How to enjoy summer holidays and taking care of your pets

The summer holidays are fast approaching and while some people will be heading to their favourite holiday destination, others might remain home. No matter what you choose this year, Afrivet reminds you to take responsible care and plan ahead for your beloved pets.

It can be tricky to keep your most loved companions hydrated when travelling, but they provide some recommendations to ensure everyone’s comfort and well-being.

• Keeping water in a bottle and not relying only on a bowl during travel can make it easier for your family and pets to have fresh drinking water on the drive.

The summer holidays are fast approaching and while some people will be heading to their favourite holiday destination, others might remain home. No matter what you choose this year, Afrivet reminds you to take responsible care and plan ahead for your beloved pets.

It can be tricky to keep your most loved companions hydrated when travelling, but they provide some recommendations to ensure everyone’s comfort and well-being.

• Keeping water in a bottle and not relying only on a bowl during travel can make it easier for your family and pets to have fresh drinking water on the drive.

• Make sure bowls or buckets that are new for your pet, are at the right height to access the water inside and that it always remains full.

• To add fun to the holiday, have pets run through water sprays or swim under your supervision.

• On beach days, restrict your pets from drinking seawater while swimming which will dehydrate them. Always provide an alternative to fresh water to encourage them to skip salt water.

• If your pets have such a great time at the beach and have covered themselves in sand and salt water, rinse them off with clean water to get rid of excess salt and sand.

Travelling by car?
• Remember ventilation is extremely important when travelling with pets in hot weather. If possible, avoid travelling in the heat of the day. Keep your car fully ventilated. Do not put your beloved pet in the boot, as they could suffocate and die.

• If the car is hotter than normal, place cool/damp cloths or long-pulled grass in the carrier with your pet.

Travelling by plane?
• Did you know that some airlines will not transport animals on extremely hot days? Remember to take that into account when making travel bookings via aeroplane.

Before you travel (with or without your pet/s)
• For your pet’s safety, please ensure it has a name tag or has been microchipped before you leave. Make sure the tag is updated with your latest contact details. This will help you find them should they get lost.

• Remember to pack their vaccination card.

• If you know that your pet is a nervous traveller or expects loud noises or thunderstorms, contact Afrivet about a calming collar and/or calming spray. Afrivet also has a natural product Zylkene, to help manage stress in cats and dogs. The product is available in a capsule containing a palatable, water-soluble powder that appeals to both dogs and cats.

The capsule can be given before, during and after thunderstorms (especially between October to February) or on evenings when fireworks are expected.

• Locate your nearest veterinary practice ahead of your trip for quick and easy access, should veterinary assistance be needed during your holiday.

• Take along plenty of your pets’ regular brands of pet food.

• Make sure that when booking your holiday, the accommodation or activities are pet friendly and have adequate bedding.

• Ensure that your pet has lots of water and fun at all times.

Do you need to leave your pets at home whilst travelling?

Remember that you are responsible for your pet’s safety and health, even if you can’t be with them for certain periods.

The responsible thing to do is to either book your pet into a pet kennel/hotel or arrange for a pet sitter to visit your home at least twice a day.

When leaving your pet home with a pet sitter, remember to take precautions to ensure they are comfortable:
• Do not leave your pet in a locked house with windows closed. Ventilation is vital.

• Do not leave your pet without access to clean, cool water.

• A pet sitter should change the water bowl during every visit.

• Ensure that the person taking care of your pet is responsible and knows what to do and when especially when certain medication needs to be given.

• Check in with the pet sitter as often as you can. Maybe you will be staying home with your pets during the holiday season.

As long as your pets are supervised, we recommend that your pets either swim or run around in sprayers to cool down on those hot days.

In many parts of the country, spring and summer are thunderstorm seasons and you can often tell something is brewing before you hear the first rumblings. Thunderstorm anxiety is frightening for your pets and they don’t understand where the noise comes from.

• Stay calm and provide reassurance. If you are calm and relaxed, they will sense this peace in you.

• Bring your pets inside when you can for access to a safe place – their kennel or under blankets so they feel safe and close to you.

• Try and distract your pets, perhaps throw a ball for them, play with their favourite toy, or let them lie close to you while you pet them lovingly.

• Give them healthy treats. This will keep them occupied and will show them you care.

• Don’t lock them in a room or tie them up, this will create more anxiety and they will feel become frantic.