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24 Jan 2016

Australia Day and your pets

2 mins to read


Australia Day is typically hot (if not sweltering) and all about the great outdoors – from picnics and cricket in the park, Frisbee on the beach, to barbecues in your backyard. Pets can play a big or little part in your celebration, but either way, there are steps you should take to ensure they have an enjoyable time too.

The heat factor

Pets don’t cope well with heat, so it’s important they have access to a cool, shady area – small pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and birds, are particularly susceptible to heat and should be kept indoors during hot weather. Do be aware shade shifts throughout the day, so if you’re not going to be home, make sure they are covered for the whole time you are gone. Other tips to helping them beat the heat?

 

  • Provide plenty of fresh, cool water in large water containers. Be sure to provide numerous sources of water in case one is spilt. Another clever trick is to freeze treats or toys in a container of water which can provide hours of fun.
  • Place a child’s clam shell pool in the shade and fill it with water so your dog can swim in the water to keep cool.
  • If you’re taking your dog out with you, or even just taking them for a walk, stand on the ground in bare feet to test the temperature – if it is too hot for you to stand on, then it’s too hot for your dog’s delicate paws.  Ideally take them early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

READ MORE: Hot weather and your pets

Not all treats are a kindness

Most pet owners like to treat their pet to a special meal every now and then, especially on days of celebration like Australia Day. It’s important to remember that animals have different digestive systems to us, and many human foods can cause serious illness to our four legged friends - so treating them from your plate isn’t always as nice as it may seem. Make sure any food that you give your pet is in keeping with their standard diet, or purchase treats specially made for pets. As a rule of thumb, when it comes to treating your pet with food, remember:

  • Most cooked lean meats are ok to feed to dogs and cats in small quantities. But always remember not to feed someone else’s pet as they may be on a special diet.
  • Keep the meat scraps free of gravy and marinades (while we enjoy pepper, chilli, soy sauce and fats, these items may upset your pet’s stomach).
  • DO NOT feed your dog or cat cooked bones (they can splinter easily and damage your pet’s throat and intestines).
  • DO NOT feed your pets chocolate as it contains a naturally occurring stimulant called theobromine which can cause extreme poisoning and kill your pet.
  • DO NOT feed your pet fatty food as it can cause pancreatitis. This is a very common condition found in emergency clinics over the holiday period so don’t let your pet become a statistic!

Noise works

Australia Day means fireworks, and often noisy neighbourhood parties. While many pets are ok with this, others experience distress and anxiety, and may try to escape. If your pet is extremely anxious or distressed consult your local vet about medication to help them. If you will not be home with your pet during fireworks, make sure they are kept in a secure place, and ideally a spot that is quieter and indoors.

READ MORE: Why is my dog afraid of fireworks and thunder?

Having a party at your house? Make sure your pet has a quiet spot to itself, as they’ll need a rest and some quiet time too, or they can become stressed and anxious. Also consider exercising your pet before they arrive, so they’re happy to nap and relax once the festivities start.

Last but not least, make sure you get a chance to sit down and snuggle up at some stage – nothing says love to a dog or cat like your time and attention!

 

Related Products:

  • PAW Multi+Tryptophan Multivitamin Chews offer a ready source of tryptophan for the benefit of animals displaying signs of territorial aggression, dominance aggression and general anxiety secondary to changes in serotonin levels (e.g. separation anxiety and travel anxiety).
  • PAW DigestiCare 60™ Is your pet suffering from diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence, intestinal dysfunction or an immature digestive system? Is your pet getting enough good bacteria? PAW DigestiCare 60™ is a multi-strain, multi-species probiotic and wholefood powder for the maintenance of everyday digestive health of dogs, cats and other companion animals.


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