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www.thevillagenews.co.za
27 November 2019
MY PET
Veterinarian Dr Hilldidge Beer is CEO of EberVet Vetshops, www.ebervet.com
Travel plans for pets Writer Dr Hilldidge Beer
T
here’s nothing quite as welcome as the December holidays after a long, hard year but before we plunge into making our own travel plans there are very important members of the family that need our attention too: our pets.
and diseases like distemper and parvovirus are highly contagious and deadly.
Whether you’re taking yours along, booking them in for boarding or arranging a house sitter, special arrangements must be made to keep them safe and healthy over the holidays. Here’s what to consider:
Parasite control against worms, fleas and ticks is essential at this time of year as parasites thrive in warmer weather and are easily passed on from pet to pet, and in the case of tapeworm, to humans, too. Because different parasites are found in different parts of the country, the broadest possible protection you can get is best, because you don’t know what the stranger’s dog you meet on the beach might be carrying.
If you are taking your pets with you Ensure your pets' vaccinations are up-to-date and that you’ve applied the best all-round parasite control you can afford. Your pets are likely to encounter other dogs and cats that may not have been vaccinated
If you’re travelling by car, plan your journey so that you can stop every couple of hours to let your dog out to pee and always make sure you have fresh water on hand. A good tip is to cover your side windows with shade cloth because as you travel, the sun shifts, and your cat or dog
may end up in full sun which could result in heatstroke. If you’re booking into a guesthouse, call ahead to ensure they are pet friendly. Most online accommodation sites, like www.booking.com or www.afristay.com, list pet friendly hotels and guesthouses. Remember that your pet may feel slightly anxious at first as this isn’t his home. Take his own bed or blanket along to make him feel more secure and keep plenty of treats on hand to take his mind off his anxiety. If you’re booking your pet into boarding kennels All reputable boarding kennels will insist on kennel cough vaccinations for dogs. This highly contagious disease is easily spread in kennels, so make sure your dog has his vaccination before you go. Ensure that his annual vaccinations are up to
date too, and if your pet isn’t already microchipped do it now. It’s a quick, painless procedure that takes just a few minutes at your vet or local animal welfare centre and is the safest way to ensure your pet’s return should he escape from the kennel. If your pet is on medication or has special dietary needs, write down the instructions for the kennel owner and insist that it is pinned onto his cage. If you’re using a pet sitter List your pet’s needs and habits, likes
and dislikes and tape to the fridge or somewhere similarly prominent so that your pet sitter is in no doubt as to what he or she must do to properly care for your fur baby. Include the telephone number and address of your local vet, and after-hours emergency. Ensure there is enough pet food to cover the holiday period (and a bit extra) and have plenty of treats on hand. Treats are a great way for pet and sitter to bond. Double check leads, collars and harnesses and replace if frayed. A few new toys will help with your pet’s anxiety during your absence.
