When summer arrives, many city dwellers move into a summer house, and of course take their pets with them in the hope that they too will enjoy the outdoors. Owners rightly believe that fresh air and unrestricted summering is as good for pets as it is for people. But sometimes these good wishes turn into unpleasantness for both animals and owners.
What are the rules for preparing your pet for the move to the holiday home to ensure a happy holiday?
Vaccination of pets
The first thing to do is to vaccinate any pet. It is a common misconception that only dogs need to be vaccinated. This is not true. No matter what you take with you for the summer – dog, cat, rabbit or guinea pig – the animal must be vaccinated. Your vet will tell you more about the necessary vaccinations and help you choose the vaccine. Why vaccinate your pet?
Because your neighbours in the summer house are full of wild animals that often spread dangerous diseases. Dear hedgehogs, Pigs, foxes, mice – not to mention rats – can all carry infections, even the deadly leptospirosis and rabies. Many holidaymakers have no way of knowing what is wandering across their lawn at night – the same lawn where a beloved kitten or puppy might eat the grass in the morning.
It is essential to have your pet vaccinated a few weeks before you plan to leave.
Travel is stressful
It is important to remember that travel and accommodation in unusual places is stressful for any pet. Sometimes they react more sensitively than humans to changing environments. Therefore, prepare for your trip in advance.
If you have a cat or a small puppy, buy a special bag for transporting your pet. Pay attention to the size of the bag – it needs to be spacious so that the pet is comfortable. Large dogs are usually transported without any special equipment. But to transport your pet comfortably, take some nappies or a small mat.
It’s worth noting that a petLong journeys need to be introduced gradually. To start with, take your cat outside in your arms for a few minutes to get familiar with its surroundings. Later, short journeys over a short distance can be practised.
Do not feed the animal before the trip, but be sure to take water and a small bowl with you so that you can water it in time. To avoid nausea, profuse drooling, vomiting and other ailments, buy special preparations to help pets endure the journey. If you notice signs of ill health, stop and let your pet breathe fresh air. However, it is not advisable to let the dog off the lead and it is better to keep the cat in your arms and away from the noisy road.
Do not allow your pet to stick its head out of the window when travelling by car, as this can cause trauma. Do not leave your pet in the car for long periods of time after stopping, as being indoors in the sun can cause heatstroke.
Protection against parasites
A few days before departure, trim the pet’s coatApply flea and tick repellents or a special collar.
Once summer starts, this procedure must be carried out regularly, according to the instructions for the product you have chosen, whether or not you take your pet to the holiday home. It is possible to catch a tick infected with piroplasmosis both inside and outside the city.
Even if you treat your pet with an anti-parasitic product, nothing guarantees 100% protection. Check the coat and skin surface regularly for fleas or ticks. It is better to detect and destroy them in time than to miss them.
Additional preparations
Moving temporarily can be stressful for the animal, so it is important to provide it with a normal diet during this period. It is better to stock up on food for the whole summer so that it does not have to be replaced.
When you take your pet into the summer house, remember to take its favourite toys, food bowls and water bowls.