A dog and a cat sit together on a rug, enjoying the warmth of the decorated Christmas tree with gifts, embodying festive joy. Make this holiday special by considering pet insurance for your furry friends in New Zealand, ensuring they’re protected all year round.

5 Reasons Pet Insurance Makes the Best Christmas Gift

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When it comes to the most valuable Christmas gift for your dog or cat’s health, pet 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. That’s why thinking about getting dog or cat insurance in New Zealand before the holidays is such a wise choice.

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 why you should think about getting pet insurance for Christmas. Or even better, before Christmas!

In cozy plaid pants and a festive Christmas sweater, a person sips from a mug, book in hand.

#1 Pet 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. Without pet insurance, you could end up paying hundreds or even thousands in vet bills for your dog or cat’s health when you could rather be using your money to enjoy the holidays in New Zealand.

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.
People sitting on the floor, surrounded by gold tinsel, red ornaments, and small gift boxes, enjoy sliced oranges on a wooden board.

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.
A person ties a string around a gift wrapped in festive paper, with tinsel draped around their neck. As they prepare for holiday festivities, they also consider the importance of pet insurance to safeguard against potential pet health risks during this joyful season.

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.

A cat playfully interacts with illuminated string lights in a dimly lit setting, while staying safe thanks to pet insurance.

#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 insurance will cover the costs in case they get hold of an errant chocolate, raisin, or turkey bone, and their health takes a turn for the worse.

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. Accidental ingestions of toxic Christmas foods often lead to pricey treatments, which is where dog or cat insurance in New Zealand can be a lifesaver for pet parents.
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.
A potted poinsettia with red leaves sits on a white table in a cozy living room, with a decorated Christmas tree.

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 insurance – because even the best pet parents can’t protect Fido or Felix from health hazards 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. By getting dog insurance in New Zealand, you’re better prepared to handle these surprises.
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 dog insurance to secure your pet’s health and well-being, check out our New Zealand guide on keeping your pet safe at the beach river or lake before you head out.

A Newfoundland Landseer dog looks out over the wilderness of a hilly expanse

#4 ‘Tis the silly season

Another reason to get pet 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, with regards to their health. This is partly because we’re often travelling. 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 insurance for your pet’s health this summer

Pet insurance this Christmas will also help safeguard against pet health hazards that are particular to summer. New Zealand heats up over the festive season, and that increases the risk for heat stroke in dogs and cats. We see plenty of dogs especially needing treatment for this, many of which were simply out walking or in their yard. Leaving cats or dogs in hot cars can be fatal. Sadly, people often say, ‘I’ll just be a minute,’ without realising the risk.

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.
A wet dog stands alert on a rocky path in a wooded area after an adventure. Adventurous pet parents should consider getting dog insurance in New Zealand due to the pet health risks that accompany such explorations.

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!

A dog on a sandy beach clutches a blue frisbee, with a river visible in the background, reminding us of the pet health risks that playtime can sometimes entail and why dog insurance in New Zealand is so important.

Here are some great resources to help you prep and enjoy Christmas with your dog or cat:

Wrap up your fur kid’s health this Christmas with pet insurance

It’s the peace of mind knowing your dog or cat has cover if those pet health risks turn into reality, over Christmas or any other time.

PD Insurance is a pet insurance specialist that offers three cat and dog insurance plans that cover a wide range of unexpected pet health issues. These can help you pay for vet tests, treatments and more.

The best time to get your pet insured is when they’re healthy. That way they’re already covered when they get into a pickle. And you can worry about them instead of the costs involved. When you buy a pet insurance policy online, we’ll give you one or more months of FREE pet insurance.

Click below to get a quote.

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