Grab your lead: Australia's Biggest Doggie Day out is back for a great cause!

Mark your doggy diaries, Australia! The country’s largest outdoor dog market event, Paws at the Park, is officially returning to the Mudgeeraba Showgrounds on Saturday 22 August 2026.

Presented by Pet Wellness Centre and proudly supported by Division 9 Councillor Glenn Tozer and the City of Gold Coast, this massive day out has grown from a local park get-together into the ultimate annual pilgrimage for Queensland dog lovers. Officially crowned Queensland's Best Doggie Day Out and Australia's Best Dog Market Event, the festival is pulling out all the stops for 2026—and entry is completely free!

Best of all, every wagging tail through the gate helps raise vital funds for long-term charity partner, Animal Welfare League QLD (AWLQ). Since 2016, the community has rallied to raise over $78,000, giving vulnerable animals across South East Queensland a well-deserved second leash on life.

“This is a free day out that does so much good,” says Cathy U’Ren, Chief Woofness Officer. “It’s a great community event, a lot of fun for the whole family, and all for a good cause.”

Here is what you and your pack can look forward to this August:

Watch Dogs Defy Gravity at the K9 Superwall

The headline act for 2026 is the spectacular K9 Superwall, presented by Farmer Dave Graham and proudly sponsored by AAA Pet Resort. Festival-goers will get to watch athletic pups take a running leap at an ever-rising wall, climbing to unbelievable heights. With past competitors clearing up to 3.5 metres, these four-legged athletes are jumping higher than the human high jump world record!

Think your dog has what it takes? Any dog can enter on the day. There are categories for Joeys (small dogs), Open Class, and Codgers (seniors aged 8+). Whether your dog is a budding athlete or a wise old legend, there is a wall with their name on it.

All Aboard the Free Pack Express!

Paws at the Park is putting the “choo” in “choo toy” with free trackless train rides running throughout the day. Proudly sponsored by Pet Wellness Centre, these rides are open to the whole family—kids and four-legged passengers alike. While rides are free, optional donations to AWLQ are highly encouraged. It’s the perfect, relaxing way to scout out the markets and give tired paws a well-earned rest.

Non-Stop Fun and 80+ Specialty Stalls

Alongside the new highlights, the 2026 event brings back all the beloved mainstays that have made Paws at the Park a Gold Coast institution:

• 80+ dog-centric stalls: Packed with the best treats, accessories, grooming products, training services, and more.

• Live entertainment: Catch expert trick demonstrations, educational talks, and live music on the main stage.

• Best Dressed & Best Trick competitions: Dust off your pup's finest outfits and showcase their talents for a moment of fame.

• Off-leash play areas: Dedicated safe spaces for your dogs to zone out, zoom around, and make new furry friends.

• Food trucks: Plenty of delicious options to keep the humans fuelled up and happy.

Supported by a Very Good Pack of Sponsors

An event of this scale is made possible thanks to a brilliant lineup of community-minded sponsors:

• City of Gold Coast (Platinum Sponsor)

• Animal Emergency Centre, alongside friends Petbarn and Greencross (Gold Sponsors)

• Doggie-licious (Gold Sponsor)

• AAA Pet Resort (Proud sponsor of the K9 Superwall with Farmer Dave)

• Pet Wellness Centre (Presenting Partner and sponsor of the trackless train rides)

“We say it every year, and every year our community delivers,” says the Paws at the Park Team. “2026 is going to be our biggest, most fun, and most generous Paws at the Park yet. Bring your dog, bring your spare change, and get ready to help us smash our fundraising goal for AWLQ.”

Event Details at a Glance

• Date: Saturday 22 August 2026

• Location: Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, Gold Coast, QLD

• Entry: FREE

• Charity Partner: Animal Welfare League QLD (AWLQ)

• Presented by: Pet Wellness Centre

• Website: www.pawsatthepark.com.au

• Instagram: @pawsatthepark

• Facebook: facebook.com/pawsatthepark

About Paws at the Park

Founded in 2016, Paws at the Park is Australia's largest outdoor dog market event, held annually at Mudgeeraba Showgrounds on the Gold Coast. Now presented by Pet Wellness Centre, the event features 100+ dog-centric stalls, live entertainment, competitions, and off-leash play areas. Paws at the Park has raised over $78,000 for charity partner Animal Welfare League QLD (AWLQ) since inception and has been recognised as Queensland's Best Doggie Day Out and Australia's Best Dog Market Event.

About Animal Welfare League QLD (AWLQ)

Animal Welfare League QLD is one of Queensland's largest and longest-standing animal welfare organisations, providing shelter, veterinary care, and rehoming services to animals across South East Queensland. For more information visit awlq.org.

Is That Your Grandad… or Your Labrador? The Rise of Australia's Vintage Pet Names

Forget Rex, Spot, and Fido. Australia’s pets are sounding more like your work colleagues, neighbours, and grandparents, with a growing number of dogs and cats being given unmistakably human names.

New naming data from Pet Insurance Australia has revealed a charming shift towards traditional human names, with classics like Barry, Kevin, Stanley, Theodore, Douglas, and Stephen appearing on pet insurance policies across the country. For female pets, names such as Hazel, Alice, Penelope, Sophie, Phoebe, and Amber are becoming increasingly common, reflecting a growing trend of treating pets as true members of the family.

Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton says Australians are increasingly choosing names that reflect personality rather than traditional pet stereotypes.

"There's something genuinely funny about hearing someone call out 'Barry, stop eating that!' across a dog park," Crighton says. "Ten years ago, you might have expected to hear names like Rex, Rover, or Fluffy. Today, you're just as likely to meet a Labrador called Kevin or a British Shorthair named Alice."

Pets Are Family—So They Get Family Names

The trend reflects a broader cultural shift towards the humanisation of pets, with Australians increasingly viewing dogs and cats as valued family members rather than simply household animals. As more households delay having children or choose pets as companions, naming them with traditional human names has become a natural extension of that bond.

“We're seeing fewer obvious 'pet names' and many more names you'd expect to find on an office name badge or a wedding seating plan,” Crighton says. 

"These names instantly give pets their own personalities before you've even met them. You can't help but smile when someone introduces you to their dog called Barry or their cat named Theodore."

The Rise of the 'Grandad' Dog

Perhaps one of the most amusing trends is the popularity of what many would consider "old-fashioned" names—names that are actually tending to disappear in the modern era of naming human children.

Rather than fading away, vintage names like Barry, Larry, Walter, Albert, Stanley, and George are enjoying an unexpected comeback. They have just found it on four legs instead of two.

"There's definitely been a revival of classic names, particularly for male pets," Crighton says. 

“It's almost as though Australia's grandad names have found a second life in our dog parks.”

"The funniest part is hearing owners call these wonderfully serious names in public. You can't help but smile when someone is desperately trying to stop George from chasing ducks or Stanley from stealing sausages at a family BBQ."

Australia's Human Pet Name 'Personality Awards'

Based on the data, the team at Pet Insurance Australia broke down the top human names into some highly relatable categories:

• Most Likely to Be Your Accountant: Kevin, Stephen, Douglas
• Most Likely to Host Sunday Roast: Barry, Larry, George, Stanley
• Most Likely to Run the Office: Theodore, Henry, Bruce
• Sweetest Vintage Ladies: Hazel, Penelope, Alice, Phoebe

The Leaderboard: Australia's Most Human Pets

Here are the top human-inspired names currently trending on the pet insurance leaderboards:

✔ Most Popular Male Names: Charlie, Frankie, Henry, Lenny, Walter, Douglas, Beau, Bruce, Kevin, Stanley, Theodore, Albert, Barry, George, Stephen, Larry.

✔ Most Popular Female Names: Bella, Charlie, Frankie, Gracie, Hazel, Sophie, Alice, Georgie, Phoebe, Penelope, Amber.

RELATED PET NAMING TRENDS & STORIES:

• The Ultimate Aussie Dog Name Finder
• Deliciously Cute: Unique & Unusual Pet Names Inspired by Food

✔ More Than Just a Name

While the names themselves often spark a laugh, they also reveal just how deeply pets have become woven into Australian family life. Increasingly, owners are selecting names they'd happily give a child, reflecting the important role pets now play in modern households.

An Office Throwback: Remembering Conner

While the trend of giving pets human names is booming today, choosing meaningful traditional names isn't entirely new. The team at Australian Dog Lover is throwing it back to Take Your Dog to Work Day in 2018 with our very own Belgian Tervuren, Conner, who sadly crossed the rainbow bridge in 2021.

Dressed to impress in his finest corporate waistcoat and tie, Conner looked every bit the executive. His name was chosen deliberately from its Gaelic roots, meaning "he who loves wolves." While he looked right at home managing the office bookshelves, his name always perfectly captured his noble, wild spirit and loyal heart. He remains a timeless reminder that whether it's an old-fashioned grandad name or a classic heritage title, the names we give our dogs always carry a piece of our hearts.

"Our pets have become part of the family in every sense of the word," Crighton notes. "They're travelling with us, sleeping inside, celebrating birthdays, and becoming central members of our lives. Choosing a human name feels like another way of recognising that special bond."

"And if you've ever found yourself apologising because Douglas needs his anal glands done, or explaining to your vet that Stephen has swallowed another sock, you're definitely not alone."

Disclaimer & Fine Print: 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 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). 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.

The Cost of Pet Food Fads: Why Aussie Vets are Warning Against Social Media Dog Food Advice

Every dog lover wants to give their best friend a long, healthy life. But between raw food diets, grain-free options, and the explosion of pet wellness influencers on social media, choosing what to put in your dog's bowl has never been more complicated.

New Australian research reveals that our well-intentioned attempts to optimise our pets' health might actually be missing the mark—and costing us hundreds in unnecessary vet bills.

According to the latest Brand Affinity Tracker data from independent research firm Kynetec, there is a massive disconnect between viral online trends and evidence-based nutrition. 

The independent study shows that an overwhelming 9 out of 10 Australian veterinarians recommend Hill’s Pet Nutrition, naming it the number one trusted and recommended brand by the profession surveyed.

While social media algorithms chase aesthetics, veterinary professionals are urging pet owners to cut through the noise and return to basics.

The Problem With 'Humanising' Our Pets' Diets

According to a recent YouGov survey, Aussie pet owners are treating their dogs more like humans than ever before. The data shows that 64% of cat and dog owners have added supplements to their pets' diets over a 12-month period. Furthermore, 52% have tried health or wellness trends on their animals that they were already following themselves.

But while the desire to do right by our best friends is genuine, treating a dog's digestive system like a human's can backfire. Despite the booming pet supplement industry, nutritional and weight-related health issues in pets remain at an all-time high. Globally, it is now estimated that around half of all pet dogs and cats are overweight or obese.

Veterinarian Dr. Margie Roser (BVSc MANZCVS DACVP) warns that the internet is driving a dangerous wedge between perception and reality.

"Nutrition information online can be overwhelming, contradictory and sometimes just plain wrong," Dr. Roser explains. 

"As with humans, the food pets eat helps set them up to live a long, healthy life, so it is important that people caring for animals have trusted, up-to-date advice on how to approach this critical element of their animal’s care."

The Real Cost of Dietary Mistakes

When a dog’s daily nutrition is out of balance, it manifests in chronic health conditions that are painful for the animal and incredibly expensive for the owner.

Data from the latest Australian Pet Health Monitor report from PetSure highlights exactly what these dietary and lifestyle issues are costing everyday Aussies. The report identifies the most common health conditions currently plaguing Australian dogs, along with their average treatment costs per condition:

• Gastrointestinal and gut issues: $330 to $694 on average
• Skin conditions and allergies: $330 to $694 on average
• Ear infections: $330 to $694 on average

When these chronic or complex illnesses strike, vets emphasise that switching to clinical, therapeutic nutrition is often more effective than turning to unverified over-the-counter wellness products. The Kynetec data confirmed that Hill’s Prescription Diet is currently the number one therapeutic pet food brand recommended by vets to help manage long-term recovery needs, including arthritis, dental issues, urinary care, kidney care, and weight management.

The Science Behind Gut Health

One of the biggest pet trends currently dominating online spaces is "gut health." While social media influencers push various exotic ingredients, veterinary science approaches the canine microbiome differently.

"Our job is to make sure that the innovation pet parents are looking for is actually grounded in evidence," says Dr. Ilze Nel, Professional & Veterinary Affairs Manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition Australia and New Zealand.

To address the growing demand for microbiome support, Hill's recently rolled out a formula upgrade across select Science Diet pet foods, introducing a proprietary blend called ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit. This formulation combines specific prebiotic fibres (including FOS and oat beta-glucan) with clinically proven antioxidants like vitamins C and E.

Peer-reviewed studies show that supporting a healthy gut microbiome does more than just fix temporary digestive upset. Feeding a precise blend of fibre-rich prebiotics actively nourishes the beneficial microbes living in the animal's digestive tract, which directly impacts their immune system, overall digestion, and skin health.

Look Beyond the Packaging

Ultimately, health doesn't come down to a beautiful bag or a convincing 30-second video on your feed. Vets are urging pet owners to be proactive rather than waiting until their dog is visibly unwell or displaying chronic allergy symptoms to address their diet.

"Getting the foundations right early can genuinely make a difference to pets’ long-term health, and to the peace of mind and pocket of pet parents down the line," says Hill's Professional Consulting Veterinarian Dr. Cam Grundy. "A conversation with their vet about nutrition is a proactive step pet owners can take for the animal they love."

Dr. Nel echoes this advice, urging owners to look past modern marketing tactics. "Veterinarians aren't swayed by aesthetics or algorithms—they're guided by results and evidence. For pet owners who may be confused on where to start, we encourage them to start a conversation with their vet to make sure their pet is getting the best, evidence-based care."

Canine Nutrition & Market Insights

While corporate data charts offer one perspective, the Australian pet food landscape is diverse, rapidly evolving, and driven by passionate pet parents. Explore our deep dives into market trends and alternative feeding philosophies:

• 🧠 Tummy to Temperament: How the Canine Gut Impacts Behaviour

  Read this comprehensive guide by an Australian veterinarian exploring the fascinating gut-brain axis in dogs, and how a balanced microbiome influences everything from digestion to overall temperament.

• 🥣 Who Rules Australia's Dog Bowls? Market Reality vs. Marketing

  A reality check on the actual landscape of the Australian pet food industry. Discover which brands dominate the retail aisles, look closely at market efficiency, and see where medical survey brands really sit in consumer preference.

• 🥩 Australia's Raw Dog Food Revolution: Educate & Evolve

  Explore the rise of raw feeding across Australia. We take a balanced look at the biological philosophies, industry safety conversations, and why so many owners are stepping away from traditional commercial processing.

Powering Up Pet Food Recycling with Return and Earn

Story supplied by Return and Earn.

Pet food saved from landfill is being repurposed to help feed family pets impacted by the cost-of-living crisis—and Return and Earn donations are being called for to help get the food where it is needed most.

Since 2019, the Animal Rescue Cooperative (ARC) charity has been on the frontline of major disasters such as bushfires and floods, redistributing tonnes of food and medical supplies to assist rescuers and carers feed and treat wildlife.

Now, ARC is also working with community grocery pantries to help families and pets stay together in the face of rising living costs. The charity is keen for donations from Return and Earn bottles, cans, and cartons to help fund their vital work, says ARC Sydney hub lead and logistics coordinator Sarah Tomsett.

“There’s such great demand. Fifty per cent of the food now goes to outreach and the other 50 per cent goes to rescues," Sarah explains.

“If you can help someone feed their pet, it is one less thing people have to worry about.”

The connection with community pantries originally began during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

“People couldn’t come and pick up because of all the restrictions, so we started reaching out to community food pantries and built a network to give them pet food for people who were struggling to feed their animals, especially people who couldn’t work,” Sarah says.

The initiative also highlights a heart-breaking reality for many families choosing between their own meals and their pets.

“A lot of the food pantries were finding people who were coming in to get a hamper were feeding the protein in the hamper to their dogs and they were living on rice and beans and pasta. If you add some dog food as well, then they get a decent feed and so do the pets.”

The Power of Smarter Logistics

The pet food industry, supermarkets, and medical facilities donate product approaching its end date to ARC for redistribution. The Petbarn Foundation is a major supporter of the charity.

The scale of ARC's operation is massive. Last year, the charity helped with 2,952 requests across Australia, delivering over 440 tonnes of pet food and supplies.

“That is more than 4 million animal meals and an estimated 2,024 tonnes of carbon saved through smarter logistics and reuse,” Sarah says. “This does not even count the extra impact from repurposed medical gear and retail stock.”

How You Can Support ARC

**No spare cash? You can still make a difference.** Funds from ARC’s Return and Earn campaign will be used directly to cover the cost of transporting and storing food right where it is needed most.

So far, eco-conscious recyclers have donated over 7,000 containers, raising $740 toward ARC’s ultimate goal of $5,000 to fight animal hunger and sickness.

“It is a nice way for people to help, who may not have much money to donate but they can donate their bottles,” says Sarah.

• To Donate: Search for ARC Food Rescue Program in the charity section of the Return and Earn app.
• To Learn More: Visit their webpage at arcsupport.org.au.

More From Our Dog Care Champions Hub

• 🐾 Recycling for a Cause: Discover how eco-conscious Aussies successfully funded the training of three life-changing helper pups in our feature, Recyclers Fund Three New Guide Dogs.
• 🐾 Winter Crisis Appeal: Read about how Victoria's Pets of the Homeless is fighting a similar battle to keep families and their beloved animals together this season at the POTH Virtual Pet Food Drive Winter Appeal.

Less Bark, More Calm: Australian Innovator Launches First-of-its-Kind Device to Combat Rising Canine Anxiety

Modern lifestyles mean that our companion dogs spend many hours waiting for us—waiting for walks, waiting for interaction, and waiting for their next opportunity to engage with the world. Contradicting their primal need for varied and frequent physical and mental stimulation has led to a worrying surge in behavioural issues, with canine anxiety now estimated to impact one in every four to six dogs¹.

In response to this growing national issue, an Australian dog expert has developed a revolutionary home device to transform how pet parents manage separation distress: The Enricher. Designed to automatically deploy varied mental stimulation programs across the day, this innovative tool provides vital emotional support specifically when dogs are unavoidably left home alone.

The Science of Boredom: Why Standard Toys Are Not Coping

Prior to the launch of this device, there was no practical way for owners to sustain structured mental stimulation for extended periods while away at work. Dog behaviour experts note that a true enrichment program requires novelty and variation to achieve a therapeutic impact; giving a dog the exact same activity at the exact same time every day fails to properly engage their brain.

The Enricher overcomes this hurdle through a uniquely engineered delivery system:

✔ Four Timed Compartments: Features internal chambers that release distinct activities at pre-set intervals throughout the day.

✔ Customisable Challenges: Each compartment can hold different puzzles or interactive toys, which often contain hidden treats.

✔ Preventative Cognitive Care: When integrated into a daily routine, these problem-solving tasks drastically reduce boredom-induced anxiety and actively prevent mental decline in senior dogs.

“At Dogs Connect, we were drafting ten-page enrichment plans for dogs and we realised we needed a physical device that would ensure those vital activities continued for the full day, even when a dog’s carer is unable to be present,” says innovator Grant Shannon.

Meet the Founder: Bringing Professional Behaviour Science Home

The expertise behind the device comes from a deeply credentialed background. Creator Grant Shannon is an International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) certified dog trainer, experienced enrichment specialist, and dedicated behaviour science practitioner who has spent his career helping dogs and their carers build better relationships.

With more than 15 years of hands-on experience in the dog wellbeing industry, Shannon is also the Founder of Dogs Connect. This world-first mental health and wellness organisation specialises in the complex integration and support of permanent wellbeing dogs within highly challenging working communities—including schools, hospitals, justice settings, and emergency service environments.

“Dog guardians care deeply about their companions. The lack of day-long enrichment is not because people don’t care, they care deeply,” Shannon explains. “It is simply because they have not been shown practical, automated ways to integrate enrichment into their dogs' lives.”

A Natural Framework to Support Anxious Australian Pets

Australia maintains one of the highest pet ownership rates globally, with recent Animal Medicines Australia survey data confirming that 49% of households parented at least one dog in 2025². Despite our profound national love for fur babies, many struggle to cope with the complex demands of a modern, fast-paced environment.

While behavioural medication is sometimes helpful and clinically required for severe cases, pharmaceutical interventions can occasionally dull both the highs and the lows of a dog’s natural emotional range. Environmental stimulation offers an effective, non-invasive alternative to support emotional stability.

Price & Where to Buy

The Enricher is available now directly via theenricher.com.au and is priced at $379, which includes free nationwide delivery across Australia.

References & Methodology

¹ Overall, K. L., et al. (2008). Frequency of nonspecific behavioural signs and veterinary diagnoses in a population of dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

² Animal Medicines Australia (AMA) Pets in Australia Survey Report.

Educational Resources: Deepen Your Dog Anxiety & Enrichment Knowledge

Automated tools are incredible for managing a dog's environment, but true behaviour modification requires a holistic approach. Explore our curated expert guides to further unpack the science of canine calm:

🔗 The Velcro Dog: The Behavioural Science Behind Separation-Related Issues
Unpack the psychology behind shadowing behaviour with Dr Tom Mitchell. Learn how to implement the 'Presence Doesn't Mean Access' (PDMA) framework to teach your dog independence.

🔗 A Guide to Dog Calming Supplements: What Works and Why?
Explore the evidence-based science behind natural anxiety relief with Dr Dennis Wormald. Discover which natural ingredients and dietary supplements are clinically proven to take the edge off stress.

🔗 5 Enriching Activities You Should Do With Your Dog Every Day
Enrichment is multi-faceted! Jen & Ryan Tate explain how to move beyond food dispensers with five simple, diverse sensory and cognitive daily activities designed to naturally tire out a cooped-up pup.

From Socks To Skewers: The Everyday Household Items Sending Australian Pets To Emergency Vets

Every puppy owner knows the feeling. The missing sock. The chewed-up remote. The sudden, mysterious silence from the next room that usually means something is very, very wrong.

While many puppy mishaps end up as funny family stories told years later, some curious canine (and feline) adventures result in serious—and incredibly expensive—trips to the emergency vet.

“Over the years, we’ve seen some whoppers of claims when it comes to foreign ingestion, particularly for dogs under the age of one,” says Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia (PIA). Useful info in hindsight this can be amusing, the danger and cost can be shocking for many unsuspecting pet owners.” 

According to claims data from Pet Insurance Australia, our companion animals are swallowing, chewing, and getting into an astonishing array of household items. In fact, PIA receives over 1,700 claims per year for foreign body ingestion*.

The financial toll can be just as distressing as the physical one. “Some foreign body ingestion claims submitted by PIA Pet Insurance policyholders have exceeded $15,000 in the past 12 months, underscoring the potentially significant cost of emergency veterinary treatment,” Crighton warns.

The Usual Suspects: What Are Aussie Dogs Swallowing?

When it comes to the curious mouth of a young dog, nothing is off-limits. "I’ve personally seen cases of young dogs ingesting knives, and even entire blankets, stones, whole tennis balls, and various medications," says Crighton.

Top 9 Most Common Foreign Objects for Dogs:

• Corn cobs
• Bones
• Skewers
• Socks and underwear
• Rocks
• Toy or pillow stuffing
• Balls
• Damaged or incorrectly sized toys
• Food packaging

Inside the Puppy Brain: Why the Urge to Chew?

While frustrated owners often describe destructive puppies as "naughty," veterinary behaviour experts say the truth is much simpler: they are just learning about the world the only way they know how.

Puppies explore their environment much like human babies—through their senses, and particularly through their mouths.

The Critical Developmental Stages:

• The Socialisation Window (3 to 12 Weeks): During this critical period, puppies are rapidly learning about their environment, developing social skills, and becoming increasingly curious. The instinct to mouth, chew, and investigate objects is a completely normal part of healthy development.

• The Teething Phase (3 to 7 Months): Puppies begin losing their baby teeth around three to four months of age, with adult teeth typically fully emerging by six to seven months. During this window, chewing spikes dramatically as puppies naturally seek ways to soothe sore, aching gums.

Research shows that chewing and mouthing help dogs develop jaw strength, play, and learn important social boundaries with humans and other dogs.

"Puppies are naturally inquisitive," says Crighton. "They investigate with their mouths, they chew, they pull things apart, and they can turn everyday household objects into fascinating toys. Unfortunately, things like socks, underwear, toys, corn cobs, batteries, string, and even children's toys can become serious hazards if swallowed."

"We often joke about the chaos of puppyhood, but some of these incidents require emergency surgery, hospitalisation, and intensive veterinary care."

Prevention is Key: PIA’s Top Puppy Safety Tips

The good news is that most of these emergency room visits are entirely preventable with proper supervision, proactive puppy-proofing, and appropriate mental enrichment.

✔ Clear the Floors: Keep socks, underwear, and small children's toys securely off the ground.

✔ Secure the Rubbish: Keep all household rubbish bins tightly closed and inaccessible.

✔ Watch the Scraps: Never leave corn cobs, cooked bones, or food packaging within reach.

✔ Size Matters: Choose toys that are specifically appropriate for your puppy’s current size and chewing strength.

✔ Supervise Play: Keep a close eye on puppies during playtime, especially during their first year of life.

✔ Offer Alternatives: Provide regular mental enrichment and safe, vet-approved chewing alternatives to keep them distracted.

Curiosity Didn't Kill the Cat... But It Might Cost $45,000

It isn't just canines keeping emergency vets busy. While cats and kittens aren't quite as chew-curious as their dog counterparts, they frequently succumb to emergency ingestion issues.

For felines, the primary culprits are long, linear objects like:

✔ String and ribbon

✔ Dental floss

✔ Hair ties

✔ Damaged toys

“What makes cats particularly vulnerable is their attraction to long, string-like objects,” Crighton explains. “While they may look harmless during play, these items can cause serious internal injuries and often require urgent veterinary treatment.”

Real-Life Rescue: Choufflè’s Close Call

This risk isn't just theoretical—it's exactly what landed ten-week-old kitten Choufflè in the Emergency Department at Lort Smith Animal Hospital.

Choufflè gave his mum, Pipper, quite the scare after swallowing a balloon left behind under the couch from a recent birthday party. At first, Choufflè vomited up some of the balloon, but Pipper was worried not all of it had come back up and feared a remaining piece had caused a blockage.

"He was perfectly fine and then all of a sudden he started throwing up," says Pipper. "He stopped drinking, became very lethargic and went downhill so fast."

Pipper rushed Choufflè to Lort Smith's Emergency Department, where veterinarians discovered a surprising twist: the blockage wasn't caused by the balloon after all, but by a small bone that had become lodged in his intestines. Choufflè underwent emergency surgery to remove the obstruction before spending three days recovering in ICU.

Pipper still has no idea where the tiny bone came from but believes the balloon had been left underneath the couch after the birthday party, where the curious kitten managed to find it. Thankfully, Choufflè has made a wonderful recovery and is back to his energetic kitten self.

"He's doing really well now," says Pipper. "He's full of energy again, just like all kittens are, and I can't wait to see him back playing with his sister, Texas."

Curious kittens love to explore the world with their mouths, making everyday household items a potential hazard. Keeping small objects, string, balloons and other swallowable items safely out of reach can help prevent a life-threatening emergency.

The cost of a cat's curiosity can easily eclipse that of a dog. “We have seen costs for cats alone range from $3,000+ to an eye-watering $45,000+,” Crighton reveals, noting that Burmese, Maine Coons, Birman, and Domestic breeds top the list for these specific insurance claims^>.

Fine Print & Disclaimers

* Data based on the last 2 calendar years.

^> PetSure Health Monitor 2025.

Product Disclaimer: 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 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). 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.

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• Is Your Comfort Food Toxic? Hidden Kitchen Dangers for Pets
• Everyday Household Foods That Could Harm Your Pets
• Gastroenteritis in Dogs: Recognising Symptoms and When to See the Vet