Summer Surge: The Top 10 Most Common Vet Emergencies Affecting Puppies & Kittens

Australia, December 2025 - Pet Insurance Australia warns new pet owners to be prepared for increased risks and unexpected vet bills during the summer months.

December and January can be one of the busiest months of the year for veterinarians across Australia. With thousands of new puppies and kittens arriving in homes over Christmas, Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) is urging pet parents to be aware of the most common summer vet emergencies and the real costs associated with treating them.

"It's an exciting time for new pet parents, but it's also when we see a huge spike in preventable injuries and accidents," says Nadia Crighton, Pet Insurance Australia Spokesperson. 

"Summer creates the perfect mix of kittens, puppies, heat, outdoor activity, festive food, and holiday chaos, and that combination can lead to a trip to the emergency vet much quicker than people realise."

Below, PIA outlines the Top 10 Most Common Summer Vet Emergencies affecting puppies and kittens across Australia.

TOP 10 SUMMER VET EMERGENCIES

1. Heatstroke

One of the most dangerous summer emergencies, especially for puppies, flat-faced breeds, and overexcited pets.

"Heatstroke can escalate within minutes. Even healthy young dogs can collapse from overheating while playing or walking," Crighton warns. "Many owners underestimate how quickly it happens."

In 2025 Pet Insurance Australia's highest claim amount for heatstroke was $11,382.95*.

"Heatstroke is not only incredibly deadly, but it can also come at a huge cost to pet owners," she warns. "Luckily, it is completely avoidable."

2. Tick & Flea Infestations

Summer = peak parasite season. Puppies and kittens are particularly vulnerable.

3. Dog Park & Play Injuries

Fights, sprains, torn dew claws, broken teeth, and over-exertion injuries are extremely common in newly socialised puppies.

"Our highest claim from wounds due to traumatic injuries from fights and bites equalled $46,525^," Crighton says. "Claims for wounds caused by traumatic injuries feature in our top four conditions for dogs of all ages."

4. Bee & Wasp Stings

Facial swelling, allergic reactions, and anaphylaxis are surprisingly common in curious young pets.

5. Grass Seeds

A major summer hazard. Grass seeds can become lodged in the ears, paws, nose, eyes, or even lungs, often requiring emergency veterinary removal.

"Grass seeds are a huge issue every summer. I've personally experienced it with my own puppy recently, with one tiny seed causing major pain and requiring a surgical procedure to remove," Crighton says. "These injuries can range from $300 for simple removal under sedation to over $6,000* for complex surgeries."

6. BBQ Bone Ingestion

Cooked bones splinter easily, causing choking, perforations, or gastrointestinal blockages.

7. Christmas Chocolate Toxicity

The festive season leaves chocolate everywhere, and dogs are experts at finding it.

8. Road & Driveway Accidents

Holiday traffic, unfamiliar environments, and excited puppies exploring near streets create high risk.

9. Foreign Body Ingestion

String (for kittens), toys, wrapping paper, tinsel, corn cobs, kebab sticks — vets see it all in January.

10. Gastrointestinal Upsets

New food, Christmas leftovers, rich meats, and stress can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration.

"Our highest claim in 2025 for a Gastrointestinal condition in a puppy under the age of one was $18,012^," Crighton says. "An upset tummy can lead to many complications for our pups, leading to some eye-watering costs."

Key Message for New Pet Owners

"These emergencies can cost anywhere from $400 to $6,000, depending on the severity.
No one expects a puppy or kitten emergency, but it happens, especially in summer," Crighton says. "Being prepared, informed, and vigilant over these months can save lives and reduce stress."

"We encourage pet parents to enjoy summer with their new furry family members, but also to recognise the risks. With a little awareness and prevention, many of these emergencies are completely avoidable."

Pet Insurance Australia recommends all new pet parents understand the costs associated with emergency veterinary care and take proactive steps to keep their pets safe.

END

*PIA Portfolio Data 2025

^PetSure Health Monitor 2025 www.petsure.com.au/pet-health-monitor

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.