Are you going away on holiday and fluffy can’t go with? Here are a few crucial tips to ensure your furry friend will be okay while you are away on holiday.
- Hire a pet sitter or someone who can feed your animals and take the dogs for a daily walk. This person should preferably be someone which your animals will be familiar with.
- Make sure the responsible person knows about their medications (if they are on any chronic medications), their feeding requirements, specific commands that you use for eating and toileting. Also let them know if your pet has any funny habits which may seem abnormal to them.
- Leave all important telephone numbers and contacts for the pet sitter so that they can contact someone in case of emergency. Make sure they have the number for your veterinarian and arrange beforehand with your veterinarian who will be the responsible person for your pets.
- If your pet is microchipped, make sure your details are updated (telephone numbers and address) on the website. If your pet is not microchipped, strongly consider doing that. By microchipping your pet, you have proof of ownership and will improve the chance of your missing pet coming back home to you.
And if you decided to have a staycation in the warm Kimberley for December, here are a few tips for you to follow:
- Ensure your pets have access to fresh, clean drinking water all the time. If you don’t keep your pets indoors, make sure there is ample shade available for them.
- Feed your dog a well-balanced and energy dense diet. Dogs tend to eat less in summer but still need the energy in an effort to lower their body temperatures.
- Take your dog for a walk early mornings or late afternoons when it is cooler outside. Save playtime for the cooler hours of the day.
Watch out for signs of heat stroke:
- Excessive panting
- Reduced food intake, reduced activity
- Muscle spasms
- Fatigue, weakness and vomiting
- Diarrhoea and depression
- Please take your dog to your nearest veterinarian if your dog does not respond after giving him several small sips of cold water.
When you know it is time for the horrible fireworks, feed your pets earlier in the evening, and make sure they are enclosed in a room which may help to buffer the sound. Put their beds, blankets and toys in the room which may provide some comfort. There are several over the counter products which may help reduce anxiety in animals with noise phobia:
- Thunder jackets
- Dog appeasing pheromone collars
- Nurturecalm collars
- CalmEze tablets or liquid – natural anti-anxiety medication
- It is important to apply these measures BEFORE the event as it will be less effective when the dog is already anxious.
