With the silly season quickly approaching, Pet Insurance Australia has a timely reminder of the dangers this time of year can signal for our pets.

"As the Christmas trees and decorations quickly become the staple in many homes around the country, sadly, some Australian pets will also succumb to the vet emergency trends for this time of year," Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says.

From the typical tick and flea infestations to the more interesting claims of dogs ingesting all sorts of goodies, Pet Insurance Australia does witness spikes in claims around the summer period that can leave pet owners in a frantic situation.

"During this time of year, pet owners must stay vigilant with their pet's safety needs," Crighton says. "It's vital you keep up with your preventative treatments, especially for ticks and fleas for those pets who suffer from flea allergies."

Pet Insurance Australia also advises pet owners intending to travel with their pets this holiday season to check if the area is prone to ticks and be prepared.

"Tick paralysis is a terrifying situation for the pet and the owner," she warns. "With the cost of living and the additional expenses of the festive season, prevention is much cheaper than the extensive costs associated with an emergency tick situation, not to mention the emotional toll of potentially losing your pet. A simple $50 tick treatment from your local pet supplies store will make your pet almost tick-proof for three months."

As of November 2023, Pet Insurance Australia claim data already shows a 900% plus increase in paralysis tick claims compared to the year's cooler months. Based on seasonal history, PIA expects elevated tick claim levels right through to February.

"But ask any vet, and you'll find the high-end costs some pet owners pay, out of their own pocket, for life-support ventilators and 24/7 care over a number of days to save their pet from a paralysis tick event, is eye-watering."

Being the time of year when entertaining is high on the agenda for many homes, dogs are also more at risk of foreign body ingestion of objects and toxins.

"We certainly see a big spike in claims for foreign body ingestion during the warmer months," Crighton says. "This can be due to a host of reasons including entertaining and not securing rubbish bins correctly, too many new and interesting items being left around – cue the tinsel."

Skewers, fishhooks, corn cobs, underwear and even puffer fish have been known to cause issues with dogs over the past year. During the festive season, chocolate and alcohol toxicity is also a problem. Overfeeding and feeding dangerous human foods, including nuts, lollies, high-fat foods such as butter, and other toxic foods, can also pose a problem for dogs.

"Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and can be found in many sugar-free lollies the children might be enjoying over this period," Crighton says. "Being educated on the toxic foods that affect our pets can prevent many issues from occurring."

Dogs are also masters at finding food; some breeds are better at it than others! Young pups and dogs can also be ultra-curious when sniffing out something that can ultimately harm them. Keeping your pet in a safe area during entertaining or when you cannot supervise them is a simple way to keep them safe.

"It's just ensuring that people remember dogs are natural scavengers, and thinking that Rover simply won't eat it is incorrect," Crighton says. 

"It's always best to ensure that your pet does not have access to anything that can cause detrimental effects to their health and wellbeing."

Top Tips For Summer

• Ensure bins are correctly secured and cannot be accessed by your dog.
• Keep dogs away from entertaining situations when you cannot fully supervise them.
• Encourage guests to refrain from feeding your pet.
• Snap skewers into small pieces when putting them into the rubbish.
• Do not feed your dog corn cobs.
• Put signs up notifying guests you have a dog and to shut the gate.
• Never leave chocolate or alcohol in reach of your pet.
• Secure fishing tackle boxes and keep rods up high with hooks firmly attached.
• Keep all chemicals, including gardening sprays and bait, secure and out of reach.
• Train your pet to keep away from the Christmas tree.

"Dogs are curious in nature, especially young pups, and they have an incredible sense of smell," Crighton says. 

"Meaning, wrapping boxes of chocolate up and popping it under the tree could be a recipe for disaster. Some simple preparation can prevent many issues from occurring that could see your festive celebrations turning into a sad and tragic event."

MEDIA RELEASE, December 2023

Related Stories:

Beware the Tick Menace this Summer Season!

The forecast for summer is in, and it’s bad news for racing Greyhounds. The looming threat? Soaring temperatures as Australia's on the brink of one of our hottest summers on record according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Not surprisingly, the RSPCA is on the public record with a warning about the risks for Greyhounds made to race in hot conditions. 

The RSPCA says “When the air temperature is high, the risk of heat stress is greatly increased. Prolonged and untreated heat stress can lead to dehydration, collapse and death.”

The RSPCA also “supports the development of mandatory welfare standards for all racing codes which include provisions to cancel races in weather above a specific temperature” and says addressing this issue requires urgent attention given climate change predictions.

Andrea Pollard, president of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG), also warns of dire consequences for racing dogs under such extreme conditions.

“It’s hard to imagine a more brutal environment for these sensitive animals. Too many Greyhounds will suffer horrific deaths on Australian racing tracks this summer. Their bodies
just can’t cope with that kind of heat,” she said.

Risks for Greyhounds in hot weather

High temperatures are dangerous to Greyhounds because of their unique physiology. These canines - just like other dogs - have a cooling system which is very different to the human system. As temperatures soar, dogs’ method of cooling becomes a source of vulnerability.

Unlike humans who can sweat to lose heat, dogs rely on panting, which moves air across wet respiratory membranes. While this adaptation serves them well under normal conditions, it falters under oppressive heat and humidity.

Furthermore, Greyhounds, bred for centuries for athletic prowess, have a muscle-heavy physique that generates heat rapidly. This high heat production makes them particularly vulnerable to exertional hyperthermia.

What is Heat Stroke? 

This vulnerability leads to harrowing consequences - heat stress - symptoms of this include panting, elevated heart rate, and listlessness. At the first signs of heat stress, move a dog to a cool area with good ventilation, provide cool drinking water and gently cool with wet towels. Use ice packs on feet, armpits and inner thighs, if necessary.

When untreated, heat stress can progress to heat stroke, a severe and potentially fatal condition. 

Symptoms include excessive panting, thick saliva, vomiting, diarrhoea, wobbliness, strange behaviour, seizures, and, in severe cases, collapse. Heat stroke is a veterinary emergency.

Of course, prevention is best, and knowing the warning signs is vital. Don’t exercise your dog in the heat, watch for the signs of heat strain. 

Also, make sure your dog always has access to plenty of shade, ventilation and fresh water.

Battling the Heat on Race Tracks

With the relentless impact of extreme temperatures on Greyhounds' health, it’s essential to understand the specific challenges faced by racing Greyhounds. Australian research confirms the dangers, with larger, dark-coloured dogs at greatest risk.

“These defenceless animals are at the frontline of the battle against relentless heat. Rising temperatures, increased heat waves and prolonged hot spells create perilous conditions on
already dangerous tracks,” said Andrea Pollard.

One heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the life-threatening challenges racing Greyhounds endure during scorching races. In February this year, Weblec Gem, a three-year-old racing Greyhound, tragically met her end amid a severe heatwave in South Australia.

As reported by Channel 10 Adelaide TV, Weblec Gem died of Hemoabdomen which is marked by blood accumulation in the abdomen. Vets often link this condition to organ rupture, a painful and fatal consequence of racing in extreme heat.

CPG SA Director Elle Trahair

Animal welfare advocates who had been raising concerns about the risks posed by high temperatures had forewarned of this devastating event.

CPG’s South Australia spokesperson, Elle Trahair, said everyone knew what the risks were that day, but the dogs were forced to race anyway.

“The severe physical strain on Weblec Gem’s body in the scorching conditions led to her catastrophic internal injuries. How many more Greyhounds have to die like this?”

A Victory for Greyhound Welfare

Outraged by the circumstances of Weblec Gem’s death, CPG launched a campaign, calling for the suspension of races when temperatures reach 38°C degrees. Many members of the public played an important part by sending emails to the authorities.

CPG’s campaign for stronger heat policies garnered substantial media attention. In an extended Channel 10 Adelaide TV interview, CPG’s Elle Trahair reacted to Greyhounds dying
from heat-related injuries on the track.

“It absolutely breaks my heart to think that this is what they endure and go through. This is really common when you’ve got dogs running in extreme heat. The stress on their body is far
too much,” she said.

Greyhound Racing SA claimed Weblec Gem’s hemoabdomen death was not related to racing in heat, but in an article published by GRSA’s rehoming arm GAP SA, it says:

“Due to their slender bodies, Greyhounds can be very susceptible to heat stress and heatstroke; So, with temperatures in the high 30s and even over 40°C common in SA, it is important to make sure you are looking out for your Greyhound and helping them keep cool!

On ABC Radio Adelaide, Elle also explained the extent of heat-related casualties that the industry wants to keep hidden. Joining Elle was Dr. Rebekah Eyers of RSPCA SA, who recommends caps lower than 38 degrees, based on findings from Adelaide University.

“The research has already been done. This is dangerous for dogs… [The] study found that when the temperature was 38 degrees, four out of ten of the dogs racing, after the
race, their body temperature went up to 41 degrees or higher. Now this is extreme heat stress,” said Dr Eyers.

The Greens are all in on this important cause, advocating for legislative reforms to protect racing Greyhounds from extreme heat and to hold clubs accountable.

“The Government needs to listen to the RSPCA and introduce mandatory enforceable welfare standards for Greyhound racing, including a capped temperature at which races must
be cancelled. [...] Reform is needed more urgently than ever” said SA Greens MP Tammy Franks.

In response to the public outcry, Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA) eventually heeded the call for change and updated its heat policy. It now requires SA racing clubs to suspend races when the mercury hits 38°C degrees.

This was a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight to protect racing Greyhounds from extreme heat. Elle Trahair said the win shows the power of grassroots advocacy and public pressure to drive positive change within the racing industry.

“It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we come together to prioritise the safety and welfare of worthy racing Greyhounds,” she said.

The Campaign Heats Up

After the significant win in South Australia, advocates are now turning their attention to Queensland. As heatwaves loom once more, the urgency for action is clear.

While the risks of extreme heat during races are high nationwide, they are perilous in regions which still lack crucial heat caps for race suspensions and Queensland is a key offender in this regard.

As the RSPCA says - “Generally speaking, it is up to individual racing clubs to decide if races should be cancelled or rescheduled during very hot weather to minimise the risk of heat stress. Some state racing bodies have developed ‘heat’ policies which provide guidance on the factors that should be considered when deciding to cancel races or race meetings, but they do not prescribe a maximum temperature at which to cancel races.”

Queensland’s independent government regulator QRIC has failed to take this action. With dire weather on the horizon, CPG is asking everyone who cares about the wellbeing of racing Greyhounds to take action.

You Can Make a Difference

To help racing Greyhounds in Queensland, please send an email to Queensland’s Minister for Racing, Grace Grace - see here for inspiration and the Minister’s email address.

If you would like to be involved in rescuing, helping, and/or rehoming Greyhounds, here are some useful links to Greyhound rescue groups.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, see here. CPG is particularly keen to hear from writers with several years’ experience in either journalism or PR.

Written by Marnie Hill, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, October 2023 for Australian Dog Lover.

Kurgo's Innovative Floating Skipping Stones Designed to Elevate Your Water Fetch Experience

As the summer season unfolds, Kurgo, a leading innovator in pet travel and adventure products, is excited to introduce a dynamic twist to canine outdoor activities with their Floating Skipping Stones. These fun skipping stones promise to redefine outdoor playtime.

Summer is a time for exploration and revelling in the great outdoors, and what better way to make the most of it than by engaging your furry friend in exciting water-based activities?

Kurgo's Floating Skipping Stones take your dog's summer experience to the next level, providing an engaging and interactive way to enjoy the season together.

Key Features and Benefits:

✔️ Realistic Stone Shape: The stones closely mimic the appearance of natural stones, making every fetch game feel like a thrilling treasure hunt.

✔️ High Visibility Colours: Vibrant and easily discernible colours ensure these skipping stones are always in sight, even during the sunniest summer days.

✔️ Buoyancy and Durability: Specially engineered for buoyancy and durability, these skipping stones stand up to the rigors of active play, even in water.

✔️ Safe and Easy Maintenance: Crafted from non-toxic materials, Kurgo Floating Skipping Stones are dishwasher-safe, prioritising your pet's health and convenience.

✔️ Size Variety: Choose from three sizes to match your preferred play style: 

• Orange "Easy Rider" (4" W x 2.5" H x 1" D)
• Green "Fat Bob" (3.5" W x 2.75" H x 1.25" D)
• Purple "Tiny" (3.5" W x 2.5" H x 1" D).

Whether at the beach, enjoying an outdoor picnic, or having a backyard playdate, Kurgo's Floating Skipping Stones are ideal for your dog's summer toolkit.

Kurgo Australia Skipping Stones are available at all good pet retailers. 

Price & Where to Buy:

RRP: $34.99. Head to www.kurgo.com.au to find out where to buy.

About Kurgo

Kurgo (www.kurgo.com.au) can be summed up with just two words: go together. This concept informs everything we do: the products we make, the causes and ideas we are passionate about, and the impact we hope to have in our customers’ lives. We believe your dog is more than just a pet. They are your best friend, family member, hiking partner, and adventure buddy. You go everywhere together. We want to help you go safely, comfortably, and happily together. That’s why we specifically design our products to make adventuring with your dog easier than ever.

MEDIA RELEASE, 12th October 2023

How will you be celebrating this Australia Day 2023 with your dogs? 

Decking your house in green and gold, flying our national flag, throwing a barbie for family and friends, relaxing at the beach or the local park, attending local events with fellow Australians? No doubt you have your own traditions!

Our dogs are an integral part of the family and included in all our celebrations. Whether you're home or still enjoying your holidays, we hope these tips and product suggestions will help you plan your Australia Day 2023 festivities!

#1. Pawfect Pals - Australian Beauties

A cute and colourful celebration of our native flora and fauna, Pawfect Pals Australian Beauties' soft neutral tones will complement any dog’s fur colour, and make them sure to stand out!

The featured Bundle contains:

✔️ Reversible harness

✔️ Vegan-leather dog collar

✔️ Vegan-leather dog lead or soft lead (pictured)

✔️ Cooling bandana

✔️ Sailor bow tie

✔️ Hair ribbon for you!

All the items in this bundle can also be purchased separately.

Save 20% off popular designs featuring our Australian furry friends until January 26!

RRP: from $11.20 - $101.60 (Bundle) at pawfect-pals.com.au

#2. StumpyCollective - Eucalyptus Dog Bandana

Dress your pup to impress in this gorgeous Australian designed and made Eucalyptus Dog Bandana.

These dog bandanas from Brisbane-based StumpyCollective are made to slip over your dog's collar.

This classy design comes in 6 sizes from Extra Small to XXL to suit all dog sizes from puppies and miniature breeds all the way to your giant fluffies!

RRP: $12.00 - $20.00 (incl. free shipping) from StumpyCollective Etsy's store.

#3. AniPal – Australiana Collection

Your dog will look right on trend this Australia Day whilst supporting our local environment, wearing AniPal's Australiana Collection.

Created by local Vet Steph Stubbe, this collection of unique Australiana-themed dog collars and leads is made from recycled plastic bottles, finished with brass hardware. Collars come in 3 sizes whilst leashes are 130cm in length.

Choose from Billie the Bilby, Kylo the Koala, Piper the Platypus or Clancy the Black Cockatoo. 

RRP: $35.95-$45.95 from www.anipal.com.au

#4. Urban Tails Pet Boutique - Australia Day Collection

Urban Tails Pet Boutique has released a limited edition Australia Day Collection featuring gorgeous Bow Ties and Sailor Bows! 

These bows are designed and printed in house so you won’t find them anywhere else. 

The Australia Day Sailor Bow has two velcro strips for attaching it to a collar so it will never droop! 

Available in 3 sizes: Small, Medium & Large.

RRP: $17.99 - $21.99 from

www.urbantailspetboutique.com.au

#5. Wiggle Wagz n Kaz - Straya Muscle Shirt     

The Straya Muscle Shirt is a quintessentially Australian T-shirt for fair dinkum doggos, handmade by Wiggle Wagz n Kaz.

If you're proud to be living in our sunburnt country, now your furbaby can celebrate too! 

It comes in ten sizes; for the best fit, simply ensure you measure your dog’s neck, chest and back length carefully before ordering. 

There's also a Straya Day Bandana and a Straya Day Bow Tie.

RRP: from $23.95 at www.etsy.com/au 

Vegemite sandwiches, juicy snags, lamingtons and pavlovas may be your foods of choice on Australia Day but none of those hooman versions should ever pass your dogs' lips! 

The salt and sugar content in these foods will not sit well in their stomachs. Worse, acute pancreatitis can occur after a dog eats a fatty food such as barbeque beef, pork, leftover fatty offcuts or cheese. Some human foods like onions and chocolate can be deadly. 

So why not order some Aussie specialties created for your dogs instead?

#6. Pooch Treats - Aussie Bakery Favourites

Get your thongs on and get down to the dog beach this Australia Day with Pooch Treats' Aussie Bakery favourites. Your dinky dine doggo will love their delicious Meat Pies, Fairy Bread, Eclairs, Custard Tarts and Sausage Rolls and cap off their feast with some delicious Lamingtons! Melbourne-based Pooch Treats range of dog treats are handcrafted right here in Australia by a team of pastry chefs. 

Available from participating Habitat stores or at Pooch Treats HQ (next to Glenroy Bakery).

RRP: $20.00 (5 treats Multi-Pack) at poochtreats.com.au & Habitat Pet Supplies.

#7. All Barks – Aussie Nibbles 

Made from 100% Australian ingredients and responsibly sourced, All Barks dog treats give your dogs a real taste of Australia!

Aussie Nibbles is a natural blend of lean protein using Australian wild Kangaroo (80%) & Venison (15%) plus natural herbs and amino acids. 

Each little nibble is bite sized, making them suitable for all life stages and they're perfect for training or as treats. 

The 5-pack bundle features the entire Taste of Australia range: Outback Snacks, Booster Bites, Aussie Nibbles, Bush Burgers and Bush Sticks.

RRP: $11.99 (Aussie Nibbles); $55.00 (5-pack bundle includes free shipping) at allbarks.com.au 

#8. Bones & Whiskers – Doggy Grazing Boxes 

Are you planning to host a party with multiple doggy guests? 

Then the Bones & Whiskers Doggy Grazing Box handcrafted in Melbourne and filled to the brim with pawlicious gourmet dog treats and dehydrated snacks will have something to please everyone! 

Also available for One, they all come presented in a gift box with ribbon.

 

RRP: $39.99 (for One) - $69.99 (Ultimate Doggy Grazing Box) at www.bonesandwhiskers.com.au

#9. Kobe's Kitchen - Kobeer Dog Beer

If the weather calls for cracking open a cold one, don't forget to stock up on some Kobeer, a special dog beer, brewed in Sydney's Blue Mountains!

Described by Chef and Sommelier @kobethepyr as "a refreshing pale ale for the canine drinker, Kobeer balances the savoury aroma of chicken pierced with ginger undertones and the tropical sweetness of coconut with a tease of honey." 

It’s a sophisticated dog beer, designed for the discerning dog and it has Porthos' lick of approval!

Kobeer comes in your choice of 150-ml single-serve pouches or 250-ml resealable packs.

RRP: $5.50-$7.50 at kotesbykobe.com.au

#10. Huds & Toke – Aussie Dog Mixed Cookies

Your dogs can finish off their Australia Day BBQ right with a mixed box of the popular Aussie Dog Cookies made by Huds & Toke.

These colourful dog treats are low in fat, have no added sugar and are guaranteed to have a no melt frosting.
These are also 100% Aussie made!

RRP: $8.10 at hudsandtoke.com.au 

It will be a busy day just about anywhere so there are a few precautions to take:

✔️ Make sure you take enough poo bags for the whole day. Not only is it horrible for other people and gives all of us dog owners a bad reputation, but leaving behind piles on the beach can get you an on-the-spot fine!

✔️ You may dutifully slip, slop, slap, seek and slide but what about our dogs? If you don’t supply them with fresh water, some dogs will try and drink from stagnant puddles or the ocean, which is very unhealthy for them! 

Read these 8 tips to keep pets hydrated plus find our 16 Summer Essentials for Dogs in 2023.

#11. Gummi Pets – Dog Accessories & Dog Toys

Gummi Pets vibrantly coloured, high-quality products are cleverly designed to help your dog do what it does best – eat, exercise and play. 

Made from high-quality BPA-free melamine, Gummi Pets’ feeding bowls will add a splash of bold colour to your home. Each features a cheeky sentiment that reflects the playful personality of dogs.

All dog toys (Tennis Balls, Tennis Bones & Frisbees) come in an array of bright colours including Green & Gold so they're super easy to find!

RRP: from $14.95 (bowls); $7.95-$14.95 (toys) at www.gummipets.com

#12. PetSafe - Chilly Penguin Freezer Toy

PetSafe's Chilly Penguin Freezer Toy is a treat holding toy with a bowl-shaped cavity for ice and treats. 

Multiple penguins can be stacked on top of one another in the freezer for easy storage before playtime. This toy will extend playtime and act as a fun treat for your dog!

The rounded base lets the toy wobble as your dog plays and licks the ice or treat. 

Available in Small or Medium/Large. 

RRP: $12.99-$18.99 from www.petcircle.com.au

#13. Doggy Eco - Eco Ball

Planning to celebrate at the beach or with a picnic at your local park?

The Doggy Eco Eco Ball has been designed to change the way we think about play. Made from 100% hand compounded New Zealand sheep wool, the Eco Ball is 100% biodegradable, non toxic and gentle on teeth. 

Due to its unique compounded composition, the Eco Ball - under supervised play - will outlast any tennis ball allowing your dog to deep chew without damaging the ball or their teeth, offering your dog a unique experience while playing fetch. 

Suitable for all dog sizes, they also float on the water! 

RRP: from $14.00 (also available as a 3-pack) at doggyeco.com

#14. Petspiration Foundation - Plush Toy Koala 

Your pet will love playing with this cuddly Koala from the Petspiration Foundation’s range of native animal plush toys.

100% of the profits from the range will go toward their charity partners - supporting Australian animals and families in need. 

Suitable for both dogs and cats, the Australian Native Koala Plush Toy is made from a soft material with squeaker and filled with recycled bottles.

RRP: $14.99 from Petspiration Foundation

Fireworks Safety Tips

On Australia Day there will be plenty of fireworks (legal and illegal) which are stressful and frightening events for those pets suffering from noise phobia.

✔️ Try and take your dog for some vigorous exercise earlier in the day! Go for a long walk or a game of fetch or chase at your local off leash park. After a good romp in the park, they are more likely to react calmly during the fireworks...

✔️ Keep your dogs safe indoors with access to fresh water and leave the radio or TV on to block out all the loud noises.

✔️ Ensure your pets are microchipped and whether at home or out and about, that they're wearing a current Pet ID Tag with their name and your details, in case they run away in fright.

#15. Red Dingo - Australian Flag Pet ID Tag

Get into the Aussie spirit with this Red Dingo's Australian Flag Pet ID tag.

Red Dingo Pet Tags are the highest quality tags available on the market. Constructed of solid stainless steel, with a durable enamel design, these tags will never rust or corrode.

All Red Dingo tags are supplied with a strong, rustproof stainless steel Split Ring for attaching to your pet's collar and come with a Lifetime Guarantee.

RRP: from $19.95 at store.reddingo.com.au 

From our pack to yours, we wish you all a safe, happy Australia Day 2023!