When most of the world is dreaming of a white Christmas, we’re over here in WA dodging flies, cranking the air‑con, and wondering if the dog can handle another day of 40 degrees. Christmas in the bush isn’t about snow—it’s about keeping our pets safe, happy, and cool while we unwrap presents and tuck into pavlova.
🐶 Hydration is the Best Decoration
Forget tinsel—water bowls are the real festive must‑have.
• Keep multiple bowls around the house and yard.
• Add ice cubes for extra chill.
• If you’re heading out, make sure pets have shade and a full tank of H₂O.
🐱 Shade Over Santa Hats
Sure, the cat looks adorable in a Christmas hat, but they’d rather have a shady spot under the gum tree.
• Provide cool resting areas indoors.
• Outdoor pets need proper shelter—tarps, kennels, or even a DIY shade cloth.
• Bonus points if you set up a paddling pool for the dog.
🐾 Festive Foods: Naughty or Nice?
Christmas feasts are full of temptations, but not all treats are pet‑friendly.
• Skip the ham bones (dangerous splinters).
• Chocolate is a no‑go.
• Stick to pet‑safe snacks—carrot sticks, watermelon chunks, or a frozen Kong toy.
🎅 Party Time, Pet Time
Guests, fireworks, and noisy kids can stress pets out.
• Give them a quiet retreat space.
• Keep gates and doors secure—no one wants a runaway reindeer (or kelpie).
• Remind visitors not to slip pets sneaky snacks.
Christmas in the heat is all about balance: enjoying the season while making sure our furry mates don’t overheat. A little planning goes a long way—whether it’s icy water bowls, shady naps, or safe festive treats. Because nothing says “Aussie Christmas” like a happy pet snoozing through the cricket on TV.
From hay bales to hosepipes, we’ve got what you need to keep critters cool this Christmas. Pop in before the pavlova melts!
