In recognition of International Dog Day (August 26), pet owners are being urged to safeguard their pets from hidden hazards that could jeopardise their health.

This reminder emphasises the need for vigilance in both their diets and home environments to keep our furry companions safe year-round.

A recent survey by HCF, Australia’s leading not-for-profit health fund, reveals that 61 per cent of dog owners have encountered their pets munching on unusual items. From wedding rings to underwear, the range of unexpected household objects that dogs have swallowed is both astonishing and alarming.

According to the survey conducted by YouGov:

• 32 per cent of dogs have turned their owner’s shoes into a meal.
• Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of dogs chowed down on tennis balls.
• One in five (20 per cent) couldn’t help themselves when it came to snacking on kid’s toys.
• Even underwear wasn’t safe with 16 per cent of dogs stealing and consuming undergarments.
• Dog owners were forced to swap their festive joy for a vet visit after 10 per cent of dogs chowed down on holiday decorations.
• In good news for school students looking for the perfect excuse, 7 per cent of dog owners confessed their dogs have eaten their children’s homework.
• Alarmingly, 5 per cent of dogs have eaten batteries.
• 3 per cent of dogs added a touch of elegance to their diet after swallowing the family wedding rings.

HCF Chief Operating Officer Lorraine Thomas said that despite the quirky nature of some of these incidents, they underscore “the importance of being prepared for the unexpected” when it comes to our four-legged friends.

“Many dog owners might not realise just how dangerous everyday foods and objects can be,” Thomas explained.

These incidents are not only dangerous for our beloved pets but can also be very expensive to address. According to PetSure’s 2023 claims data, treating pets for ingesting toxins or foreign objects can cost between $1,064 for non-surgical interventions and more than $5,000 for surgical cases. Shockingly, the highest reported treatment cost last year exceeded $41,000.

“While some pet parents might question the value of pet insurance, with no Medicare for pets or government subsidies like we see in human healthcare, vet bills can leave pet owners in a challenging spot,” Thomas said.

Caring for our beloved pets is incredibly important for pet owners, but it seems that our pets also look after us in their own special way.

Recent poll results published jointly by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly Poll and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have solidified our understanding that, whether it’s the purr of a cat or the excited wag of a dog’s tail, a strong connection between humans and their animal companions profoundly impacts our emotional and physical wellbeing. 

Key results showed that two-thirds of pet owners surveyed said that their animals offer companionship (65 per cent), are a true friend (65 per cent) and provide unconditional love and support (64 per cent).

The poll further showed that more than 80 per cent of cat and dog owners were more likely to say their pet had positively impacted their mental health than those with other types of companion animals (55 per cent).

Further to their revelations about companionship, 62 per cent of respondents said their pets provided a calming presence, 62 per cent said they reduced stress and anxiety, and 35 per cent said they encouraged them to be physically active.

Furthermore, 29 per cent said they added structure to their schedule while 19 per cent said pets increased social connections with others.