HOLIDAY SEASON

Holidays are fun and festive, sometimes lack of structure and routine can cause a few behaviours to slip up with your pets. So here are a few things to help your holiday season go smoothly!

HEAT

Your pet will feel the heat much more than what we do! Keeping your pet cool will help them to be happy and stop any unwanted health issues.

Keep them cool by:

• Providing plenty of water
• Giving them access to a shell pool filled with water
• Providing them with frozen filled kongs, or ice cubes
• Wet towels
• Take them swimming or use the hose!
• Bring them inside in the air-conditioning

Avoid:

• Keeping them in hot vehicles
• Walking them on tarmac – if you cannot hold your hand to the ground for 5seconds without discomfort, NO WALK!
• Any high exertion activity

FOOD

We all like to enjoy the splendor of different foods on holidays – it’s best to keep your treats for you, and provide special doggie treats for your pet.

Try:

• Carrots
• Strawberries
• Pigs ears
• Fresh bones
• Chicken carcasses
• Fresh meat
• Apple (no seeds though)

Avoid:

• Cooked bones
• Onion & garlic
• Chocolate
• Avocado
• Grapes & Raisins
• Nuts
• Milk
• Wheat
• Fatty Food
• Alcohol
• Pudding

Tips:

Make sure that food is kept out of your dogs reach, and that food is not left unattended. Keep food presents away from
under the tree!

FIREWORKS

Some dogs have anxiety around sudden loud noises. Many pets wil
l escape and end up in the pound during these times. Provide a safe secure place for them – such as a crate or put them in the laundry. You can play some music softly and keep the curtains drawn. Seek veterinary attention if your dog is known to have anxiety at these times.

VISITORS

Ensure you follow your ‘house rules’ when having guests over. Set your dog up for consistency by telling the visitors how best to interact with your dog (and no treats!) Also ensure all gates are secured!

OTHER

Keep your dog on lead when in long grass or bushy areas – watch for snakes. Give your dog a quick health check twice a day to look for ticks. If you spot a tick and are not sure how to remove it – go straight to the veterinarian.

Have a happy and safe holiday period!