Make sure your furry friends are watched, loved and taken care of this summer vacation.
Summer vacation is here and while some have headed to their vacation destination, others are relaxing at home. No matter what you choose this year, pet owners should take responsible precautions and plan ahead for their pets.
For this reason, Afrivet has shared some tips on how you can ensure your four-legged friend is comfortable, taken care of and satisfied this festive season.
Before travelling:
• For your pet’s safety, make sure it is wearing a tag or has been microchipped before you leave. Make sure it’s updated with all your latest contact information. This will help you find them, if they get lost.
• Don’t forget to bring their vaccination record.
• If you know your pet is a nervous traveler or expects loud noises or thunderstorms, you can contact a calming collar or calming spray.
• Locate your nearest veterinary practice before your trip for quick and easy access, should veterinary assistance be needed while on vacation.
• Pack plenty of your pets’ regular brands of pet food.
• Choose accommodation that accepts pets and bring adequate bedding.
When traveling with your pooch:
• Keeping water in a bottle and not relying solely on a bowl while traveling can make it easier for your family and pets to have fresh drinking water on the trip.
• In a car, ventilation is extremely important in hot weather, so try to avoid traveling in the heat of the day. Keep your car fully ventilated and don’t put your pet in the trunk.
• If the car is warmer than normal, place cool or damp rags or long-pulled grass in the carrier with your pet.
• Remember to make regular stops every two to three hours to give your pet clean, fresh water. Fresh, clean water is essential and should be available for them to drink freely.
• If your pet refuses to drink, consult a veterinarian.
If you’re traveling by plane, did you know that some airlines don’t carry pets on extremely hot days? Take this into account when booking.
During the holidays :
• Make sure new bowls or buckets are at the correct height so your pet can access the water inside and that they are always full.
• To add fun to the holidays, let your pets run through the water jets or swim under supervision.
• On beach days, prevent your pets from drinking saltwater while swimming and always provide an alternative to fresh water to encourage them to avoid salt water, which will dehydrate them.
• If your pets are having such a great time at the beach and they got covered in sand and salt water, just rinse them with clean water to remove the excess salt and sand.
When you leave your pet at home:
• You are responsible for the safety and health of your animal, even if you cannot be with it. Book your pet into a kennel or pet hotel, or have a pet sitter visit your home at least twice a day.
• When you leave your pet at home, take precautions to make sure they are comfortable:
• Do not leave your pet in a locked house with closed windows. Ventilation is vital.
• Do not leave your pet without access to clean, fresh water.
• A pet sitter must change the water bowl at each visit.
• Make sure the person caring for your pet is responsible and knows what to do and when (especially when medication needs to be administered).
• Consult the guardian as often as you can.
If you stay at home:
• If supervised, your pets swim or run in sprayers to cool off on hot days.
• Ensure wide access to drinking water.
• During thunderstorms, stay calm and reassure yourself. If you are calm and relaxed, they will feel that peace in you. Bring pets inside so they can access a safe place. Try distracting your pets with play or letting them lie down next to you while you pet them. Give them healthy treats and don’t lock them in a room or tie them up.
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