With such a technology and online–focused world, passwords have become an annoying necessity in life.  We are always forgetting them, we are being constantly asked to change them, and worse; we are now being asked to make them more complicated by adding special symbols!  It’s all too hard, so to make things simple for ourselves, what do we do? Our loved ones, birthdays and yes, of course, our pets’ names are top choices for password inspo.  It’s only natural we use names that are special to us to help remember our ne ..read more

As we get excited about an Easter weekend full of family, friends, and fun, remember to keep an eye on your furry friends. Many common treats and traditions that we enjoy over the Easter holidays can cause serious harm to your pets.  Easter is one of the busiest times of year for veterinary clinics. Chocolate poisoning in dogs is the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline’s most common reason for phone calls over the Easter holiday period.  “Although delicious to humans, chocolate, along with a variety of food and drinks popular at Easter, can be extremely dangerous and poten ..read more

In Australia, we love our active lifestyle and don’t think twice about piling the whole family, including our dogs, into the car for a trip to Bunnings or even to the beach!    But unfortunately, many of us also don’t think twice about the safety of our dogs in the car and the risks associated with going for a drive with our dogs.   Being animal lovers (and insurance specialists), our Petplan staff often bring their pets to work in the car. We strive to keep our dog safe in the car, so all staff follow Petplan’s Safe Pet Travel guidel ..read more

The holiday season is almost here, with everyone gearing up for some time off with friends and family. As we finish off our Christmas shopping and prepare for visitors or travelling, it is important to keep our pet’s health and safety in mind. This time of year can be very exciting, however it can often be uncomfortable and unsettling for our four legged friends as their environment is changed and more and more people come to visit. There is an increased risk of illness or injury around Christmas time with all the decorations, presents and food, however it is important to keep a somewhat norm ..read more

Just like us, dogs can suffer from the effects of too much sun, with older dogs most at risk. Heat and sun require dog owners to take some extra precautions to help their canine companions avoid discomfort, sunburn and serious health problems posed by overheating or dehydration. Take a look at Petplan’s guide below to know when your dog may be in danger this summer! Download a printable PDF version here: Hot weather ..read more

As summer is now in full swing and the days are longer and hotter, we tend to shed clothes until we are down to shorts or swimsuits. As a responsible pet owner, we want what is best for our furry friends. However, is it a good idea to shave your pet to reduce the effects of the heat? Does it really keep them cool and protected? Furry Insulation A pet’s coat is designed by nature, similar to the insulation for your house. It keeps them cool in summer and warm in the winter months. If you shave your pet, you’re interfering with their inbuilt temperature system which can lead to discomfort and o ..read more

For many of us, chocolate is an indulgence that we can’t get enough of, especially around Easter. However for pets,even a small amount can be potentially fatal to your four legged friend. Dogs are known as opportunistic when it comes to food and will swallow anything if not properly supervised. This is why it is important to stay vigilant around chocolate and your pets this Easter by reading Petplan’s following infographic. Download your copy here: Easter Infographic The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the writer. Content published here does not necessarily represent the ..read more

Cats can be very temperamental at times. But often there is a reason. If you notice a change in your cat’s mood, try to determine why and switch things up to improve their happiness. Your Cat is Bored! Cats, particularly indoor cats, need lots of stimuli to fill the void of not being able to hunt. If your cat is sat at home all day sleeping and eating, waiting for your return, they do not have enough activity in their lives. Cats need to hunt to stay mentally and physically healthy. Try to find new ways for your cat to eat rather than leaving them a bowl of food every morning. Keep their to ..read more

Buying a horse trailer is one of the toughest choices for any horse owner. With all the different options and combinations available, it is no wonder the decision can be pondered upon for many weeks. One of the greatest decisions to be made is whether you want an angle load float or a straight load float. Petplan will take you through the positives and negatives on both of the options. Your choice of trailer will normally depend on preference and practicality. This means that you need to know what you’re using the trailer for, how many horses and if you’re thinking of purchasing another horse ..read more

Some dogs are notoriously fast eaters, barely having time to breathe as they scoff down their meals. This can make mealtime even harder if there are multiple dogs that eat at a different pace, allowing for competition come between them. Why is eating fast so bad? Not only can it allow the dog inhaling their food to put on weight easier as they will eat as much as possible before they realise, eating too quickly can lead to a life-threatening condition called Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus). Early signs of bloat are excessive breathing, drooling and vomiting which can lead to your dog ..read more