Unlocking canine happiness: the importance of enrichment toys for your furry companion

PetSafe® ANZ, a leader in pet products, has added more fun to its line-up of enrichment toys, highlighting how these specially designed toys are essential for improving your furry friend's life.

"Enrichment toys are far more than mere playthings," says PetSafe ANZ Marketing Manager Sarah Ambler. 

"They're like magical tools that can unleash joy and improve the well-being of your pet."

But why are enrichment toys crucial for your dog's health and happiness?

"Enrichment toys bridge between a boring routine and an adventurous, stimulating life for your canine companion," Sarah continues. "These toys bring many benefits essential for your dog's overall happiness and well-being."

These benefits can include:

✔️ Mental Stimulation: Dogs are intelligent creatures that thrive on mental challenges. Enrichment toys engage their minds, encourage problem-solving, and reduce cognitive decline in senior dogs.

✔️ Physical Exercise: Interactive toys promote physical activity, helping dogs maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity. They encourage your pet to stay agile and active.

✔️ Emotional Well-Being: Enrichment toys provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment for your furry friend. They can alleviate stress, anxiety, and destructive behaviours, leading to a happier and more content pet.

✔️ Preventing Boredom: These toys keep your dog engaged and prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviour. They offer a productive way for your pet to spend time, whether you're at home or away.

When considering enrichment toys for your dog, choosing the right one is crucial. PetSafe®ANZ offers a variety of options, including the following four Busy Buddy® toys:

1. Busy Buddy® Chompin' Chicken: A delightful toy that combines treat dispensing and play, ensuring mental and physical stimulation hours.

2. Busy Buddy® Bouncy Bone™: Designed for active dogs, this toy bounces unpredictably, making it an excellent choice for a game of fetch or solo play.

3. Busy Buddy® Bristle Bone®: With durable nylon bristles and textured rubber ends, it helps clean your dog's teeth while providing a satisfying chewing experience.

4. Busy Buddy® Cravin' Corncob: This toy challenges your dog's problem-solving skills and helps clean their teeth as they work to release the delicious treat hidden inside.

"Choosing the right enrichment toy for your dog is essential," advises Sarah. "Consider factors such as durability, skill level, and variety to ensure your furry friend stays engaged and happy."

Enrichment toys also serve a crucial role in animal shelters by alleviating stress and boredom, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of dogs during their stay as they await their forever homes.

"At PetSafe® ANZ, we are committed to educating pet owners about the importance of enrichment toys in promoting happy and healthy relationships with their dogs," concludes Sarah. 

"Our mission is to enhance the lives of pets and their owners by providing innovative solutions that cater to their well-being."

For more information about the benefits of enrichment toys and how they can contribute to your dog's happiness, visit PetSafe® Brand Official Website - PetSafe® Australia

Price & Where to Buy:

PetSafe®ANZ currently has an offer across their Enrichment Toy Range.

Purchase any 2 PetSafe®ANZ Busy Buddy Toys and get 10% off. Use the code BUSYBUDDY10 at checkout. Head to www.petsafe.net/au now!

*Offer only applicable to PetSafe® Busy Buddy range. Discount valid until 31st December 2023. 

About PetSafe®

PetSafe® is a global pet product expert with its Australian headquarters on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Wide-ranging innovative products are available across the PetSafe® product portfolio, including training, containment, and lifestyle and wellbeing product solutions. Visit au.petsafe.net 

Don’t be fooled by appearances! Companion Animal Network Australia warns pet lovers to watch out for scammers in clever disguise!

Is this rescue group for real? 

During Scams Awareness Week 2023 (27 Nov – 1 Dec), leading animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN) is warning pet lovers to watch out for scammers in clever disguise.

The theme for this year's Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) campaign is “Impersonation Scams,” delivered for the first time by the newly established National Anti-Scam Centre, built on the work of Scamwatch to make Australia a harder target for scammers.

Australia CAN has again partnered with Puppy Scam Awareness Australia (PSAA) to help animal lovers identify imposter rescue organisations and breeders, and to avoid pet scams that continue to cause heartbreak and anger.

“Scammers are professional crooks, and it can be difficult to distinguish between what is real or a scam,” said Trish Ennis, CEO of Australia CAN.

According to ACCC’s Targeting Scams (April 2023) report, anecdotally about 80% of all scams reported to Scamwatch include some form of impersonation of a legitimate entity. Scammers can impersonate any organisation or brand, and impersonation scams can be received through a variety of channels.

In 2022 (1 January – 31 December), Scamwatch received 1,684 reports of pet scams with losses of $2.3 million, according to ACCC data.

An ACCC Media spokesperson told Australia CAN, “While most pet scams pertain to puppies, in 2022 we saw an increase in kitten scams. Other pets commonly used by scammers are birds and fish.”

With scammers continually developing new ways to fool people, pet lovers need to increase their vigilance in checking for those little clues that can alert us that something is a scam, warned Ms Ennis.

“We encourage pet lovers to learn how to spot a puppy scam and avoid the heartbreak, loss of money and in some cases, potentially having to surrender their pet to the shelter,” she said.

PSAA key support group for victims of pet scams

Credit - Hudson Hintze

Puppy Scam Awareness Australia is a key support group for victims of pet scamming and is dedicated to bringing awareness about the thousands of pet scamming syndicates who prey on pet shoppers, helping puppy shoppers spot a scammer and assisting those that have been scammed.

“We don’t just report scammers, we shut down their online presence immediately, and help victims try and get their money back,” said PSAA’s founder Sandy Trujillo.

Since 2021, PSAA received reports relating to more than 1,500 Australian fraudulent bank accounts, 6,000 websites and over 8,000 social media pages/groups and profiles.

“People are easier to scam when they act on emotion and that’s especially true for pet lovers who want a furry friend,” said Ms Trujillo.

“The more who fall the more scammers can make. They constantly reinvent themselves so unsuspecting customers fall quicker. Pet scams have slowed down since COVID and the financial pressures most people find themselves under these days, but unfortunately, we are still getting reports of victims coming through, roughly three a week. They don't find us until it's too late.”

PSAA has launched a Pet Transport and Breeders Directory to help validate and help protect businesses from scammers stealing their intellectual property. PSAA also works with breeders whose IDs get stolen to restore their reputation, added Ms Trujillo.

“Most breeders are now dubious of strangers coming over and stealing their pups,” she said. “It's not always possible to find a breeder in your state, too, so people are choosing to buy interstate. That's how most get caught in scams.”

Scam prevention resources

✔️ How to spot a pet scam: australiacan.org.au/pet-projects/puppy-scams

✔️ For tips to avoid fake websites and a list of fraudulent websites: www.puppyscamawarenessaustralia.com.au

✔️ For a guaranteed pet to welcome into your family, contact an Australia CAN member in your state: australiacan.org.au/who-we-are

✔️ If you think you are scammed, contact your financial institution right away. For more information www.scamwatch.gov.au

Follow CANA on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

#ScamAwarenessWeek2023 #ScamWatch #puppyscams #petscams #scams

About Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN)

Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of our six member agencies across the country, including Animal Welfare League QLD, Animal Welfare League SA, Lort Smith (VIC), Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (WA).

Together, our members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year. Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we celebrate the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership.

We use our national voice to campaign for the humane treatment of all companion animals and we rally support for programmes that deliver high welfare standards. Australia CAN celebrates the human-animal bond and promotes responsible pet ownership through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, including the Rent with Pets and Pets in Aged Care programs.

To discover more, visit www.australiacan.org.au

Photo Credit (Lead Image): T R Photography

MEDIA RELEASE, 20th November 2023

Not all heroes wear capes, some wear collars and leashes!

Dogs have provided companionship to the elderly, therapy to sufferers of physical, emotional and mental health troubles, assistance to people with disabilities and invaluable support in military, conservation, rescue and many other roles.

Because our dogs have made such an incredible impact in our lives, Puppy Tales is proud to once again head up the search for the 2024 Australian Dog of the Year to find the doggo that best represents the essence of the Australian dog – love, courage, inspiration, assistance and friendship! Winners will be announced on Australia Day on 26 January 2024.

“The Puppy Tales’ Australian Dog of the Year aims to celebrate the faithful canine companions who bring us through the ups and downs of life and continue to contribute to society in many ways,” said Kerry Martin, award-winning pet photographer, author and founder of Puppy Tales, a website aimed at helping pet owners make the most of life with their fur family.

These awards are inspired by the many amazing dogs Kerry has photographed and met throughout her years of Australian-wide travels.

“Our pets are as wonderfully diverse as our nation and have also made an incredible impact in the lives of people, the environment or other animals,” she said.

“We want to recognise pooches from across Australia for services they provide in communities, to humans and their unyielding devotion in the face of sadness, tough times and the occasional vacuum cleaner!”

Prizes valued over $10K, including $1,250 to preferred charities!

In its fourth year, 2024 Australian Dog of the Year winners, nominees and voters will receive prizes worth more than $10,000.

“The Australian Dog of the Year Award pays it forward with a generous donation from Puppy Tales to the winner’s preferred charity and recognises the work they do for communities across the country, particularly in these challenging times,” said Kerry.

2023 Australian Dog of the Year Winner, seizure alert dog Baloo with owner Dani Stevens
Photo Credit: Puppy Tales Photography

Winner

· $1000 Donation to Charity / NFP of their Choice
· Photography Session & 'The Bailey' Collection from Puppy Tales (minimum value $4,000)
· Personalised trophy of the winning dog (value $300)
· Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
· $250 Pet Circle Gift Card

People's Choice 2022 Guide Dog Poppy

People's Choice

· $250 Donation to Charity / NFP of their Choice
· Photography Session and Large Canvas from Puppy Tales (Value $1250)
· Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
· $100 Pet Circle Gift Card

Nominee Prize Draw (x10)

· $450 Puppy Tales Photography Gift Card

Voters in the People's Choice Prize Draw (x10)

· $450 Puppy Tales Photography Gift Card

Which dogs can be nominated?

Some of the kinds of dogs that are encouraged to enter are (but not limited to):

✔️ Guide dogs or hearing dogs

✔️ Therapy dogs visiting ill people in hospitals

✔️ Dogs who have helped someone with disabilities or health challenges

✔️ Dogs in reading programs or assistance at schools

✔️ Dogs involved in wildlife detection or protection

✔️ Dogs who have located, rescued or saved people, or other pets

✔️ Police and combat dogs

✔️ Other working dogs

✔️ Dogs that are blood donors

✔️ A best friend who has gotten you through a tough time!

Rocky was Pet Circle's Bonus Prize in 2022

“ALL the amazing dogs who've been a support, best friend or true companion are encouraged to enter!” said Kerry.

“Not all have an incredible, special talent, but there’s no doubt they have all changed the lives of their humans.”

If your dog represents the true spirit of Australia by being courageous, loving or in any way amazing, nominate them now for a chance to be recognised for the awesome doggo they are and win fabulous prizes to spoil them silly!

Important dates

• Nomination deadline is 8pm on Sunday, 14 January 2024
• Finalists will be announced on Tuesday, 16 January 2024
• Voting for the People’s Choice of the finalists will also commence on January 16th and will close at 12pm on Thursday, 25 January 2024.
• Winners will be announced on Australia Day (Friday, 26 January 2024) on Puppy Tales' Facebook Page.

About Kerry Martin & Puppy Tales

Photodography™ you'll adore - Pet Travel & Adventures you'll Dig

Kerry Martin of Puppy Tales considers pets very much part of the family so lives this adage to help and inspire fellow pet parents to create incredible memories of a most pawsome life together!

Kerry's Melbourne-based but is often on the road throughout Australia offering her award-winning dog photography. She's known throughout the country for her seasonal photography experiences, most notably Snow Dogs, and her studio-based Project Dogalogue. Of the many national and international photography awards she's received over the past decade, the highlights have been Master of Photography and Australian Pet/Animal Photographer of the Year.

As she travels with her own adored furry companions Keiko & Summer, Kerry writes to share her knowledge and experiences of all things dog, photography and travel. She published Dog Tales of Australia - a 290 pages bucket list guide of dog friendly travel and destinations throughout Australia - in 2023.

Kerry also creates content for the Puppy Tales website, a social media community of over 500,000 and other publications to promote the wonderful relationships between dogs and people. All accompanied by stunning photography!

Puppy Tales is a business for good with a mission to make a paw-sitive difference. Puppy Tales operates as carbon negative; supports many local organisations through photography, fundraising and more; and plays a part in the global community’s effort to protect the planet, take action on climate change and care for animals and wildlife. To discover more, visit puppytales.com.au

Related Stories

2023 Australian Dog of the Year revealed

Monrose Indoor Plants expands into a Pet Café, treating dogs to lavish puppuccinos, treats, pet-friendly indoor plants & gifts

Melbourne's exclusive indoor plant boutique now invites pet enthusiasts for a unique and delightful experience with the launch of their Pet Café.

The launch will feature a diverse selection of dog-friendly drinks, ranging from drool-worthy puppuccinos like "Blue Heaven" to refreshing "Matcha" lattes, offering a pawfect selection for every dog.

To celebrate the opening day, all puppuccinos will be available for just $5 each, and come with a complimentary Monrose dog biscuit.

For pet parents, Monrose Indoor Plants and Pet Café offers a selection of cold drinks and a stunning collection of pet-friendly indoor plants and gifts. 

This curated experience is crafted to bring together both pets and their owners for an enjoyable day out.

The grand opening promises a day filled with shop specials, treats, and an experience that caters to the hearts of both pets and their owners.

"We are thrilled to announce the transformation of Monrose Indoor Plants now expanding into a Pet Café on November 18th! 

Our boutique is not only a sanctuary for plant enthusiasts but also a haven for pets, making it a truly unique destination," said Nikita, Founder at Monrose Indoor Plants.

Join us on Saturday, November 18th, at 10 am, as we embark on this exciting journey of creating a harmonious space for plants and pets at Monrose Indoor Plants. Bring your furry companions, and let's make this day unforgettable for both you and them!

Grand Opening - Event Details:

Date: Saturday 18th November, 2023, from 10 am – 5 pm.

Location: 419 Melbourne Rd, Newport, VIC, 3015

To learn more visit monroseindoorplants.com.au

Follow Monrose Indoor Plants on Facebook and @monrose.indoor.plants on Instagram. 

If you love dogs and pet-friendly gardening, you may enjoy reading:

12 Pet-friendly Indoor Plants for Australia

The Petstock Foundation is on a mission to raise $800,000 for children this Christmas!

The Christmas Project inspires Australians to create magic for children through pets and therapy animals.

This festive season, the Petstock Foundation is taking action to inspire magic for children in need. With a goal to raise $800,000 for children experiencing hardship, home instability, serious illness or disability, the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project is on a mission to empower children through the unconditional love and magic of pets and therapy animals.

To support the mission, from October 31 to December 24, money raised through the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project will be donated to children-focused charity partners, creating a special Christmas for many children.

The campaign aims to give funds raised to charity partners who provide services that allow children in need to gain freedom and independence through school support, equine assistance, and therapy animals. 

Charity partners selected to benefit this Christmas are Make-A-Wish Australia (Nationally), MacKillop Family Services (VIC), Cowboys 4 Kids (NSW), Very Special Kids (VIC), Smart Pups (QLD), HorsePower (WA) and Riding for the Disabled Association (SA and TAS).

Smart Pups (QLD) train assistance dogs helping children with disabilities

Past research indicates that the rising cost of living significantly and negatively impacts a large portion of people already in need this Christmas [1] and many people will struggle to pay at least one of their essential bills at Christmas, such as food, household utilities, or rent [2]. 

With the financial crisis here to stay, alarmingly these results are likely set to rise, showing the cost of living impacts are felt the most by people who are already facing hardship and require support. It’s more important than ever to donate where you can, to support the wonderful work The Petstock Foundation’s partner children’s charities do day in, day out.

Petstock Foundation Strategic Manager, Jessica Curtis says, “This Christmas, the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project is empowering children through the unconditional love and magic of pets and animals. Thousands of children each year experience hardship, home instability, serious illness or disability through no fault of their own. It’s heart-breaking to think many children around the country will be too unwell, or families not in a position financially to create the wonderful childhood Christmas magic that many of us have fond memories of.

“We’re giving Australians the opportunity to make an impact this Christmas, and are encouraging people to support The Christmas Project by purchasing a Christmas bauble decoration in store or online.”

“All funds from bauble purchases will go towards the Project, and will go far to help take the pressure off families and make Christmas feel special for children in need. Donations can also be made at your local store or online.”

Jessica continues, “At the Petstock Foundation, we believe the strong bond and unconditional love many children feel for their pets and animals is truly special to observe, and is proof of the positive impact animals can have on the lives of children, particularly those facing challenges.”

Recent studies suggest more than 14,000 Australian children are living with a life-threatening illness [3], with approximately 2,400 babies born with a heart condition each year [4], and 1,000 children aged 0-19 years diagnosed with cancer every year [5]. These statistics alone are just a small example of community needs for extra support through these incredible charities. The impact these conditions can have on the lives of children and their families is huge, and many need our support to fight for their future.

National charity partner Make-A-Wish Australia will use their share of funds raised to help grant life-changing wishes for sick kids across the country.

Make-A-Wish Australia CEO Sally Bateman said that the charity relies on the incredible generosity and support from the community to make wishes possible.

“We are very grateful to the Petstock Foundation for its ongoing partnership and for its Christmas Project initiative. The Foundation’s wonderful support will help us to bring hope and joy to some of the 900 wish kids who are currently on their Wish Journey. 

The Petstock Foundation is currently helping us to grant our horse-related wishes across the country, while the funds raised from the Christmas Project will help us grant a wide range of wishes for critically ill kids, including some of our ever-popular pet wishes. Pet wishes can provide sick kids with companionship while helping them reduce anxiety. With the charity receiving no government funding, we rely on initiatives like the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project and the incredible generosity of the Australian public to help make these life-changing wishes a reality.”

To get involved, the Petstock Foundation is encouraging Australians to donate by purchasing Christmas bauble in store at Petstock stores nationally, by rounding up purchases in store, or donating online.

The Christmas Project - Campaign Summary

What donations will go towards

✔️ 100% of funds raised by the Petstock Foundation nationwide in November and December will be donated to the The Christmas Project charity partners to enable them to create a better future for children this Christmas.

✔️ Fundraising programs like the The Christmas Project allow charities focussing on improving the lives of children to groups to grow and more effectively deliver greater services to the children facing hardship.

How can you help

✔️ From October 31 until Christmas, purchase a Christmas bauble from Petstock, with all funds going towards The Christmas Project.

✔️ By rounding up purchases at Petstock stores nationwide or by donating online.

✔️ In celebration of The Christmas Project, Petstock stores will be hosting a Children’s Weekend on December 9th and 10th, which will see fun activities for children take place including a colouring competition, live animals for petting and store team members dressing up in Christmas theme.

✔️ Visit your local Petstock store to support your local community or visit petstock.com.au for more information – 100% of funds raised goes to our purpose!

References

1, 2 Salvation Army 2022 Christmas research

3 Make A Wish

4 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019) Congenital heart disease in Australia, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 01 November 2023.
5 Aihw.gov.au

About the Petstock Foundation

The Petstock Foundation is a registered charity that exists to empower a better future for pets and people. Since its inception in 2007, The Foundation has raised more than $10 million to date and has found homes for more than 40,000 rescue pets. Petstock Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of the Petstock Group, donations by business partners and team members as they come together for the pets that inspire them. 100% of funds raised go towards The Foundation to support its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business.

MEDIA RELEASE, 16th November 2023

Companion Animal Network Australia calls for urgent Government support for older pet owners at home in aged care reform

National animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is calling for urgent support for older pet owners at home, as the Australian Government is working to prioritise independence and restore the dignity of older people in Australia in a $18.3 billion reform package*.

Australia CAN is campaigning to increase the number of pet-friendly aged care support services to keep pets and their older owners happy, healthy and together in their own homes for as long as possible.

“Sadly, there is a painful absence of government support for older people with pets in in-home care, resulting in not only putting people's lives in danger but also their much-loved animals being surrendered to shelters across the country!” says Trish Ennis, CEO of Australia CAN.

“We are calling Hon Mark Butler MP, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care and Hon Anika Wells MP, Federal Minister for Aged Care to help our ageing population maintain a high quality of life and that includes finding ways to help older adults retain their pets.”

CANA’s vital message comes in support of the Joint Submission - Foundations of the Aged Care Act by 13 national organisations working with older people and carers, demanding a human-rights based aged care act that reflects the experiences and wants of older people, including the right to have their beloved companion animals acknowledged, supported and respected.

Many studies demonstrate how pets offer a myriad of physical and mental health benefits for people, such as reducing stress, providing companionship, encouraging social interactions and more.

“This is true particularly for older adults who often face loneliness and isolation and rely on their companion animals to thrive,” says Ms Ennis. “The Government says it is working on keeping older people in their homes. Why aren't they prepared to make minor changes that would benefit the people, pets, home care support agencies and businesses?”

Status of pets in aged care

“I am 78 years old and came to Australia from Germany in 1969. Sadly, I lost my wife to Alzheimer’s a few years ago. 

I now live alone with my four cats, Layla, Ruby, Sofia and Anita. They are my family and I would rather die than part with them…” Rolfe, Tasmania.

CANA’s Survey on the Status of Pets in Aged Care facilities and at home shows 86% of older adults with pets experience improved mental and physical health. 

When it comes to older adults living at home, the survey reveals 61% of older adults live alone, and 74% of older adults with pets say their animals provide companionship and reduce loneliness.

“I owe my life to 7-year old Miniature Dachshund Frankie, my Delta Therapy Dog, for detecting my stage 4 melanoma and alerting the neighbours when I fell twice and needed an ambulance. 

Us old folks who live alone and are not as well as we should be physically and mentally, we must have a companion animal.” -  Joanne, NSW

Whilst 40% of older adults who receive a Home Care Package (HCP) have pets, only 9% of these pet owners receive pet care support, such as walking their dog (64% need help) and taking their pet to the vet (62% need help).

“The health and wellbeing benefits of pet ownership are measurable and indisputable,” says Ms Ennis. 

“The CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Program) and HCP can be extended to determine and secure the necessary assistance for a person to live independently with their pet by ensuring services are offered to support pet health and well-being.”

Ms Ennis says increasing the number of pet-friendly in- home aged care support will also help to prevent animals from being euthanised or surrendered to shelters and maximise the physical and emotional health of animal loving older people.

“Increasing pet-friendly aged care support will not cost the government much. The financial implementation of adding these resources to the packages is minor and would in many cases mean simply changing the wording of the delivery of existing items,” she says.

“We want to make sure the care that older pet owners receive at home contributes to their quality of life and supports their family and community connections.”

Support CANA’s #PetFriendlyAgedCare Petition

CANA needs the public’s help to convince the Government to include pet-friendly aged care support as part of their aged care reform. Help reach 25,000 signatures by signing and sharing their petition for #PetFriendlyAgedCare!

Please support CANA’s Petition for #PetFriendlyAgedCare

To read CANA’s submission to the Government, please visit petfriendlyagedcare.com.au/surveys

For more information about supporting pets in aged care, please visit petfriendlyagedcare.com.au

For more about Companion Animal Network Australia, visit australiacan.org.au or contact info@australiacan.org.au

About Pet Friendly Aged Care

Pet Friendly Aged Care is run by the Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN) whose six member agencies aim to make the world a better place for pets through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives. Pet-Friendly Aged Care was established to highlight the often-catastrophic emotional harm caused when older people are forced to give up their pets upon moving into an aged care home, and to provide a more practical way forward. To discover more, visit petfriendlyagedcare.com.au

About Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN)

Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN) is Australia’s peak body representing companion animals. It comprises six member agencies, each aiming to make the world a better place for pets.

Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we celebrate the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership. We use our national voice to campaign for the humane treatment of all companion animals and we rally support for programmes that deliver high welfare standards. To discover more, visit australiacan.org.au

MEDIA RELEASE, 15th November 2023

With Christmas just around the corner and many Australian families considering inviting the pitter-patter of paws into their homes, Pet Insurance Australia looks at what to consider when choosing a dog breed alongside Specialist Small Animal Surgeon Dr Sarah Goldsmid.

“It is coming up to the time of year when many Australian homes will be considering getting a pet over the summer months,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. 

“Our data does indicate that this is a busy pet buying time of year, with many signing up for pet insurance around the eight-week mark. Now is the time many pet lovers will be sourcing their new furry friend.”

Pet Insurance Australia has top tips for choosing the right breed for your home and lifestyle.

“It’s imperative to research your chosen breed, as many dogs do have prevalent hereditary conditions that can end up costing pet owners thousands to rectify throughout the lifetime of their pet,” Crighton says. “It’s also imperative to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and expectations rather than basing it on looks alone.”

Ensuring you can afford these treatments is an integral part of responsible pet ownership. It’s also highly recommended that prospective pet owners do their due diligence on their possible dog breeders and resist quick purchases from backyard breeding establishments.

“Do your homework on your dog breeder and ensure you ask all the important questions regarding hereditary screening and possible breed-related problems or adopt a pet from a shelter,” she recommends. “Backyard breeding and puppy mills only add to the huge amount of unwanted pets around Australia.”

Specialist Small Animal Surgeon Dr Sarah Goldsmid from The Animal Referral Hospital (Homebush) is all too aware of the hugely expensive surgery for hereditary problems with some breeds and the importance of understanding these possible problems before purchase.

“As a specialist small animal surgeon, I see many cases where pets require major and expensive surgery for their hereditary problem,” Dr Goldsmid says. 

“For example, Brachycephalic airway disease, if not surgically treated in time, can lead to aspiration pneumonia, the need for a permanent tracheostomy, predispose to severe heat stress, and worst-case scenario can end in premature death.”

A third of surgical cases at Animal Referral Hospital Homebush are related to spinal disease, mainly due to herniated intervertebral discs, which can occur in any breed or mixed breed.

“However, disc disease is over-represented in certain breeds, such as French Bulldogs and Dachshunds. If we see the patients early enough, we can usually get them back to great function again following advanced spinal imaging (CT and MRI) and spinal surgery – but if they have already lost all feeling and movement, their prognosis is poor for recovery of function.”

Mixed Breeds – Best of Both Worlds?

It is common for many in the pet industry to sing the praises of humble mixed breeds. Known for their robustness, choosing a mixed breed dog could help prevent large veterinary bills for many common hereditary conditions. While many breeds are affected by hereditary conditions, increasing the genetic pool within mating can help reduce the risk of some of these conditions from occurring in that litter.

“This is not a precise science – the offspring may still end up with hereditary conditions related to several different breeds, but in general, a mixed breed is less likely to develop the hereditary problem,” Dr Goldsmid says. 

“I would always recommend sourcing crossbreeds from the pound or shelters first. This will save a life and discourage backyard breeding.”

Pet owners must understand that certain breeds can suffer from more severe and expensive conditions, such as brachycephalic dog breeds – also known as the ‘squishy faced breeds’. 

These breeds will all have varying degrees of breathing difficulties, and many also have spinal deformities and potentially an increased risk of spinal disease later in life.

“Many of these breeds will require airway surgery and or spinal surgery during their lives,” Dr Goldsmid says. “The risk of these diseases may be reduced by breeding to increase the length of the face and opening of the nostrils and also introducing genetics that reflects more normal spinal formation.”

As we come into the peak pet buying season, Pet Insurance Australia is urging pet owners to carefully consider their options of what breed they want and any possible problems those pets could face down the line.

“The peak pet buying season is driven by Christmas, the cat breeding season, and the fact that Australians usually have a few weeks off over the Christmas/New Year break, making it an ideal time to bring a new four-legged fur baby into the home,” Crighton says. “However, most owners will not consider the possible problems their chosen breed may have, leading to high veterinary costs and possible surgeries to rectify the issues.”

Advice When Selecting a Pet – Dr Goldsmid

“You can never completely avoid the heartache of a sick pet, and whatever you do when you obtain a new dog or cat. Do your research, almost all pure-bred dogs have certain conditions that can be a problem. Diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation volvulus, spinal issues, skin disease, ear disease, eye conditions, heart disease, etc are all problems that can have a genetic component.”

Dr Goldsmid also suggests when selecting a pet to purchase - as opposed to obtaining one as a rescue from a pound or shelter - it is essential to know that you are getting them from reputable breeders that are ideally registered.

“You should be able to see the parents or at least the mother. A vet check prior to purchase is important, not only for at least one vaccination to be given, but to rule out any congenital issues that would be present at birth (e.g. palate defects, some heart murmurs).”

It is also essential to remember that some conditions only become apparent once the pet is a little older. For example, hip and elbow dysplasia is not usually diagnosed until they are at least six months old. However, unstable hips may be picked up at their second or third vaccination. Ideally, the parents should have been screened for hip dysplasia before mating, but this does not guarantee disease-free offspring.

“In general, it is important for any pet to have regular check-ups and preventative care through a local vet. Vaccinations, worming, heartworm prevention, flea and tick treatments, feeding good quality complete diets, and avoiding obesity are all important factors in reducing the chances of your pet getting sick from preventable problems,” Dr Goldsmid says.

Pet Insurance Australia also recommends anyone thinking of purchasing a pet during the silly season to carefully plan financially for all costs associated with pet care.
“This includes veterinary treatments,” Crighton says.

“According to MoneySmart, a cat or dog will cost between $3,000 to $6,000 in the first year of ownership, with many new pet parents not completely taking the costs of vet care into account until it’s too late. It’s incredibly important that all costs are taken into account before welcoming a new furry family member into the home.”

MEDIA RELEASE, 14th November 2023

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