Pet Emergency over the Christmas Period

16 Dec 2016

Along with the joy that comes with the holiday season, also brings a lot of hazards not only for you but also for your pets. There are a lot of hazards and issues that can pop up during the holiday and summer period. So what should you do if you have an emergency over the holiday period?

What if my pet eats something they shouldn’t?
We all try our hardest to make sure our pets don’t get into any naughty food for the holiday season. However, sometimes it is unavoidable. If you have a particularly mischievous pet you might be familiar with the garbage all over the floor after your pet has snooped into it. Or if you leave something on the bench and one minute later it has been gobbled up by a hungry pup.
If you feel your dog has eaten something particularly hazardous (see article above) the best option is to take them to your local vet to get them checked out. It is better to be safe than sorry.

What should I do in the event of a natural disaster or other emergencies?
New Zealand has been through some shaky times in the last few months. Hopefully things will be settled for the foreseeable future now.
In the event of a natural disaster make sure you plan ahead.

• Prepare an emergency plan and make sure all your family members are aware of the plan in the event of an emergency. Keep it somewhere common and accessible such as on the fridge.
• Prepare an emergency kit with supplies such as food, water, collars and leashes, carry containers, towels, litter trays, your pet’s medical history, registration and any other important documentation you may need for your pet (don’t forget to pack one for yourself as well).
• Always have a clean water supply for your pets and make sure it lasts them several days. Try and make sure your water containers are stable and won’t spill.
• Choose a trusted neighbour or family member with a spare key to your house in the case of an emergency so that they can access your pets.
• Make sure your pets are visibly identifiable such as a colourful collar, a name tag, and a council registration tag. Make sure your contact details are up to date with your local council and that your pet is micro chipped.
• Also, ensure your pets vaccinations are up to date in the event that your pet may need to be put into a kennel or cattery in the event of an emergency.