Keeping family pets safe for the holidays - Your Life

There is more to making sure feline and canine friends are happy this holiday season than just wrapping up a bone or catnip to place with the other presents. "Whether you are leaving your pet at home or traveling with them during the holidays, planning is necessary to ensure they are safe," asserts Steve Thompson, director of the Wellness Clinic at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.

Animals that travel by airplane are required to receive a health certificate from a veterinarian within 10 days of the flight. It confirms that the pet has current vaccinations and is free of infectious diseases. Moreover, one is required if entering Mexico or Canada by car. Those driving with their animals to a holiday destination also should consider contacting their veterinarian in advance, as pets enduring long car trips can be given a mild sedative. However, Thompson stresses that the drug and its dosage should be tested on the animal ahead of time.

Packing a summary of a pet's veterinary records and a copy of its immunization schedule for any trip is wise as well. If a pet is turned away from a hotel or needs to be placed in a kennel during an emergency, the information already is accessible.

Animals should receive standard inoculations at least two weeks before they are boarded to ensure they have developed antibodies. A nose drop vaccine for canine cough--known as kennel cough--provides faster protection, but still should be administered at least three days prior to boarding, not just on the evening they arrive at the kennel.

Pet owners who travel and leave their pets at home have the option of boarding the animals or finding someone to watch over them. Veterinary records should be accessible for pet sitters in case of an emergency. "Cats are often fine when left home," Thompson assures. "Pet owners can invest in electronic automatic feeders that even dispense the appropriate food portions for the pet. The devices should be tested before the owner leaves.

"If a dog is left at home, someone needs to ensure the dog makes it outdoors at least three times a day. Dogs that are allowed to relieve themselves any less are prone to bladder infections,"

Before boarding a pet, owners should do their homework and get references on good kennels from their veterinarian or other pet ownners. Thompson indicates that it is a good idea to leave a favorite chew toy or blanket with an animal staying in a strange place, but be prepared if the item is not returned. It simply might be misplaced, or the kennel may have infectious disease rules requiring them to discard soiled objects.

Remember, too, that mishaps can occur even when owners are home with their pets during the holidays. Precautions need to be taken to pet-proof the residence when decorations are on display. Cats, for instance, are attracted to shiny tinsel and noise-making ornaments. These items can block the intestinal tract and require surgery. Dog owners, meanwhile, need to be aware of a pet's sweet tooth, "Chocolate kept under the tree or at heights dogs can reach is problematic," Thompson explains. "[It] contains a chemical, theobromine, that causes rapid, irregular heartbeat in dogs."

When hosting a large holiday celebration, owners should take pets' anxiety level into account. It may be best to keep them away from the commotion, If your pets are wandering party animals, be wary of the table scraps they receive from generous guests.

Finally, adequate shelter is a must for animals kept outdoors during the winter months. A doghouse should face south or east, because the coldest winds come from the northwest.

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