5 Essential pet care tips for Christmas

Everyone loves the holidays. There’s nothing better than spending time with family and friends, and most of all – your pets!

 We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday with their pets, so here are some essential care tips to help your pets stay safe at Christmas.

Travelling in the car

If you’re planning on taking your pet on a long drive, make sure they are restrained properly. 

It is important that your dog is wearing a special harness or seatbelt and your cat is safe in a cat carrier. 

Also, make sure you stop regularly and give your pet water in between. 

 Visiting interstate

If you’re travelling to NSW, QLD or bushy areas near the Victorian border, make sure your pet is up to date with parasite prevention. 

Paralysis ticks are very common in summer and can make your pet seriously ill or even be fatal. 

Perform tick checks regularly after walks in the bush or farm areas and check in between paw pads, under collars, in ears and behind gums. 

Signs of a paralysis tick include:

-      Heavy breathing (panting, noisy breathing and possibly grunting)

-      Coughing

-      Vomiting

-      Heavy salivation

-      Wobbly legs (especially the back legs – dogs tend to sit but not stand)

-      Collapse

Christmas food 

It’s tempting to ‘treat’ your pets during Christmas, after all, you’re probably treating yourself with yummy food. But some foods can have serious adverse effects on your pet. 

Avoid chocolate, garlic, onions, grapes, fatty offcuts of meat, bones and macadamia nuts. If your pet has diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy or a lack of appetite, consider taking your pet to the nearest emergency vet. Read more about toxic Christmas foods for dogs.

Clean up wrapping paper, ribbon and packaging

Christmas packaging can be a tempting toy for cats and dogs, but they can also be harmful. Ribbon, when ingested, can wrap itself around the intestines and cause a blockage. 

This will need to be surgically removed – definitely not where you want to want to be on Christmas day. Wrapping paper can lead to blockages too, soaking up fluid and causing constipation.

Keep anxious pets safe during fireworks

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve are a beautiful sight for everyone, except anxious pets.

 These loud noises, not unlike thunder, can be extremely scary for your dog or cat and lead to anxious behaviour like shaking, whimpering, destroying objects, hiding and even running away.

Make sure your pet is safe and secure in side. Don’t be afraid to comfort them if they are visibly distressed. Try distracting them with their favourite toy or treats.

If you know your dog is extremely anxious, you may be able to use medication to reduce their anxiety levels. Your vet will be able to advise you on if it is suitable for your pet.

If you are worried about your pet at all over the holiday period, the Centre for Animal Referral and Emergency will be open 24/7. You can contact them on 9417 6417. 

From all of us here at Doncaster Vet Hospital, we want to say a big Merry Christmas to all our clients new and old! We hope you have safe and happy holidays, and we look forward to seeing you, and your pets, in the new year!

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