When we think of Christmas, it usually involves family getting together, and we’re not just talking kids and cousins, but often members of the four-legged variety as well. After Covid-19 lockdowns, lots of dogs will be travelling to Christmas destinations this year or it may involve guests coming to them. A little preparation will go a long way to a safe and happy Christmas for all involved.
1.Travel
If Christmas involves travel, here’s a few tips to make travelling with your pet easier.
- Make sure your pet is restrained, not only for it's safety but for yours as well.
- Seat belt leads that attach directly into the seat clip are ideal for larger dogs whilst travel seats are great for smaller breeds and gives them a view out the window whilst keeping them safe.
- If your dog is going in the back of an SUV or wagon, use a double ended restraint. This attaches the dog safely to the restraint clip in the back.
- Some people prefer to use a travel crate to house their dog in. Crates will provide your dog with a sense of security and are great for travel.
- Ensure that you have a lead, some waste bags, water bowl and water bottle for rest breaks along the way.
- If your pet suffers from stress and anxiety or motion sickness, use some TravelEze prior to the trip to assist with symptoms.
You may even want to plan a trip away with your pooch over the Christmas holiday period. Many holiday destinations are dog and pet friendly, check out Holidaying with Dogs for pet friendly accommodation. Remember, much like us when we travel to make a checklist of things to pack if holidaying with your dog.
We recommend packing the following:
- Medication
- Bedding and or travel crate for sleeping
- Collar and lead
- Current ID tag with at least 2 phone numbers engraved
- Bowls
- Food and treats
- Comfort toy, activity toy such as a ball and a chew toy
- Brush
- Walking belt to pack treats and doggy bags in
- Car seat safety harness
- Pet carrier
- Training pads & Pet wipes -great for accidents & clean ups!
It is also a good idea to make a note of the nearest vet in the area your travelling to in case of an emergency.
2. Play
Keeping a lid on excitement levels
with lots of kids around can be difficult but it becomes super charged when you add Christmas festivities to the mix. A normally calm dog can easily be caught up in the action so make sure that everyone understands how to approach your pet. Importantly, you always need to supervise your dog to make sure it's not getting into any mischief. Remember people and children especially who aren’t around dogs on a regularly basis won’t be able to understand the cues that your dog provides. Make sure that you have a quiet place for your dog to escape to if it needed such as the laundry, spare room or crate. A comforter toy will help to settle your dog.
3. Food
When it comes to feeding your pet safely on Christmas day, you are best to give them pet food and pet specific treats. Many of the foods we eat on Christmas day can be hazardous to our pets. Christmas food toxic to dogs include:
- Cooked bones -no matter how big as these can splinter and cause gastrointestinal obstructions.
- Chocolate, as little as 60g can be potentially fatal to a small dog.
- Macadamia nuts, alcohol, grapes, raisins and avocado are also toxic to dogs.
- Fatty foods can also bring on an attack of pancreatitis so avoid giving your pet table scraps.
There are two types of presents at Christmas for pets - gifts’s for the owner and gift's for the pet. Check out these suggestions:
- Dog owners may enjoy gifts such as car seat protectors or a walking belt to hold their phone and tidy bags when out on walk.
- Dogs love any toys and treats but make sure they are size appropriate for the breed.
- Pet Christmas hampers with treats, toys and accessories. Available in store and online for dogs and cats.
For further information, call in & see us in the store, or email us: admin@weknowpets.com.au
4/72-76 Station St Bowral NSW 2576
PH: 024862 1175
© weknowpets 2021
