5 Reasons You Should Get Pet Health Insurance for Christmas

When it comes to most valuable Chrissy gifts for your pet, pet health insurance really does top the list. Though the festive season is one of the most joyous times of the year, it also comes with more risks to our dogs and cats. Think pet health risks like tinsel tangles, accidental chocolate ingestion, beach accidents and more.

Part of being a responsible pet parent is making sure you don’t have to choose between your wallet and getting them the best care possible, if and when they need it. We’ve rounded up five reasons you should get your fur kid insurance for Christmas. Or even better, before Christmas!

#1 Pet health insurance for choking hazards

Christmas baubles, tinsel, lights and sparklers. These are the things that make Christmas feel like Christmas. But they also pose a pet health risk. The last thing you want to do on Boxing Day is rush your fur kid to the emergency vet. And without pet health insurance, you may have to cough up hundreds or thousands of dollars in vet bills when you could rather be using your money to enjoy the holidays.

Here are some of the festive season objects to be careful of:

Tinsel garlands
Puppies and kittens are naturally curious, and garlands of tinsel are bound to pique that. Like curtains and the strings on blinds, tinsel garlands can be a cat and dog choking hazard if they wrap around an inquisitive pup or kitten’s neck. They can also be dangerous if swallowed.

Baubles
Sparkly and often within paw’s reach, baubles are particularly tempting to pets. But beware… If Fido or Felix happens to chomp down on a glass or hard plastic bauble, it can cause cuts to the tongue and mouth. Even internal lacerations! They could also be toxic, depending on the type of glue or metallic foil used to make it.

Sparkles and fireworks
Beautiful as they are to us, sparklers and fireworks are terrifying to your pets. Pets will do anything to escape the sound and lights they create, and can get themselves seriously injured trying to scale or crawl underneath fences or barriers.

Gift wrap (and what’s inside)
Ribbons, string and wrapping all pose a choking hazard to your pet. And what about the pressies that hide inside? An inquisitive dog may be unable to resists chewing or swallowing the brand new toys, socks or other Christmas gifts strewn about.

Candles
Though they create exactly the kind of warm glow we love around the festive season, candles can be a fire hazard if your pet accidentally knocks one down. Unlit candles may also be enticing for pets to chew on, which can be harmful as they contain essential oils and other fragrances – many of which are toxic to pets.

Christmas lights
Biting into Christmas lights can cause an electric shock to your pet, while the splintered glass could cut their mouths. Strings of lights can also get tangled around their necks.

Read up on the steps to take in the case of a dog or cat choking, BEFORE it happens.

#2 Christmas food and plant dangers

There’s nothing like a festive season feast, and you may be tempted to share some with Fido or Felix. But many Christmas foods are a pet health risk. Pet health insurance will cover the costs in case they get hold of an errant chocolate, raisin, or turkey bone.

Chocolate
Most pet parents are aware chocolate is toxic to dogs, and can be to cats too. Christmas is a time of indulgence and sweet treats, so there’s likely to be more chocolate about than usual. Make sure to keep this well away from pet paws or you may land up at the emergency vet.

Poinsettia
The scarlet leaves of the Poinsettia just exudes that Christmas feeling, but beware of leaving it in paw’s reach of your pets. Though poinsettia isn’t fatal to cats and dogs (we once thought it was), it can cause them stomach upsets.

Mince and Christmas cake
Mince pies and Christmas cake abound in Kiwi households over the festive season. Both contain raisins and currants, which are poisonous to dogs. It’s not just dried raisins and currants either, grapes can also do damage.

To cover your bases, read about poisonous plant for dogs and cats as well as some common household items that are harmful to pets. And make sure you have pet health insurance – because even the best pet parents can’t supervise Fido or Felix 24/7!

#3 Beach and lake hazards

Christmas time in New Zealand also means SUMMER. Droves of holiday goers flock to beaches, lakes and rivers – and you and your pet may be among them. Not to be a party pooper, but the following areas also pose unique hazards to your pet:

Water
While some dogs and cats take like ducks (ha!) to water, they may be unfamiliar with bodies of water they’ve never encountered. Sea or lake waves could quickly overwhelm them, while in lakes and dams they can get tangled and stuck in the reeds and other plants.

Poisonous creatures
There are plenty of toxic creatures they could come into contact with, including algae, sea urchins, sea slugs, jellyfish, sea lice, blue bottles and puffer fish. These hazards can lead to swelling and breathing difficulties, and can even be fatal.

Salt water and sand
Another beach pet health risk you may be unaware of is a pet swallowing too much salt water or sand. This usually happens from them scooping up sand and water when they’re grabbing for toys or a ball in the water.

Salt water will dehydrate them and lead to cramps, vomiting and nausea. Too much sand – referred to as sand impaction – can cause blockages in their abdominal system, which will lead to pain and more. You’ll need to get your pet urgent treatment to help pass the blockage.

Apart from preparing with pet health insurance, check out our guide on keeping your pet safe at the beach river or lake before you head out.

#4 ‘Tis the silly season

Another reason to get pet health insurance before Christmas is that we as pet parents may not be as vigilant during the festive period as we are during other times of the year. Part of that is because we’re likely to be travelling, which statistics have shown tempts us take more risks than we usually would.

Another reason is that we may be drinking more alcohol than usual, something than can make us less alert and observant. So be it going into bodies of water we ordinarily wouldn’t (and our pets following us in), driving more recklessly or inebriated, or leaving tinsel and wrapping around the house while tucking into Christmas dinner, the risks are up over Christmas.

There’s a reason we call it the silly season!

#5 Pet health insurance for summer

Pet health insurance this Christmas will also help safeguard against pet hazards that are particular to summer. New Zealand heats up over the festive season, and that increases the risk for heat stroke in pets. We see plenty of dogs especially needing treatment for this, many of which were simply out walking or in their yard. People leaving cats or dogs in hot cats can be fatal, too, with ‘I’ll just be a minute’ heard all too often.

Getting lost
Other hazards include your pet getting lost on one of the busy beaches or tourist destinations you visit. It’s super important to microchip or register your dog. Check our guide on tips to find your lost pet on a holiday roadtrip.

Pests
Depending on your destination, your pet may be more exposed to ticks, fleas and other parasites. These parasites are active all year, but peak in the summer. 

Dehydration and sunburn
More time spent outdoors, and in the heat indoors, requires more hydration. And keep in mind that cats and dogs can get sunburn just like we do. Light coloured pets with short fur like white bull terriers are especially at risk, as are hairless cats. 

Read our top tips for pet safety this summer to make sure you’re ready for the heat. Be sure to also read about these New Year’s Resolutions for happy pets!

Pet health insurance from PD

Pet health insurance is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s the peace of mind knowing your pup or kitty has cover if those pet health risks turn into reality, over Christmas or any other time. PD Insurance is an award-winning brand that offers quality pet insurance at an affordable price. Why not get a quote today?