Getting ready for New Years

New Years is an exciting time of year. It’s time to celebrate the year that was and look forward to the year ahead. Often times amidst the celebrations we overlook how our pet’s may be feeling during this time.

Fireworks

Fireworks are loud and bright which is mesmerising to us but quite scary for our pets. There are some things to help your pet coping with the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Including: creating a safe space, adaptil, feliway, zylkene, and complete calm treats.

Safe Space

Creating a comfort space for your pet during this time is ideal. It can help them cope when frightened. Some pet’s may already have a space like under the bed, lounge or in a crate. It’s a good idea to check these places and make sure they are prepared for your pet to hide in.  Checking your fences, doors are closed and any other possible escape routes are secure. Some pets enter ‘flight mode’ during unexpected noise and they run to get away from it. Very often we see pet’s getting out of yards on New Years Eve, so check your fence, bring them inside and make sure their microchip information is up to date.

Adaptil

Adaptil is a synthetic pheromone that replicates the calming pheromone which is released from a mother dog to calm her puppies. It comes available as a diffuser, spray and collar. The diffuser is designed to be plugged into a powerpoint in a large space, this is helpful if you have more than one dog. The spray is designed for specific spaces, lasting 2 hours, this may be useful if they usually run to a specific spot or to spray their bedding in a crate you are planning on using as a safe space. The collar is designed to stay on your pet for long-term stress, this could be if you are expecting to board your pet over the Christmas to new year period when they are in an unfamiliar environment or to wear over the holiday period if you are expecting people over quite a bit or any change to their normal routine that may cause them anxiety.

Feliway 

Feliway is a synthetic pheromone that replicates what is released from a cat’s cheek when they rub against something marking it as a safe space. It comes available as a diffuser or spray. The diffuser is designed to release the pheromone in a large space, this is helpful if you have more than one cat that have different hiding spots. The spray is to be used for a designated space and lasts for 2 hours, this may be useful if they usually run to a specific spot or if you spray their bedding in a crate you are planning on using as a safe space.

Zylkene

Zylkene is an over the counter supplement for cats and dogs designed to help them cope with stressful change. It’s to be given each day for 1-2 days before a stressful change in their environment. For example if you are expecting people to be over or fireworks in your area you can start to add it to your pets food 1-2 days before the anticipated event.

Complete Calm

Complete care is a daily treat available for both cats and dogs. It is given to assist with anxiety for both cats and dogs. This may be a good option if you wanted to give your pet a treat with breakfast for any events that may cause them stress.

Toxicities

New Year is a time where you might be still trying to finish the Christmas leftovers, celebrating with others or starting a new diet. It’s a good time to reflect on what foods may be toxic to your pets.

Chocolate Toxicity 

Although delicious to us Chocolate is toxic to our pets. Chocolate can affect your pets stomach, respiratory and neurological systems. Some symptoms to look out for include: vomitting, hyperthermia (when your pet becomes too hot), excessive energy, uneven gait or difficulty walking, breathing quickly, seizures. It can lead to cardiac failure in severe cases, so please watch where your pet is and make sure they are well away from the chocolate! Make sure everyone is washing their hands after chocolate.

Avocado Toxicity

Avocado is fantastic on toast but not fantastic for our pets. Avocado can affect your pets respiratory system and their stomach. Some symptoms to look out for include: difficulty breathing, swelling of the neck, head and chest area. In severe cases it can cause death, so please do not feed your pet’s avocado this new year.

Onion and Garlic Toxicity

Onion and garlic ingestion can cause damage to the cell’s in your pet’s blood as well as damage to their liver. Some symptoms to look out for include: lethargy, lack of interest in food, pale or yellow gums.

Macadamia Toxicity

Macadamia’s are another common one that often people are unaware of it’s potentially dangerous affects. Macademia’s can cause issues to your pet’s stomach and joints, it can also affect them neurologically. Some symptoms to look out for include: lethargy, vomitting, hyperthermia (when your pet becomes too hot), painful joints (may present as uneven gait or limping), tremors and weakness.

Alcohol Ingestion

Alcohol is quite popular on New Years Eve, however it’s important to note that it is not good for our pets. Alcohol can affect their respiratory system, the blood, and liver. Some symptoms to look out for include: vomiting, low temperature, difficulty walking, difficulty breathing, lethargy, seizure and in very severe cases it can lead to death. Be sure to clean up after your guests and be mindful of where your pets are if there is alcohol being consumed.

Our advice is to be mindful this New Years of how the celebrations may affect your pets.

If your pet needs Veterinary Care over the New Years break (Saturday 31st of December - Monday 2nd of January) please contact Pet Emergency in Stafford on 3359 5333.

Newstead Vets 

‘for a healthier tomorrow’