With the Easter holidays upon us, and many states and territories having long weekends coming up, it's good to remember that these can be stressful or dangerous times for our pets.
Here are some tips to keep everyone safe and happy over the holidays.
Chocolate
Most pet owners know that chocolate is toxic to their companion animals, but it's an important reminder at Easter especially when there's generally more chocolate to be found.
Chocolate poisoning occurs mainly in dogs but can also occur in cats and other animals. In short, don't give your pets any chocolate, and keep chocolate supplies well out of reach of curious animals. Eggs left over from your backyard Easter egg hunt can be a particular risk.
If your pet has ingested even a small amount of chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. Vets can usually treat chocolate poisoning if you act fast enough, but it's important to seek help quickly.
Other foods
It's not just chocolate - watch out for hot cross buns at Easter as raisins (and sultanas, currants and other dried grapes) are toxic to dogs and cats.
If you're celebrating the holidays with a special meal, watch out for this list of other toxic foods: onions, garlic, tomatoes (for cats), grapes, macadamia nuts, coffee and alcohol. This list can't include all possible toxic foods, so if in doubt, ask your vet.
If you're hosting people for a holiday meal, you should also make sure all your guests (including children) know not to feed these things to your pets.
Holidays - Boarding your pet
If you're heading off on holiday, you'll need to consider what to do with your pet.
If you choose to board your pet, it's important to visit the boarding facility in person to see the living conditions and housing areas for yourself.
Some aspects to consider include: are you comfortable with the space provided and the general condition of the surroundings? What procedures do they have in place for providing food and water, comfort (temperature control, protection from wind etc), exercise and cleaning? Do they have a local vet in case of any medical emergencies? What do you need to provide (eg. current vaccination certificate, medications, familiar foods or treats etc)?
Ideally your pet would have a chance to visit for a positive experience before staying there for any length of time as well.
Some RSPCA shelters provide boarding services for privately owned animals, as do some vet clinics.
Holidays - Taking your pet
If you choose to take your dog with you on a road trip, ensure he or she is microchipped and that your contact details are up to date on the microchip register.
Make sure your dog is healthy enough to travel and all their vaccinations are up to date. If your pet requires prescription medication, make sure you have enough to see you through the holiday.
Also talk to your vet for advice about particular risks in relation to where you're travelling such as paralysis tick prevention and ehrlichiosis.
Consider how to transport your dog in your car. Check relevant laws, especially if you are travelling interstate, and find an appropriate vehicle restraint or transport container.
Plan your route with your pet in mind, factoring in things like toilet breaks, exercise, what to do if you need a vet, and if you need to find pet-friendly accommodation.
Never leave a dog unattended in a car on a warm day, ever.
Make sure your dog has everything they need for a road trip, including: their regular food and treats, bedding, food and water bowls, a collar or harness and leash, their favourite toys and grooming equipment.
Be mindful that some dogs may become a little anxious when their routine is changed and/or they are in a new environment, so giving them time to settle in will help them adapt to their new surroundings.
We hope these tips will help keep your pets safe and happy, whatever your plans may be.