Winter Warning - Burns & Pets

As the temperatures plummet across the country Pet Insurance Australia is offering a timely reminder to pet owners to keep them safe during the winter period.

“We do see an increase in burn claims from the months of May until October,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “This suggest that it could be linked to an increase in warming devices used for pets, and pet owners.”

Many pet owners will invest in extra products when it comes to helping pets keep warm. However, it is always important to only use any heating products under supervision.

“Heating pads and heaters should only ever be utilised under supervision,” Crighton suggests. “It is not uncommon to hear of pets accidentally burning themselves trying to inch closer and closer to a heat source.”

There are some basic and very safe options to keep your pet toasty and warm this winter including:

1. Move bedding into sundrenched areas around the home.
2. Move dog kennels out of shaded areas and away from weather prone zones.
3. Line dog kennels with straw and blankets and also elevate off the floor (wooden pallets work well for this).
4. Allow your pet access to an indoor area when you are not at home, like a laundry or garage.
5. Use heat packs instead of hot water bottles.
6. Consider purchasing a good quality dog coat.

“Another good tip is exercise,” Crighton says. “Getting your dog moving no matter the weather will not only help keep them warm, it is also paramount for their health and wellbeing. Invest in a good quality waterproof dog coat and get moving.”

Pet Insurance Australia also recommends the use of baby gates for use around fire places and heaters to protect your pet from getting too close.

“It’s not unusual to hear of dogs burning their backsides on heaters and fireplaces as they search out the warmth of the fireplace,” she says. “Having a barrier up may seem unsightly, but it could save your pet from serious injury.”

Training is also recommended to keep dogs away from heat sources.

“Another burn complaint is scolding caused from hot drinks and unruly swishing tails. Ensuring the drinks are kept up high or ensuring your dog is happily lying in their bed while you warm-up with a hot cuppa is an easy way to prevent scolding caused from hot drinks.”

Interestingly PIA also notices a spike in burn claims around the December period.

“This can be due to hot pavements and roads, and also the increase in BBQ usage during this time.”

With some simple steps and treating your pet’s safety as you would a small child, many of these incidents can be reduced.

“Our most expensive claim for burn related incidents tallied up to $5,0000, so not only can it be hugely painful for your pet it can be a very costly and stressful experience for pet owners.”

Common Burns:

• Hot water bottles
• Scolding from hot drinks
• Fireplace/heater burns/BBQs
• Chemical burns
• Faulty pet heat pads/electric blankets

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Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

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