Keep pets happy and healthy this holiday
JOBURG - Some tips to ensure your animal family stays happy.
Whether you’re putting your furry friends up in a kennel or cattery over the holiday or taking them away with you, here are a few ‘impawtant’ tips to help ensure that you’re pets are healthy, happy and well taken care of during the holiday season.
When travelling with your pets in the car:
– Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or pet carrier that is large enough for them to stand, lie down or turn around in.
– Have a ‘pet pack’ ready for the trip with items such as pet travel papers and vaccination records, your pet’s regular food, spill-proof water bowls, favourite toys and any medication that they may require.
– Make sure your pets vaccinations are up to date as this is especially important in protecting them against rabies.
– Ensure your pet is micro-chipped and wearing identification tags with your updated contact details in case of emergency.
– Stop regularly while travelling so that your pets can stretch their legs and stay hydrated.
– Never leave your pets unattended in a parked vehicle.
Whether you are going to the seaside or the bush with your pets, makes sure that you have a good flea and tick repellent product as billary is a deadly disease. Also remember to deworm your pets especially if they are travelling through the bush and coming into contact with other animals.
When placing your pet in a kennel:
– Make sure your pet vaccinations are up to date as kennels will require your pet’s vaccination booklet before accepting it.
– Take your pet’s regular food and homely comforts along when placing them in a kennel as it will make their stay away from home a little less frightening and uneasy.
If you are getting a pet sitter:
– Always ask for references when interviewing potential pet sitters.
-Provide clear and precise instructions for the pet sitter about details such as feeding times, any medication that needs to be given, where pet food is kept and bedding and sleeping areas for pets.
– Leave a list of up to date contact numbers for the pet sitter including emergency numbers and your local vet’s contact details.
– If any medication or services are needed while you are away, ensure that the pet sitter knows who to contact and what to do in case of emergency.
