With long, hot summer days upon us, pet owners are being warned of added risks for their furry family members.
December and January are traditionally among the busiest months for veterinarians across Australia, due to the high number of pet injuries and accidents that occur at this time of year.
One of the biggest and most worrying issues is animals being affected by heatstroke. According to Pet Insurance Australia, heatstroke tops the list of the 10 most common vet emergencies for dogs and cats this season. (The list is detailed further below.)
Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton noted that families who have recently adopted a puppy or kitten are especially vulnerable during the holidays.
‘It’s an exciting time for new pet parents, but it’s also when we see a big spike in preventable injuries and accidents,’ she said.
‘Summer creates the perfect mix of kittens, puppies, heat, outdoor activity, festive food and holiday chaos, and that combination can lead to an emergency vet trip faster than people realise.’
1. Heatstroke
One of the most dangerous summer emergencies for pets is heatstroke – with puppies, flat-faced dog breeds and excitable pets being especially susceptible.
One of the most dangerous summer emergencies for pets is heatstroke – with puppies, flat-faced dog breeds and excitable pets being especially susceptible
One of the biggest concerns for pets over the sweltering summer months is increased risk of heatstroke
‘Heatstroke can escalate within minutes. Even healthy young dogs can collapse from overheating while playing or walking. Many owners underestimate how quickly it happens,’ Nadia warns.
‘It’s not only incredibly deadly, but it can also come at a huge cost to pet owners. Luckily, it is completely avoidable.’
The fortunate part is that pet owners can often take active steps to prevent heatstroke by ensuring pets have constant access to fresh water, keeping them indoors as much as possible on hot days, and limiting walks or outdoor time to early mornings and evenings.
Celebrity vet Dr Chris Brown previously shared a clever ‘DIY ice bed’ hack to help dogs cope with heat. To make it, take a damp (not wet) towel, roll it up, and freeze it.
Then, when the temperature is soaring, you can place it on the floor where your dog relaxes for an instant ice bed.
‘A simple cold floor is very effective at cooling a dog, as the tiles (or cement) conduct heat away from the body significantly faster than cool air. But you can amplify that effect with an ice bed,’ he said in a Facebook
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2. Tick & Flea Infestations
Summer is peak season for parasites like ticks and fleas to flourish, with puppies and kittens particularly vulnerable. All year – but especially in summer – it’s important to administer regular doses of tick and flea prevention medication.
It is also a good idea to ensure all vet check-ups and vaccinations are up to date.
‘Summer creates the perfect mix of kittens, puppies, heat, outdoor activity, festive food and holiday chaos, and that combination can lead to an emergency vet trip faster than people realise,’ said Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton
During summer, pets are at a greater risk of being exposed to parasites, insect stings. Even grass seeds pose a potential risk of becoming trapped in paws, nose, eyes or lungs
3. Dog Park & Play Injuries
summer playtime spent outdoors equates to increased chances of injuries: fights, sprains, torn dew claws, broken teeth and over-exertion are all common.
4. Bee & Wasp Stings
The risk of bee and wasp stings for our pets increases in summer. Being stung can cause swelling, allergic reactions, or even severe anaphylaxis. If you suspect your pet has been stung, seek veterinary help immediately.
5. Grass Seeds
Summer also brings an increase in grass seeds, which can get stuck in pets’ ears, paws, nose, eyes or even lungs. In some cases, it can even require emergency surgery to remove them.
6. BBQ Bone Ingestion
Outdoor BBQs often attract attention from our pets hoping to jag some table scraps. But ignore those pleading eyes and bin cooked bones, as they can easily splinter, which can cause choking or stomach blockages.
With a little extra care and protective measures, pet owners can avoid most of the risks that can plague furry friends over summer
7. Christmas Chocolate Toxicity
Keep Christmas chocolates well out of reach of dogs, as chocolate is toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, seizures or even death.
8. Road & Driveway Accidents
There’s added risk for pets on the streets during the holidays due to increased traffic and unfamiliar environments. Always ensure pets are properly restrained near roads.
9. Foreign Body Ingestion
For all pets including cats and particularly kittens, Christmas decorations like tinsel, string and wrapping paper are tempting play toys. But take care that they’re not accidentally ingested as it can cause all kinds of health issues.
Also, keep all pets away from lunch meal remnants like corn cobs, toothpicks, or kebab skewers, which can also be accidentally swallowed.
10. Gastrointestinal Upsets
Reports of pet stomach upset spikes during the holiday period, thought to be a result of cats and dogs being offered Christmas leftovers and other rich foods. This can then result in vomiting, diarrhoea and even dehydration.
Although it might feel fun to include your pet in the holiday meal, ultimately their normal consistent diet is what’s best for our furry friends.
Nadia concludes: ‘We encourage pet parents to enjoy summer with their furry family members, but also to recognise the risks.
‘With a little awareness and prevention, many of these emergencies are completely avoidable.’
Disclaimer: This news article has been republished exactly as it appeared on its original source, without any modification.
We do not take any responsibility for its content, which remains solely the responsibility of the original publisher.
Disclaimer: This news article has been republished exactly as it appeared on its original source, without any modification.
We do not take any responsibility for its content, which remains solely the responsibility of the original publisher.
Author: uaetodaynews
Published on: 2025-12-22 04:31:00
Source: uaetodaynews.com
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