WIN! Tips for traveling with your pets this holiday
As the end of the year rapidly approaches, many of us may already have our summer holidays all mapped out, or will find ourselves frantically doing so over the next few weeks.
While most holidaymakers have a check list of “things to do” and “items to remember” to ensure a fantastic time away, many are less prepared and organised when packing for their pets.
Whether you find yourself traveling with your best fury friend this December, or making other arrangements for your pet while you are away, supplied by Merial SA (manufacturers of Frontline®Plus for ticks and fleas) has provided a few “impawtant” tips to ensure your pets’ summer holiday is as enjoyable as yours.
Traveling with your pet in the car
· Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or pet carrier that is large enough for them to stand, lie down and turn around in. Comfortable bedding is always welcome.
· Have a “pet pack” ready for the trip with items such as pet travel papers, your pets’ regular food, spill-proof water bowls, favourite toys and any medication they require.
· Make sure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date – this is especially important in protecting against rabies.
· Always travel with your pets’ vaccination booklet or certificates.
· Ensure your pets are micro-chipped and are wearing identification tags with your updated contact details in case of an emergency.
· Stop regularly while traveling, so that your pets, especially dogs, can stretch their legs and stay hydrated.
· Never leave your pets unattended in a parked vehicle.
Fun in the sun at the seaside
· Protect your pets from fleas when traveling to the coast. The coast is the perfect breeding ground for fleas. Using a product such as Frontline®Plus will assist in keeping your pets flea-free.
· Always keep a watchful eye over your dogs when at the beach and keep them away from waves if they are not used to them.
· Always clean up after your pets – don’t let them to become a nuisance to others.
In the wild with your pet
· Protect your pets from fleas and ticks when traveling to the bush.
· Check your pets for ticks while visiting the bush as well as when you return home – billiary is a deadly disease.
· Remember to deworm your pets regularly if they are traveling with you to the bush.
Placing your pet in a kennel
· Pet vaccinations need to be up-to-date when placing your animals in kennels.
· Kennels will require your pets’ vaccination booklets before accepting them.
· Find a kennel that will make your pets stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
· Take your pets’ regular food and homely comforts along when placing them in a kennel. It makes their stay away from home a little less frightening and uneasy.
Getting a pet sitter
· Ask for references when looking for a pet sitter to take care of your pets while you are away.
· Provide clear and precise instructions for the sitter about details such as feeding times, any medication that needs to be given, the bedding and sleeping areas for the pets, where the pet food is kept and where the water bowls are.
· Leave a list of up-to-date contact numbers for the pet sitter, including emergency numbers and your local vet’s contact details.
· If any medication or services are needed while you are away, ensure the pet sitter knows who to contact and what to do in case of an emergency.
For further information: www.frontlineplus.co.za or call the helpline 0860 MERIAL (0860 637 425).
* Three readers stand a chance of winning a three-month supply of Frontline Plus.
To be the lucky winner, simply SMS the word ‘Frontline’, your name, and email address to 35718, along with the answer to this easy question: Name one pests that Frontline will eradicate when it comes to pets?
The competition is only open to Boksburg residents, and the SMS line will close on November 13 at noon.
SMSes cost R1.50 each.
