Animal Corner - Holiday care of pets - 2 December
Holiday and Christmas considerations
Catteries and kennels
- Make sure you have all bookings and dates confirmed,
it's a very busy time of the year!
- Ensure vaccinations are all current and check any specific
kennel or cattery needs
How to choose a cattery
- Ask to inspect the cattery or kennel
- Look for good ventilation, even temperatures, good natural
light
- Cages need to be separate, cats shouldn't be able to see
each other (or be able to sneeze over each other)
- Cages need to have a sleeping shelf and an area away from
the litter tray for eating, bedding needs to be of hygienic and
warm material ideally "vet bed" as it is warm even if wet
- Food and water containers need to be fixed to the wall to
prevent spills
- Size of the cage is important, especially if the cats are
not allowed out to exercise
- Dogs need adequate exercise each day in a large outdoor run
area, preferably alone or just a few other dogs
Questions to ask
- Vaccination requirements i.e. what ones, when last
done?
- Is a veterinarian available if necessary?
- How often the cages are cleaned especially litter trays, and
food and water replenished?
- Are special needs catered for i.e. old pets, or a special
diet?
- Pick up and drop off times?
- Can I talk to other pet owners that have boarded their
animals there?
- Can I bring my pets' familiar bedding?
- Security arrangements i.e. fire alarms, someone on site,
double doors in/out?
Home feeding
- Ensure the feeder is well versed with your animals
needs
- Supply sufficient foods, especially favourites
- Ask if the feeder will spend some time each day with your
pet so they can identify any possible health problems or
fretting
- They may even bring in mail and water plants if asked
Pros
- Animal in familiar environment and may feel more
relaxed
- No delivery and pickup hassles
- Can possibly get papers collected and plants watered,
property watched
Cons
- Pet may run away or not let the feeder near it to
check on its health
- If animal is sick or hurt, it may disappear and not get the
help it needs
- Other animals may eat its food if it is left outside
- Person feeding the animal needs to be trustworthy
- Animal may be lonely or lacking affection
Tips on helping your pet to relax when in a boarding situation or if left at home while you are away
- Use a Bach Flower remedy mix of Aspen, Mimulus, Walnut,
Rescue Remedy
- Ask the cattery or kennel or pet minder to put it in the
food, water and on the fur 4 times a day if necessary, less if not
so stressed
- Take familiar bedding or toys that smell of home
- Take some special food treats
Travelling in the car
- Make sure dogs wear seat belt harnesses and cats are in
cages
- Watch for overheating when in a car
- Frequent toileting stops for dogs, use a litter tray for
cats
- Plenty of ventilation and keep out of direct sunlight in the
car
Christmas healthcare considerations
- Do not allow your dog to gorge/overeat as this may lead
to "bloat" where the stomach becomes very full and twists on
itself, which is a medical emergency
- NO CHOCOLATE!!!! It contains a chemical called theobromine
which is toxic to cats and dogs - DON'T leave wrapped boxes of
chocs under the Christmas tree, or feed chocs to your animals
- Care with small and all cooked bones, they may cause
internal damage
- Watch for sunburn in white or animals with thin or short
coats.
- Be aware of the need for extra water intake on hot days and
shade; dogs can overheat very quickly and die from hyperthermia
i.e. in hot cars
- NEVER leave an animal in cars on hot or even warm days
- they die very quickly
