A Pet-acular Christmas

Pet Insurance Australia has some top tips on how to keep your pets safe this festive season. PLUS: some great ideas on how to get your pets involved in all the fun.

“It’s that time of year again, when a splash of green and red fills the streets and the buzz of the silly season is in full force,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “However, it’s really important that pet parents stay diligent when it comes to the safety of their pets during this season.”

Common issues around this time of year include:

• Allergies/skin complaints
• Ear infections
• Heatstroke
• Foreign body ingestion

“Allergies are a big issue for pet owners around this time of year,” Crighton says. “If you suspect your pet is suffering with their skin or ears, it’s paramount that you seek veterinary treatment quickly to prevent the problem from getting worst.”

It’s also the entertaining season. Meaning lots of yummy BBQ’s and outdoor fun.

“Some of the main culprits for foreign body ingestion are skewers and corn-cobs, a popular favourite on the BBQ this summer.”

Keeping rubbish well-sealed and out of sight is the best way to prevent accidental ingestion issues.

Other tips include:

1. Ask guests not to feed your pet – have a special ‘treat’ jar with their maximum daily treats inside.

2. Snap skewer sticks into small pieces and throw away into a lidded garbage bin that is pet-proof.

3. Do not feed your dog cooked bones or left-over corncobs.

4. Have a safe area you can put your pet when you are unable to supervise.

5. Educate your guests on what pets can, and cannot eat.

What about the Christmas Tree?

 “For kitten owners, or puppy owners, the Christmas tree can become a standing target for fun,” Crighton says. “For kittens we suggest anchoring your tree and keeping ornaments up high, for puppies the best form of defence to pen the whole base of the tree.”

However, there is another aspect some pet parents forget about with younger pets and real Christmas trees.

“It’s also a good idea to ensure your pet cannot drink the water in the base of your tree,” she says. “This water could cause stomach upsets for many pets.”

A Pet-acular Christmas

There are some wonderful ways to include your pet in all the festivities of Christmas. From organising a pet friendly photoshoot for the whole family or getting kitty her favourite toy from Santa.

“It’s a fantastic time of year to spoil your pets with lots of love and maybe a present or two,” Crighton says. “With so many great products around there is something for everyone when it comes to showing your appreciation for your beloved furry family member.”

Some ideas include:

• Organise a photoshoot
• Bake some kitty/doggy treats
• Go toy shopping for some new boredom busters or interactive cat toys
• New collars and leads
• Take some paw-prints with paint and paper
• Make a new Christmas tradition – a photo, a game, a new trick

“From everyone at Pet Insurance Australia we wish everyone a very merry and safe Christmas,” Crighton says.

We offer award-winning* pet insurance policies to protect your furry friend’s health and wellbeing. Get a quote today and give your pets the care they deserve.