HOUNDS on HOLIDAY

Whether you’re taking your dog with you on holiday or hiring a pet sitter, we have important tips for you

The holiday season can be a stressful and hazardous time for dogs. So, how can you keep your pet safe and serene this holiday period, especially if you’re going away.

PICKING A PERFECT PET SITTER

You may be looking forward to going away for your year-end break but worry about the care and safety of your dog whilst you’re gone. If this is your dilemma, hiring an in-house pet sitter may be a good solution. The benefits of this canine care option include:

• Your dog can keep their normal routine, with the sights, sounds and smells familiar to them.

• They won’t suffer stress from being transported to a strange place.

• If your pet is on medication or requires treatment, your sitter will be able to administer this to them.

• Your dog will not be exposed to illnesses at a kennel.

• A pet sitter that stays in your home can be a good crime deterrent.

• Hiring a sitter is often more cost-effective and convenient than boarding your dog.

When selecting an appropriate pet sitter, check if they have any dog-handling credentials and contactable references. It’s also critical to interview candidates personally, which will allow you to evaluate how a potential sitter responds to your dog. Online reviews will also give you an idea of previous clients’ experiences, and your local vet will be able to refer you to good sitters in the area.

Once you’ve selected your sitter, ensure that you furnish them with the following information:

• Your dog’s history, habits and any behavioural issues. 

• Your dog’s list of vaccines and any recent medical conditions and medications.   

• Your dog’s daily routine, including their eating, sleeping, toilet, walking and playing habits. 

• Emergency contact information, including: your veterinarian’s information, nearest emergency hospital, neighbour contact details, and your vacation location contact details.

• Insistence that a collar, with identification tags, be worn by the pet at all times.

• An explanation of how to safely secure their walking harness.

• A list of any rooms off-limits to the pet. 

• Your communication expectations – i.e. you may want a daily video or regular pictures and updates. You’ll also want a guarantee that your pet sitter won’t invite other people into your home or go out partying, leaving your dog alone for hours on end, especially on New Year’s Eve.

Alternatively, you can choose to have a sitter visit daily, and they can feed, exercise and check in on your pet without actually staying in your home. However, this option isn’t recommended for deeply sensitive, sick, very old, physically disabled or indoor-living animals.

BOARDING YOUR FUR BABY

A house sitter is best, but if you really aren’t comfortable with having a sitter in your home, a boarding facility may provide your dog with safe and secure accommodation over the holiday period. In fact, a quality kennel can offer your dog 24-hour care, exercise, grooming, stimulation and play during the time that you’re away. If your dog is on medication, it will be administered by kennel staff and your dog will have access to veterinary care. A decent boarding facility will also monitor your dog’s diet and eating habits, to ensure that they’re eating well. Just keep in mind that very young or fussy dogs can get overwhelmed and stressed by noise and activity in a kennel, and they may not be comfortable around multiple dogs. It’s also important to secure kennel accommodation fairly far in advance, as these facilities are typically heavily booked over holiday periods.

When searching for a reputable kennel facility, first approach your vet for recommendations. Other great ways to locate excellent kennel options include asking trusted friends and family for suggestions and searching for online reviews. It’s then advisable to visit your top choices and determine whether they’re able to accommodate your animal during the period you’re on holiday. Enquire about staff training, the number of staff on site, and if there’s constant monitoring of the dogs in their care. Additionally, you should make sure of the following:

• Can the kennel accommodate your specific breed?

• Are they able to provide any special services that your dog may need?

• Does each dog have its own space, or are multiple dogs, from different homes, put into a single accommodation area?

• Does the accommodation have sufficient light and ventilation, and is it clean and hygienic?

• How regularly is the accommodation and bedding cleaned?

• Is the recreation/play/exercise area clean, secure, hazard-free, and large enough for dogs to run and supervised at all times?

• How often are the dogs let out to the exercise/play areas, and for how long?

• How does the kennel handle medical emergencies and administration of medication?

• Is the staff trained to provide pet first-aid?

• What is the kennel’s preferred vet, and does that vet provide 24/7 emergency medical services?

• How will additional medical costs be managed if your dog requires treatment during his or her stay?

HOLIDAYING WITH YOUR HOUND

There are many pet-friendly accommodation options available, and you may prefer to take your pooch along with you on holiday. But how do you ensure that the trip is a safe and enjoyable one for both of you? Firstly, establish whether your holiday accommodation is dog-friendly. A quick internet search will reveal some good accommodation options. Call ahead before booking to confirm the venue’s pet policy and ask any questions that relate to your dog’s specific needs, size and breed. Also, look into dog-friendly attractions, stores, cafes and restaurants and establish which beaches will welcome pets during the time that you plan to visit. However, it’s important to be aware that very busy tourist attractions may prove stressful for a dog not used to crowds. Thus, planning a pet-friendly trip itinerary ahead of time is essential.

Before setting off for your vacation, pop into your vet to make sure that your dog’s vaccinations and tick, flea and worm treatments are up to date. Getting your dog’s microchip scanned to check that all the information is correct is also advisable. Furthermore, it’s important to determine where the closest vet to your holiday accommodation will be, in case of an emergency.

If driving to your holiday destination, make a list of everything you might need during the trip. This includes toys, blankets, fresh water, treats, poo bags, and any possible medication your pet might require. Securing your dog in the vehicle, in a comfortable crate or with a dog harness, is also critical. Then establish ahead of time where you’ll safely stop during the journey for regular toilet breaks and leg stretches. Ensure too that your dog is firmly leashed during these stops. If your fur kid suffers from motion sickness, have a remedy at hand and refrain from feeding them near to the time of travel.

Some other safety tips to consider when vacationing with your pet include:

• Never leaving your dog alone in a vehicle (it can take a mere 15 minutes for a dog to die from heatstroke on a hot day).

• Ensuring that you take your dog for regular walks during cooler times of the day to prevent paw burn and heatstroke.

• Providing your dog with fresh, cool water at all times.

• Being careful of having your dog off-lead in unfamiliar areas.

• Maintaining the same feeding and walking routine on holiday as you have at home.

• Taking enough of your dog’s regular food, in case you can’t source that brand at your holiday location.

• Never leaving your dog alone in your holiday accommodation.

• Being aware of your dog’s attitude towards other dogs and crowds of people and taking this into account when out in public spaces.

Nobody wants a canine catastrophe over a period synonymous with celebration and cheer. Luckily, with a little foresight and some practical planning, you can ensure that this holiday season is not only a happy and peaceful time for you and your four-legged friend… but a safe one too.

Sources: www.petsitusa.com www.petsbest.com www.grindelwaldkennels.com.au www.lanewaymagazine.com.au www.dogsforgood.org www.rockythetraveller.com www.dogfriendlycotswolds.co.uk www.myfamilyvets.co.uk www.ultimatepetnutrition.com www.akc.org