Helpful tips for surviving the holiday with your pets.

9 Tips for keeping your pet happy, healthy and safe this holiday season.

Many veterinary clinics close over the holidays and running out of medication can leave you trying to find them elsewhere. Keep in mind that veterinarians are legally required to examine your pet before dispensing scheduled medication, making last-minute refills challenging.



Waiting until the last minute can leave you scrambling to find available spaces, as many kennels fill up quickly.


Aim to do this at least a few weeks ahead, as last-minute visits can result in long waits at veterinary clinics, especially during the busy December holiday season when staff shortages are common due to employees being on leave.

If your pet experiences noise anxiety, be sure to stock up on sedatives ahead of New Year’s Eve. Additionally, ensure your pet is in a safe and secure environment, especially if you will be out celebrating. Unfortunately, pets with noise anxiety often escape when left unattended, which can lead to injuries from traffic or altercations with other dogs.


Giving dogs unfamiliar foods and treats can lead to severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and even life-threatening conditions like pancreatitis. Bones are particularly dangerous, as they can cause obstructions or severe constipation, often requiring intensive veterinary care.

While a puppy or kitten may seem adorable at first, the novelty can wear off quickly. If the recipient is not fully committed to the long-term care and responsibility, it can lead to neglect or abandonment of the animal.


If you are hiring house sitters, make sure they have access to funds or arrangements in place to cover any necessary veterinary care for your pets. As well as the contact details for your veterinarian or 24 hour veterinary facility, in case of an emergency.

We highly recommend setting aside funds for your pet’s veterinary care or considering pet insurance. Owning a pet is a privilege, not a right, and it comes with the responsibility of ensuring they receive proper medical care when needed. It is neither fair nor appropriate to expect your veterinarian to subsidise your pet’s care because your resources were spent on holidays or celebrations.


In the weeks leading up to Christmas, veterinarians often see a significant rise in euthanasia cases, adding to their emotional and professional burdens during an already busy season. Sadly, many of these pets have been left to suffer for weeks or months beforehand, leaving veterinarians questioning why help was not sought sooner. If you are concerned about your pet’s quality of life, please consult your veterinarian for an assessment and avoid waiting until the last minute.


Article written by:
Dr Steve Wimberley



Comments

  1. vetcare animal clinicDecember 7, 2024 at 9:50 PM

    excellent and sound advice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Westville VetDecember 11, 2024 at 10:52 AM

      Thank you - we are pleased that the info was helpful

      Delete

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