Holidays and your PETS

GOING AWAY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON? THEN DON’T FORGET YOUR PET, SAYS DR KARIEN BRINK, RESIDENT ULTRA PET VETERINARIAN.

It’s that time of year again. After a stressful year of lockdown, we all deserve a break. It is, however, very important to ensure our pets are well looked after during the holidays. Here are some handy tips to make sure your pets have the best care while you are away.

Boarding arrangements

If you are going away and will not be able to take your pets with you, now is the time to book a place in a kennel or cattery.

• Do your due diligence and take your pets to places recommended by your vet.

• Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date – especially for Kennel Cough – since this can be transferred very quickly in a kennel environment, and most reputable kennels will not allow your pet to come stay without this vaccination having been done.

Finding a great house-sitter is also a viable option. I must encourage you, though, to do your research first.

• Interview the person and see how they react around your pets.

• Always introduce your pets to the person who will be taking care of them.

• Familiarise the sitter with any special medical and dietary needs your pet may have.

• Leave the sitter with your vet’s number and an emergency family contact.

Travelling with your pets

If you take your pets with you on holiday, please take them for their annual visit to the veterinarian beforehand. You want to ensure your pet is healthy, and it is also an ideal opportunity to discuss needs your pet may have during the trip. Some issues you may wish to discuss are:

• Motion sickness medication for the car ride.

• Anxiolytic medications if they will be around noisy New Year celebrations.

• Collecting emergency medication such as antibacterial treatment for wounds, antihistamines, anti-nausea meds and pain medication.

Make sure your pet is micro-chipped – you don’t want to potentially ruin your holiday because your pet got lost.

Internal and external parasite control is important; stock up on deworming meds and tick and flea control products.

And finally, do some research on your holiday destination as follows:

• In case of emergency, Google which vets are close by and save their details on your phone.

• Have a copy of your pet’s medical records with you, so your holiday veterinarian will be well informed of your pet’s medical history.

Dr Karien Brink qualified from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria in 2010. She worked at Valley Farm Animal Hospital from 2011-2019, before she joined RCL FOODS. She has a special interest in animal behaviour and dermatology, and is passionate about nutritional advice and preventative health care for pets. Drop her a message at www.ultra-pet.co.za/dr-karienscorner/ if you have any questions.