PetSure’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Simone Maher, appeared on Channel Nine’s Weekend Today to share expert advice on keeping pets safe this Easter – from the dangers of chocolate and hot cross buns to the benefits of vet telehealth over the holidays.
Dr. Simone Maher, Chief Veterinary Officer at PetSure, joined The Weekend Today Show on Channel 9 to share expert tips on keeping pets safe over Easter. While Easter and the school holidays can be fun for the family it also brings a few seasonal pet health risks that pet owners should be aware of.
Joined on set by three adorable dogs; Billie, Bob and Bella, Dr. Maher highlighted why it’s important to keep chocolate and hot cross buns away from our furry friends.
“Chocolate and hot cross buns can be really delicious to us, but they actually pose a danger to our furry friends. Chocolate in particular contains some chemicals that causes a vast array of signs, if left untreated they can even progress to seizures and in the worst case can even be fatal”, warned Dr. Maher.
Pet insurance data shows that claims for chocolate toxicity often spike during Easter time. In 2024, the average cost for treatment of chocolate toxicity was $530, and the highest amount was just over $7,000*.
With many vet clinics closed or offering limited hours during the public holidays, Dr. Maher discussed the importance of vet telehealth services which offer fast, expert advice 24/7 from registered vets via phone or video. Vet telehealth is especially helpful to triage any early symptoms or minor concerns outside normal business hours, on weekends or public holidays.
Dr. Maher also encouraged viewers to use the Find a Vet tool to locate the nearest clinic to their destination, she stated “The GapOnly® website has a really useful tool where you can actually locate the vets that are closest to you, which is super helpful if you’re travelling.”
GapOnly® tips for pet parents to stay prepared over Easter:
- Keep chocolate and baked goods like hot cross buns out of reach.
- Consider vet telehealth for non-urgent pet health queries.
- Educate children about not feeding your pets Easter treats.
- Keep your local vet clinic details handy or visit gaponly.com.au to find a nearby clinic if you’re travelling.
Thanks to Dr. Maher for sharing her expert insights and reminding us that a little preparation can go a long way in keeping our pets safe and happy over the holidays.
Watch the full media interview with Dr. Simone Maher here:
*Based on PetSure claims data, 2024
