who fits this description perfectly, this could be their ultimate calling. Testing takes a few hours in an unfamiliar location to see how the dog handles the challenge.

To nominate a dog and give them the ultimate promotion from "shelter pup" to "national hero," you can fill out the application form directly here.

🐾 Loved This Story? Read More From Our Archives:

Ever wondered what it's really like to wake up every morning and step into the boots of a professional wildlife detection handler?

Go behind the frontlines with elite animal trainer Ryan Tate as he shares the raw reality, the extreme fitness requirements, and the tear-jerking emotional highs of working alongside conservation superstars in the Australian bush.

👉 Read: Conservation Detection Dog Handling: From One Dream Job to Another

The 90-Year Coincidence: Meet the Melbourne Nurse Who Has Spent 30 Years Crafting for Shelter Animals

MELBOURNE — This National Volunteer Week (May 18–24), an extraordinary double milestone is being celebrated at one of Melbourne’s most iconic animal welfare institutions. As the Lort Smith Animal Hospital marks its 90th year of service to the community, its longest-serving volunteer, Jocelyn, is celebrating her 90th birthday, too.

The synchronicity doesn't stop there. This year also marks exactly three decades since Jocelyn first walked through Lort Smith's doors to dedicate her time, hands, and heart to animals in need.

For 30 years, the energetic nonagenarian has knitted cosy coats, sewn enrichment toys, crafted Christmas bags, and raised thousands of dollars to support rescue animals. And despite reaching a milestone age, she has absolutely no intention of slowing down.

“I am not ready to retire! As long as I’m able I want to keep going – I’m not dead yet”!

“I want to see all the new things happening. Besides, Lort Smith keeps me sane. We all need to be needed – and I need Lort Smith as much as they need volunteers.” Jocelyn laughed.

According to Monica Polimeni, Lort Smith’s Volunteer Engagement Manager, having a volunteer stay dedicated for three decades is an extraordinary rarity in the modern charity sector, where the average tenure typically hovers around five years. Polimeni describes Jocelyn as a "true treasure" who epitomises the ultimate volunteer spirit—providing tireless care and support purely for the joy of making a difference, without ever expecting anything in return.

From the Hospital Ward to the Shelter

A master of her craft: For 30 years, Jocelyn has used her skills to create cosy blankets, toys, and specialised bags to support the shelter and its animals.

Long before she officially put on a volunteer lanyard, Jocelyn spent 18 years as a nurse in charge of the CT/MRI unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Her unique profession occasionally allowed her to help animals in unexpected ways. Because the Melbourne Zoo's imaging equipment was too small at the time, some of their wild patients would occasionally be brought into her human medical unit for a scan.

Though Jocelyn has spent decades crafting for animals of all shapes and sizes, she admits to one major hurdle: she is "deathly allergic to cats." 

Jocelyn’s beloved dog, Phoebe,
who fuelled her lifelong
passion for canine welfare

Thankfully, her profound love for dogs has always kept her inspired.

“I said to my daughter, ‘when I retire, I’ll be doing what I can to help dogs.’ Animals never tell you that you’re horrible or smelly, they love you unconditionally,” she said.

Her soft spot for strays started in her childhood, often to her mother's dismay. “When I was younger, I used to pick up strays and mum would get upset because we already had three dogs! 

So, I made an agreement with the local butcher to clean up the shop at the end of the day in exchange for taking home bones for the dogs.”

A Connection Built on Gratitude

Dressed for the occasion, Jocelyn shares a happy moment with a shelter resident at Lort Smith.

Jocelyn’s first interaction with Lort Smith happened way back in 1965 when she brought home a flea-ridden stray dog. Stranded with a potential financial burden, she turned to the hospital for help.

“I would have struggled to pay the vet bill, and wouldn’t have been able to if not for Lort Smith and the way it operates,” Jocelyn recalled.

Decades later, she paid that kindness forward. While her absolute favourite role was running the hospital's former on-site gift shop, she proved to be a highly creative fundraiser.

“I made and crafted things that I could sell. From Christmas bags to bone and fish-shaped soft toys for animals. I made blankets, scarves with paw prints, anything that could support the hospital and the animals. I recall making hundreds of dollars in the first year.”

She also remembered running a popular roadside stall in the early days. “I crafted little sausage dogs with ears that button on and off that were really popular with kids. I ended up getting requests from friends at work, friends of friends, everyone! But they would have to pay – they were for a good cause and I didn’t want people to take advantage,” she smiled.

Her generosity expanded beyond the hospital walls during some of Victoria’s most devastating bushfires, where Jocelyn spent her time crafting specialised wildlife pouches to keep orphaned koalas, wombats, and joeys warm.

The Changing Face of Animal Care

Over 30 years, Jocelyn has watched Lort Smith evolve from a modest facility into a highly sophisticated, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital. The biggest change she notes is what she calls the "mod-con stuff."

“Everything has become much more modern in terms of technology and I imagine this will only continue as Lort Smith gets bigger,” she said.

Today, Jocelyn continues her work directly from the comfort of her home, sewing beautiful, custom quilts for the animals waiting for their forever homes at the Lort Smith Adoption Centre and Hospital. For Jocelyn, the journey has brought just as much joy to her life as she has given to the animals.

“I’ve made some amazing friends over the years. The friendships are what keep me going, and they are only ever a phone call away.”

"Whilst Jocelyn is unable to be onsite anymore, she spends her days ensuring the animals are kept warm with her blankets, spruiks to anyone who will listen about the wonderful care at Lort Smith, and continues to fundraise to ensure that the service remains second to none," says Lort Smith's Volunteer Management. "Jocelyn remains committed to returning the love and care she received so many years ago with her own dogs, and this is so admirable. She receives so much back, knowing her contribution continues to make a true difference."

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How to Get Involved: Volunteering at Lort Smith

Lort Smith is a not-for-profit organisation that depends greatly on the support of its donors and the local community. The massive task of loving, protecting, sheltering, and nursing animals back to good health is only possible thanks to a dedicated army of over 400 volunteers who work tirelessly every single day.

The scale of their impact is immense. So far this year alone, Lort Smith’s onsite volunteers have already contributed over 6,000 hours of their time, while the Pet Therapy teams have delivered more than 13,000 meaningful community interactions.

“We would be lost without our volunteers," says Monica Polimeni, Manager of Volunteer Services. "Each one plays a vital role in our mission to bring people together over a shared love of animals. Their compassion, commitment, and generosity embody the spirit of Lort Smith.”

Many people choose to step up because they’ve had wonderful experiences with their own pets and want to return the favour. For those inspired by Jocelyn’s 30-year legacy, the organisation offers a variety of deeply rewarding paths:

• Foster Care: Opening your home to provide temporary, vital care for animals undergoing medical treatment or awaiting adoption.

• On-site Support: Assisting directly at the facilities—whether spending vital hours managing the laundry, helping with administrative support, or assisting with adoptions at the Adoption Centre.

• Hospital Companionship: Providing friendship, a helping hand, and comfort to clients and families attending the North Melbourne Hospital.

• Pet Therapy: Visiting hospitals, care facilities, and justice settings with assessed, gentle dogs to bring comfort and smiles to people experiencing hardship. Read more about how the Lort Smith Pet Therapy program brings joy to the community.

One Small Smile Makes a Bigger Community

Volunteering doesn't just assist the shelter; it provides immense individual purpose and satisfaction. As the team at Lort Smith notes, one small smile, one helping hand, or one word of encouragement helps build a united community that makes an even bigger difference.

To celebrate National Volunteer Week 2026 or to start your own journey toward making a difference, readers can visit the official Lort Smith Volunteering Portal.

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Discover More Heart-warming Dog Stories:

• Volunteers Bring Joy Through Lort Smith’s Pet Therapy Program

• The Community Spirit Behind Fostering: Meet the Greyhound Foster Carers Making a Difference

The End of the ‘Walk of Shame’: How Aussie Engineering Fixed Dog Walking’s Messiest Problem

As we celebrate Australian Made Week (May 18–24), the spotlight often falls on large-scale manufacturing successes. However, some of the most impressive local innovations are born from the simplest of frustrations. This week, we are looking at Pennyclip, an Australian brand that has officially declared war on the most inconvenient part of dog ownership.

Every dog owner knows the "moment." You’re five minutes into a forty-minute trek, your dog does their business, and suddenly you are a walking trash valet. You’re left juggling a swinging, smelly bag in one hand while trying to manage a leash, a coffee, a mobile phone, or a pram with the other.

It’s the "walk of shame"—that awkward, one-handed struggle that turns a relaxing stroll into a chore. For a task that happens on every single walk, the founders of Pennyclip—a team of Australian dog owners with engineering backgrounds—realised that the standard industry solutions were remarkably primitive.

The Problem with "Passive" Design

Most dog owners have tried the flimsy plastic hooks or narrow slots that come attached to bag dispensers. These products share a fundamental flaw: they are "passive" holders. They require you to tie a knot to keep the bag in place, they leave the weight dangling freely, and they concentrate all the stress on one point of the plastic bag. The result is a constant thwack-thwack-thwack against your leg and a very real risk of the bag tearing or falling out.

The Pennyclip team spent over a decade walking dogs and grew tired of this recurring problem. They realised that carrying waste shouldn’t just be "tolerated"—it should be solved properly. They went back to the drawing board to build a product based on active mechanics rather than simple friction.

Engineering a "Hands-Free" Lifestyle

Pennyclip is a prime example of the ingenuity being celebrated this Australian Made Week. By applying engineering principles to a mundane problem, the team created the world’s only spring-operated used waste bag carrier.

The goal wasn’t just to hold the bag, but to provide genuine freedom. By moving the weight from your hand to the leash, Pennyclip "unlocks" the walk for the things that actually matter:

• The Multitaskers: Push a pram or stroller without a swinging bag interfering with your grip.

• The Connected: Scroll your phone or take a work call with your free hand.

• The Comfort-Seekers: Hold an umbrella in the rain or a hot coffee on a winter morning without the "juggling act."

• The Connection: It leaves a hand free to hold hands with a partner or manage a second dog with ease.

The Physics of the "Zero-Swing"

Unlike competing products, the Pennyclip uses a patent-pending internal spring mechanism. Because the spring-powered jaws clamp the twisted neck of the bag flush against the leash, it eliminates the "pendulum effect." Whether you’re power-walking or jogging, the bag stays rock-solid and out of mind.

The engineering details set it apart from anything else on the market:

✔ No Knot Required: The high-tension jaws seal the bag shut, locking in odours and saving you the fumble of trying to tie knots with cold or wet fingers.

✔ The 1kg Test: Don't let the lightweight design fool you. The Pennyclip is lab-tested to hold over 1kg of weight—easily accommodating multiple bags from even the largest breeds.

✔ Retaining Fins: In a clever nod to multi-dog households, internal fins allow you to open the clip to add a second or third bag without the first one falling out.

✔ Traction & Teeth: The underside features "traction ridges" to prevent the clip from sliding down the lead, while the interlocking teeth are rounded to ensure they grip the bag firmly without tearing the plastic.

Designed for the Great Aussie Walk

Innovation is useless if it doesn't fit your gear. The Pennyclip was designed with two distinct versions to ensure universal compatibility. The Flat/Round version utilises durable silicone straps that stretch 140% to fit almost any mesh or rope lead. For those who prefer Retractable (Flexi) leashes, a specialised version uses high-strength adhesive to mount directly to the hard plastic casing of the lead.

Available in a signature Cypress Bay finish, the Pennyclip is a testament to the idea that no problem is too small for a better design. As the brand prepares to expand into North America and Europe later this year, it remains a proud Australian success story—proving that the best way to handle "dog business" is with a little bit of local ingenuity.

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At a Glance:

• RRP: $19.99
• Versions: Flat/Round leashes or Retractable leashes.
• Where to Buy: Exclusively at pennyclip.com and Amazon Australia.
• Socials: Instagram @pennyclip_pty_ltd | Facebook 

Tackle Sydney’s Steepest Hill for a Great Cause: The 25th Anniversary Balmoral Burn Pet & Owner Race

Registrations are officially open for a significant milestone in the Sydney event calendar—the Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn. 

Returning on Sunday 24 May 2026 to Awaba Street, Mosman, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the iconic charity challenge.

Bringing together thousands of participants to tackle Mosman’s infamous 420-metre incline, the Balmoral Burn is more than just a test of endurance. Every step taken on that 1:4 grade hill helps the Humpty Dumpty Foundation provide essential, and often lifesaving, medical equipment to more than 520 hospitals and health services across Australia.

A Milestone Celebration for Pet Owners

While the event hosts over 20 race categories, for the Australian Dog Lover community, the highlight remains the Pet & Owner race. This dedicated category offers a unique opportunity for Sydney dog owners to help "pets with paws" do their bit for a vital cause. 

Whether you have a seasoned canine runner or a pup happy to enjoy the atmosphere at a slower pace, the sight of hundreds of dogs and their owners conquering Sydney's steepest street together is an annual highlight of the program.

2026 Race Day Highlights

Vibrant colours meet happy paws in the new Celebration Run.

To celebrate a quarter-century of "feeling the burn," the 2026 event includes several exciting new and returning activations:

• Pet & Owner Race: The category designed specifically for dogs and their human teammates.
• Celebration Run: A vibrant 25-year anniversary addition where participants wear white and are drenched in colour as they race.
• Run Baby Run: Australia’s only inflatable baby suit race returns for its third year.
• King & Queen of the Hill: For the competitive speed demons looking for a course record.
• Corporate & School Relays: Perfect for local businesses and schools to rally teams for community spirit.

25 Years of Impact

Every breed is welcome to tackle the 420-metre incline!

The Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn was founded in 2001 by Wallabies great and Humpty Ambassador Phil Kearns AM. In the 25 years since, the event has raised an incredible $36.5 million. These funds have a direct, tangible impact; the Humpty Dumpty Foundation is the largest charitable supplier of children’s medical equipment in Australia. In 2025 alone, two-thirds of the hospitals supported were in rural or remote communities, ensuring every Australian child has access to quality healthcare regardless of their location.

Event Essentials

The atmosphere at Balmoral is unmissable, featuring delicious food, live entertainment, and activations for the whole family (and their dogs!).

Feeling the burn for a great cause on Awaba Street in Mosman.

• Date: Sunday 24 May 2026
• Location: Awaba Street, Mosman, NSW

• Race Start: From 8:20 AM

• Register Now: www.balmoralburn.com.au

A Note on Safety: The Balmoral Burn is a steep challenge! Please ensure your dog is fit, healthy, and up to date with their veterinary checks before tackling the incline. Always keep your dog on a lead, bring plenty of water, and move at a pace that is comfortable for your four-legged partner.

About the Humpty Dumpty Foundation

For over 35 years, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation has provided more than 7,300 pieces of medical equipment to paediatric wards, neonatal units, and maternity departments across the country. To learn more about donating a piece of equipment or making a general donation, visit www.humpty.org.au or call 1300 486 789.

Winter Warning: Is Your Senior Pet ‘Slowing Down’ or in Pain?

As the Australian winter sets in, that "slowing down" you’ve noticed in your older dog might be more than just a preference for the fireplace. Colder temperatures often act as a catalyst for underlying health issues, turning manageable conditions into serious quality-of-life concerns.

According to Pet Insurance Australia (PIA), winter is the most critical time for owners of senior pets (aged 8+) to move from passive observation to active management.

The True Cost of the Cold: Osteoarthritis

For senior dogs, winter’s chill is felt most acutely in the joints. PetSure claims data reveals that osteoarthritis was the most commonly claimed condition for insured senior dogs in 2024. The financial reality is equally sobering, with some 12-month treatment costs reaching upwards of $21,936.

While the costs can be daunting, medical science has kept pace. It is worth exploring the latest treatment solutions for canine arthritis, which now include everything from monoclonal antibodies to advanced multimodal pain management, offering relief that wasn't available even five years ago.

“Many owners assume slowing down is simply part of ageing. But changes in mobility or even personality often indicate underlying pain that the cold is exacerbating.” — Nadia Crighton, Pet Insurance Australia

Beyond the Joints: Recognising Cognitive Decline (CCD)

While physical stiffness is easier to spot, winter also highlights signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)—often described as dog dementia. The change in routine or shorter daylight hours can trigger confusion in pets who were previously coping.

“Cognitive decline can be incredibly subtle,” warns Crighton. “Behaviours like staring at walls, pacing at night, or getting stuck in familiar corners are clinical signs that shouldn't be ignored.”

Understanding these symptoms early is key, as there are many proactive ways to support brain health and potentially delay the onset of doggy dementia through mental stimulation and environmental support.

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The Winter Strategy: Management & Nutrition

The good news is that early intervention can significantly improve a senior pet’s quality of life. Management involves a three-pronged approach: Environmental, Veterinary, and Nutritional.

1. Targeted Nutrition

Rachael Tricarico, canine nutrition specialist from Houndztooth, notes that what goes into the bowl is just as important as the bedding they sleep on.

• Inflammation Support: Look for ingredients like Omega-3 fatty acids and New Zealand green-lipped mussel.

• Muscle Maintenance: High-quality proteins are essential to prevent muscle wastage.

• Weight Management: Carrying extra weight puts unnecessary strain on cold, stiff joints.

2. Environmental Adjustments

Small changes at home can make a massive difference in daily comfort:

✔ Draft-Free Zones: Elevate bedding and move it away from cold air currents.

✔ Access Aids: Use ramps or steps to prevent high-impact jumping and reduce the strain on sensitive joints.

✔ Gentle Movement: Opt for shorter, more frequent walks during the warmest parts of the day.

In Memory: Our very first dog, Conner, enjoying a gentle autumn walk. Conner navigated both CCD and arthritis in his final years, and he remains our inspiration for supporting senior dog wellness.

3. Regular Veterinary Checks

Because pets are masters at masking pain, a winter wellness check is vital. Routine visits allow for early detection of everything from heart disease symptoms and heart murmur to essential dental care issues, ensuring your companion doesn't just survive the season but continues to thrive. 

For a comprehensive look at maintaining vitality, see our full guide on helping senior dogs thrive mentally and physically.

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Important Information:

Figures sourced from the PetSure Pet Health Monitor 2025 for pets aged 8+. Always consult your veterinarian before starting new supplements or medication for your senior pet.

Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company or PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd depending on the policy start date. 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) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au before making a decision about this product.

 Related Stories

• Canine Arthritis: New Treatment Solutions

• How to Delay the Onset of Doggy Dementia

• Golden Years: Helping Senior Dogs Thrive Mentally & Physically

Hidden Kitchen Dangers This Winter

With winter just two weeks away, Lort Smith Animal Hospital is urging pet families to think twice before sharing those tempting "comfort food" leftovers.

Lort Smith Chief Veterinarian, Dr Jessica Wilde, says that as the temperature drops, more people turn to slow-cooked meals that often contain ingredients toxic to dogs and cats.

The Rise of the "Counter-Surfer"

“Dogs, in particular, can be very opportunistic when it comes to swiping ingredients off a bench or table,” says Dr Wilde. 

“Because these dishes are often slow-cooked, the aromatic smells can be particularly tempting for 'counter-surfing' animals.” — Dr. Jessica Wilde, Lort Smith Chief Veterinarian

Take Suki, for example. A seven-month-old Groodle and professional sausage roll thief, Suki left her family stunned after devouring 12 mini sausage rolls straight off the kitchen bench. Her dad, Simon, had stepped out of the room for just a minute while the oven was heating up.

“I heard my wife yell, and when I came back Suki had eaten about 12 sausage rolls off the tray. She ate them whole!” Simon says.

Because the sausage rolls contained garlic and onion—both toxic to dogs—and the rich, fatty pastry posed a high risk for pancreatitis, Simon rushed Suki to Lort Smith’s Emergency Department. 

Thankfully, the veterinary team acted quickly, and Suki has made a full recovery.

The "Guest" Danger

It isn’t just counter-surfing that poses a risk; sometimes it’s a well-meaning treat from a visitor. Lucky, a four-year-old Beagle-Cavalier cross, was rushed to the emergency department after being given a roasted pork knuckle.

“I never give him bones, but my mum brought it over and I thought I’d treat him. The next day he just shut down.” — Marina, Lucky’s Mum

“ He was really down in the dumps, had no energy and wasn’t himself at all.”

Lucky was found to be severely dehydrated and required anti-nausea medication and electrolytes to stabilise. 

“Fatty foods and cooked bones can be particularly dangerous, potentially causing digestive upset or serious conditions like pancreatitis,” explains Lort Smith’s Dr Kass. “There is also a risk of bones splintering or becoming lodged.”

While Suki and Lucky both recovered, their stories serve as a vital reminder to keep rich leftovers well out of reach of curious pets and to educate guests on what is off-limits.

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The Top Comfort Food Dangers for Pets

According to admission data, these are the most common culprits for winter vet visits:

1. Onion and Garlic
Common in soups, casseroles, gravies, and roast dinners; these can damage red blood cells and lead to serious illness, even in small amounts.

2. Cooked Bones
Leftover chicken, lamb, pork, ham, and beef bones from roasts splinter easily when cooked, causing choking, internal punctures, or digestive blockages.

3. Sausages and Party Pies
Sausage rolls, cocktail frankfurts, and mini pies are often extremely high in fat, salt, and hidden seasonings like onion powder.

4. Stuffing
Common in stuffed poultry and roast trimmings, this is a "triple threat" combining high concentrations of onion, garlic, and rich fats.

5. High-Fat Scraps (Pork Crackling & Poultry Skin)
Roast pork crackling and chicken/turkey skin can trigger Pancreatitis, a painful and life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.

6. Rich Slow-Cooks (Stews & Casseroles)
Family-sized slow-cooked meals are a melting pot of dangers, often combining toxic garlic and onions with salt-heavy sauces.

7. Chocolate and Cocoa
Hot chocolates, brownies, and winter baked treats contain theobromine and caffeine, both of which are highly toxic to dogs and cats.

8. Alcohol
Mulled wine, liqueur desserts, and unattended drinks at gatherings can cause vomiting, tremors, and life-threatening complications.

9. Xylitol (Birch Sugar)
Found in sugar-free peanut butters, syrups, or "diet" baked goods; this sweetener causes a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure.

10. "Safe" Knuckle & Shank Bones
Even if unseasoned, large knuckles or shanks can cause a total digestive blockage if swallowed in chunks. As seen with Lucky the Beagle, even "non-toxic" treats can lead to a veterinary emergency if they are too rich for the pet's system or are ingested in large quantities.

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What to do in an Emergency

If you suspect your pet has ingested any toxic food, contact your local emergency vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms like vomiting or lethargy to appear, as early intervention is the key to a full recovery.

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Safe Swaps: Healthy Winter Rewards

If you want to treat your best friend to something special while you enjoy your "comfort food," Lort Smith and Australian Dog Lover recommend sticking to these simple, vet-approved alternatives:

• Warm Bone Broth: A low-sodium, onion-free bone broth (specifically for pets) is a great way to warm them up without the salt or fat of human gravy.
• Steamed Veggies: Plain steamed pumpkin, carrots, broccoli, or green beans are high in fibre and perfectly safe.
• Plain Lean Meats: Small amounts of boiled, unseasoned chicken or turkey (with the skin and bones removed).
• The "Fruit Bowl" Treat: Apples (without seeds or core) and blueberries are excellent low-calorie snacks.
• Safe Purees: Unsweetened pumpkin or sweet potato puree (ensure there is no Xylitol/Birch Sugar).