A new nationwide survey commissioned by HCF,1 Australia's largest not-for-profit health fund, found that three in five (61%) dog owners reported their dogs have eaten something truly unusual.
In advance of National Dog Day, the survey highlights the strangest things that dogs have consumed, proving "the dog ate my homework" might be more than just an excuse.
From wedding rings to underwear, the list of unexpected household items dogs have devoured is as surprising as it is concerning.
According to the survey conducted by YouGov1:
- Sneaker Snacker: 32% of dogs have made a meal out of their owner's shoes, turning streetwear into doggy fare.
- Wimbledon't: Almost a quarter (24%) of dogs ate their tennis balls, serving up a surprise at playtime.
- Toys R Lunch: One in five (20%) dogs couldn't resist turning kids toys into a snack.
- Underdog: 16% of dog owners have had their underwear stolen and swallowed, proving that no piece of laundry is safe.
- Party Pooper: 10% of dogs have eaten holiday decorations, turning festive cheer into an unplanned vet visit.
- Dog Ate My Homework: 7% of dog owners confessed their dogs have eaten their children's homework, giving school kids hope across the country.
- Power Chews: 5% of dogs have taken their curiosity to a shocking level by dangerously munching on batteries.
- Puppy Love: 3% of dogs added a bit of bling to their diet, swallowing the family wedding rings.
The survey also found that a majority of dog owners, correctly identify chocolate (84%) and alcohol (77%) as two of the household items most toxic to dogs.
"While these incidents make for amusing anecdotes, they also underscore the importance of being prepared for the unexpected," said HCF Chief Operating Officer Lorraine Thomas.
"Many dog owners might not realise just how dangerous everyday foods and objects can be."
PetSure's 2023 claims data highlights the financial impact of these unfortunate events, with treatment costs for ingesting toxins or foreign substances ranging from $1,064 for non-surgical interventions to over $5,000 for cases requiring surgery. Alarmingly, the highest reported cost for such treatment last year was over $41,000.3
"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," Ms Thomas said.
To help dog owners manage these unexpected costs, HCF offers pet insurance with features like a GapOnly® service, allowing policyholders to pay only the gap3 at participating vets or get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills.4 HCF policy holders can also access 24/7 VetChat,5 a telehealth service that connects pet owners with registered vets by phone or video, providing quality advicewhenever it's needed.
HCF is using this National Dog Day to remind dog owners of the importance of safeguarding their pets from hidden dangers in their diets and homes. By raising awareness and taking proactive measures we can help ensure our furry friends stay safe and healthy all year long.
