Happy Howlidays!
Pet Tails: Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe & Sound Part 4
An influx of visitors can upset pets, as can the noise and excitement of holiday parties and any celebratory fireworks. The following tips from the American Veterinary Medicine Association can help reduce emotional stress on your pet and keep your holidays (sorry, howlidays) merry and bright.
• Make sure your pet(s) has/have a quiet, comfy place indoors to retreat. A room or a crate away from the commotion can help keep your pet calm. Pets that are nervous around visitors should be put it in another room or a crate with a favorite toy during the party/gathering.
• Inform your guests ahead of time that you have pets or if other guests may be bringing pets to your house. Guests with allergies or weakened immune systems need to be aware of the pets (especially exotic pets) so they can take any needed precautions to protect themselves.
• If guests ask to bring their own pets and you don’t know how the pets will get along, politely decline their request or plan to spend some time helping the pets to get to know each other.
• Exotic pets make some people uncomfortable and may themselves be more easily stressed by gatherings. Keep exotic pets safely away from the holiday hubbub.
• Watch the exits. Even if your pets are comfortable around guests, make sure you watch them closely, especially when people are entering or leaving your home.
• Make sure your pet has proper identification with your current contact information – particularly a microchip with registered up-to-date, information.
Whether you take your pets with you or leave them behind, take these precautions to safeguard them whenever you’re traveling.
• Interstate and international travel regulations require any pet you bring with you to have a health certificate from your veterinarian, even if you are traveling by car. Learn the requirements for any states or countries you will visit or pass through.
• Pets should always be safely restrained in a vehicle using a secure harness or carrier, and should never be left alone in the car in any weather.
• If you’re traveling by air and considering bringing your pet with you, talk with your veterinarian first. Certain pets, such as short-nosed dogs and cats, may have difficulty with air travel.
• Bring copies of their medical records, information to help identify your pet if they become lost, first aid supplies, and other items.
• If you’re boarding your dog, talk with your vet to find out whether and how to protect your pet from canine flu and other contagious diseases, and to make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccines.
Adopt, don’t shop. For more information on how you can adopt your furever friend, volunteer at the shelter or to be considered as a foster, reach out to the Humane Society of McDonough County, and follow them on Facebook at facebook. com/HSMCIL.
