Your holiday pet care checklist

Don’t forget about your fur babies in the chaos of organising Christmas and holiday activities and events.

Here are a few things to add to your checklist as the holiday season approaches to ensure your pets are well taken care of over the festivities:

• If you are going away and won’t be taking your fur babies with you, make sure you arrange for a pet sitter well in advance or book them into a kennel or cattery. If this is the first time your pet will be going into boarding kennels, check out the facility and make sure it comes well recommended.
•  If your pet is on regular medication, have the script filled for the December period. Many vets work reduced hours or close over the holidays.
• Make sure there’s a little something under the Christmas tree for your pets! A new chew toy, or new blanket and some little treats will include them in the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning. After all, they’re part of the family too!
•  If you are staying at home for the December break, schedule in some family walks with your dog, it is not only great bonding time, but you’ll all get some exercise.
• Keep wires, decorations and wrappings out of reach. If there’s a new puppy in the house, clear away any electrical wires that your puppy might be able to reach – remember puppies love to chew! Make sure your Christmas decorations and wrappings that could pose a hazard are out of reach of your pets.
•  Set up a cosy hideaway – if you have a house full of noisy guests, or live in an area where there is likely to be a fireworks display, then create a safe and cosy space for your pet to escape to if they feel overwhelmed.
•  Guests sometimes neglect to properly shut gates and doors – make sure your pets are secure and can’t escape your property.

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