Winter Hazards at Home: Heating, Cords and Open Fires — Keeping Pets Safe Indoors

Why winter heating creates new risks for pets

As temperatures drop across Australia, pets and their owners move indoors together — and that cosy shift brings a cluster of hazards that simply don't exist in summer. Dogs and cats are drawn instinctively to heat sources, but they can't always judge a safe distance, and many common heating devices weren't designed with curious animals in mind. The RSPCA Australia notes that burns, smoke inhalation and electrical injuries are among the preventable harms that spike in cooler months when pets spend more time in heated rooms.¹

Key insight: The hazard isn't the heating itself — it's unsupervised, unmanaged access to it. Most winter pet injuries at home are preventable with a small setup change.

The top indoor hazards — and what to do about each

The most common indoor heating risks for Australian dogs and cats fall into three categories:

Radiant and fan heaters — Dogs in particular will lie directly in front of bar or ceramic heaters, risking singed fur, paw-pad burns and respiratory irritation from prolonged exposure to dry, heated air. Keep portable heaters behind a stable guard or barrier, and never leave them running in a room where pets are unsupervised.
Electric blankets and heated pads — Cats are especially prone to curling up on electric blankets and staying too long, which can cause low-level burns or, in older or less mobile animals, hyperthermia. If you use an electric blanket for a pet, choose one designed for animals with an automatic cut-off, keep the setting on low, and always give them a clear exit route off the bed. You can find general guidance on managing comfort for older pets in our article on pet insurance for older dogs.
Open fireplaces and wood heaters — A fireplace is the highest-risk heating source for pets. Flying embers, hot glass panels on slow-combustion stoves, and ash that retains heat for hours are all genuine burn hazards. Use a secured fireguard that can't be nudged aside, sweep ash promptly after the fire is fully cold, and keep pets out of the room if the fire is unattended.
Power cords and extension leads — Winter means more leads running to heaters, electric blankets and lamps. Cord chewing — most common in young dogs and cats — can cause electrical burns to the mouth and tongue, and in serious cases cardiac arrhythmia or respiratory arrest. Conceal cords in cable covers, run them under rugs where safe, or use cord deterrent spray.

Signs your pet may have been hurt by a heating hazard

Burns and electrical injuries aren't always immediately visible under a coat of fur, which makes them easy to miss in the first hours. Watch for:

Redness, blistering or hair loss on paws, belly, nose or face
Excessive licking or pawing at one area of the body
Sudden lethargy, disorientation or reluctance to move
Coughing, laboured breathing or a hoarse voice after smoke or fume exposure

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you suspect your pet has been burned or has had contact with an electrical source, seek immediate veterinary care.

For minor unexplained changes in behaviour that develop over winter, a telehealth consultation can be a useful first step — our overview of veterinary telehealth explains when it's appropriate and how to access it. Separately, winter's dry indoor air and central heating can also aggravate skin conditions — if your pet is scratching more than usual, our piece on understanding skin allergies in dogs and cats covers the seasonal triggers worth knowing.

Setting up a safe warm space for your dog or cat

The goal is warmth without unsupervised access to the heat source itself. A few practical steps:

Place your pet's bed in a naturally warm spot — away from draughts but at least one metre from any heater or fireplace
Use a self-warming (non-electric) pet mat as the primary heat source; reserve electric heating pads for supervised short sessions only
Check all visible cords weekly during winter for bite marks or fraying
Ensure smoke alarms are working — pets are vulnerable to smoke before humans may notice a problem

Bottom line: Most winter pet injuries at home come from unmanaged proximity to heating equipment. A sturdy fireguard, concealed cords, and a purpose-built pet bed away from the heat source remove the majority of the risk without any sacrifice in comfort.

Winter is also a good time to think about what you'd do if an unexpected vet visit did arise — from a burn, an electrical injury, or anything else the cold season throws at your fur baby.

Explore Potiki's cover options and get a quick quote at potiki.com.au.

¹ RSPCA Australia, Knowledgebase: Pet care and safety (rspca.org.au, accessed August 2026).

FAQ

Are electric blankets safe for cats in winter?

Standard electric blankets designed for humans are not recommended for unsupervised cat use — cats can overheat or sustain low-level burns from prolonged contact. If you use one, choose a pet-specific model with an automatic cut-off, keep the setting on low, and always give your cat the option to move away. Never leave it running when you're not in the room.

How far should my dog sleep from a heater?

As a general guide, keep your dog's bed at least one metre from any portable or fixed heater, and use a fireguard or barrier if you have an open fireplace or wood heater. The goal is warmth from ambient room temperature rather than direct radiant heat, which can singe fur or cause paw-pad burns without obvious warning signs.

What are the signs of a burn in a dog or cat?

Burns in pets aren't always immediately visible under fur. Watch for redness, blistering or hair loss on exposed areas (paws, belly, nose or face), excessive licking of one spot, sudden lethargy or reluctance to move, and — in the case of smoke or fume exposure — coughing or laboured breathing. If you suspect a burn or electrical injury, seek immediate veterinary care.

Can pets be harmed by chewing power cords?

Yes. Cord chewing can cause electrical burns to the mouth, tongue and throat, and in serious cases can trigger cardiac arrhythmia or respiratory problems. Conceal cords in cable covers, run them under rugs where it's safe to do so, and apply a pet-safe cord deterrent spray — especially during winter when more leads are in use.

Is fireplace smoke dangerous to dogs and cats?

Prolonged exposure to wood smoke can irritate the respiratory tracts of dogs and cats, and is particularly concerning for brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs and cats) or animals with existing respiratory conditions. Ensure the room is ventilated, keep your pet away from heavy smoke, and check that smoke alarms are working — pets may be affected before humans notice an issue.