Top 5 Reasons We See Pets Over Christmas - And How to Avoid Them
The holidays are a hoot - but they’re also one of the busiest times of year for vet clinics. Here are the top five reasons we see pets over Christmas and how to keep yours safe.
1. Heat Stress & Heatstroke
Why it happens: The Northern Rivers gets hot and humid, which puts pets at real risk of heat exhaustion.
Prevent it:
Walk early or late in the day, and on super hot days - entertain your pet another way. It’s really not worth it.
Always provide a cool, shaded or indoor space and cool water.
Avoid the car unless the AC is running, and never leave pets alone in the car or confined spaces on hot days.
Call the vet immediately if they pant excessively or seem weak.
2. Snake Bites
Why it happens: Summer brings more snakes - and more dogs poking their noses where they shouldn’t.
Prevent it:
Keep grass short and yards tidy. It will help you spot snakes quickly, and hopefully, deter them from taking shelter in your yard.
Avoid off-lead bush walks (including around the headland), and stay on-lead until they are on the sand at the beach (the dunes are a snake hotspot). Honesty, this is the biggest action you can take to protect your pet from unwanted interactions.
Do a visual check of your yard before letting your pet outside, and keep doors closed during the day (yes, we have had snakebites from inside the house…).
If bitten: stay calm, get someone to take a photo of the snake and it’s head (if possible), carry your pet to the car, and head straight to the clinic. Time is critical.
3. Dog Fights & Behavioural Stress
Why it happens: Visiting family, unfamiliar people or pets, guests coming and going - it can be stressful for everyone. Even normally calm pets can get overwhelmed in holiday chaos.
Prevent it:
Give your pet a safe, quiet retreat.
Supervise interactions with visiting pets, and avoid public areas at peak times. Lennox Head is a beautiful holiday spot, which also means a lot of new, overexcited dogs on the beach to contend with. Plan your beach outings for quieter times.
Use baby gates or leads when needed to give pets their own space at home and at gatherings.
4. Hot Spots (Moist Dermatitis)
Why it happens: In hot, humid climates like the Northern Rivers, pets can develop irritated, inflamed skin (hot spots) from scratching, moisture, or fungal/bacterial overgrowth.
Prevent it:
Keep coats clean and brushed, and check them regularly. Keep an eye out for excessive licking or chewing.
Rinse off saltwater or muddy swims, not forgetting their ‘underarms’ and collar area.
Dry THOROUGHLY. This is important, because hot spots LOVE moisture. Keep a hair dryer you can use on a cool setting in the car port/somewhere convenient if need be.
See us early if you find a red, moist, irritated patch - they worsen fast.
5. Pancreatitis & Tummy Upsets
Why it happens: Rich holiday foods (ham, fatty meats, BBQ leftovers), cooked bones, and guests sharing food can trigger serious digestive issues. With lots of holiday beach and adventure time, swimming and ingesting the water (or scavenging) can also cause nasty tummy upsets.
Prevent it:
No cooked bones.
No fatty leftovers (even “just a little” can cause your pet a lot of pain and an emergency visit). Be firm with guests on this! Be clear with guests ahead of time.
Stick to their normal diet or pet-safe snacks. Stock up on these ahead of time so that there’s no reason to substitute.
Be aware of water quality and your surroundings on adventures. Don’t let your dog investigate jellyfish or dead things (this often leads to… taste testing…), and avoid swimming them in foamy or brackish water. If the wave action is a bit rough, keep them out of the surf and safe in the shoreline.
A Safe, Happy Holiday for Every Pet
A little awareness goes a long way. With the right preparation, you can keep your pets cool, calm, safe - and part of the festive fun.