Keep Pets Toasty—Not Toasted:

Australia — June 2025 - As the winter chill sets in, Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) is urging pet owners to watch out for an unexpected but serious risk: burn injuries in pets. PIA data shows burn-related claims rise up to 300% during winter, often caused by hot drinks, heaters, hot water bottles, and fireplaces.

"Treat heater and fire safety as if pets were your children," urges Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia. "Their curiosity and warmth-seeking instincts can lead to serious scalds from hot drinks, hot water bottles and electric blankets."

Insights from the Pet Health Monitor 2025
Based on PetSure's vast claims database, the 2025 Pet Health Monitor underscores a growing trend in seasonal pet claims, highlighting the importance of winter safety. While it zooms in on top conditions like ear infections and skin issues, burns remain an under-recognised but significant concern, especially during colder months.

"There are a lot of warming devices now available for our pets, with some being very cheap and inviting for loving pet parents," Crighton says. "While this can be an easy way to help keep your pet warm, it is imperative only to use these devices when you can supervise your pet safely."

Another major issue when it comes to pets being harmed by accidental burns is heating sources for humans, such as electric bar heaters and fireplaces. This can not only lead to injury for your beloved pet, but it also poses a fire risk if the heating source is knocked over.

"Most cat and dog owners will know that the prime spot in the winter for our pets is typically as close to the heating source as possible," Crighton warns. "While most animals you can train to stay back, puppies, kittens and older pets can be at risk of burns from getting too close."

Top Tips to Keep Pets Warm & Safe This Winter

1. Shift Their Bed into Sunlight
   Find that warm sunbeam on the floor—pet sunshine is nature's snuggle.
    
2. Use Safe Heat Sources
   Prefer a pet-safe heat pack or an insulated pet blanket. Avoid electric blankets or hot water bottles.
    
3. Install Fireguards & Barriers
   Create a buffer zone around heaters and fireplaces to prevent pets from getting too close.
    
4. Monitor Indoor Time
   Check how much sunshine reaches your pet's favourite spot each day and adjust bedding accordingly.
    
5. Dress Sensibly for the Outdoors
   Use dog coats and elevate kennels off cold surfaces. Opt for straw bedding and a covered kennel flap.
    
6. Stay Hydrated & Warm
   Dry winter air can be dehydrating—always keep fresh water available.
    
7. Keep Your Pets Indoors
   Keep pets inside, particularly during the evening, and always ensure they have a warm, sheltered area to protect them from the cold weather if outside during the daytime.
    
8. Train Your Pet
   Train your pets not to get too close to the fireplace and deter cats from jumping up on the top of any freestanding fires. Create barriers to ensure safety when you are not at home.

"Pets are masters at finding the warmest spot in the house," Nadia Crighton smiles. "Simply relocating their bedding and adding soft lining ensures they stay cosy, without exposing them to burn risks."

Winter Safety for Pets

Some pets are also more susceptible to feeling the cold.

"Those pets with short coats, the smaller-sized breeds, our elderly golden oldies or puppies and kittens can easily feel the chill of a winter's day," Crighton says. "For some of our pets, this time of year can be a great excuse to dress them up in their favourite coat or woolly jumper, particularly when venturing outside."

Why It Matters

• Prevent avoidable injuries, with vet bills often running into hundreds.
• Keep pets comfortable and healthy amid rising living costs
• Foster a secure home environment where pets can enjoy winter without danger.

"As the temperatures drop, we often see an increase in preventable injuries—particularly burns caused by fireplaces, heaters, and even hot drinks," says Crighton. "It's a timely reminder that our pets don't always understand danger the way we do. A curious tail too close to a heater or a nap beside a hot water bottle can lead to serious injuries. Creating safe, warm spaces away from heat sources is the best way to keep our furry friends cosy without the risk."

Watch for Warning Signs Your Pet Is Cold
If your pet starts whining, shivering, appears anxious, moves slowly or not at all, seems unusually weak, or begins burrowing for warmth, these could be early signs of hypothermia. It's crucial to bring them inside immediately and help them warm up gradually.

"For those Australians living in colder regions, it can also mean keeping an eye out for other issues. Frostbite can be much harder to detect and may not show up until several days after exposure. If you suspect either hypothermia or frostbite, contact your veterinarian right away—prompt treatment can make all the difference."

With a bit of planning and some extra care, your pet will stay warm, dry and out of harm's way (and statistics) this winter.

ENDS

*PIA Data 2024

Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure's Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure's AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.