The December holidays are in full swing and the NSPCA is reminding all pet owners to ensure that their pets have a responsible individual looking after them, while they are away.<\/p>\n
December is a time to relax and forget the year\u2019s stress \u2013 but one should never forget about their pets.<\/p>
\u201cYou need to get a responsible pet sitter, family member or friend to look after your pets during this time.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomeone who will ensure they are properly fed, given them their medicine (if your pets require it), and who can calm them down when there is a storm or when fireworks are being used,\u201d urged the NSPCA.<\/p>
\u201cEach year local SPCAs receive an influx of lost\/runaway pets as animals try to escape the noise of fireworks.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome animals injure themselves or even get stuck on fences while trying to get away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Planning to take your pets with you on holiday?<\/p>\n
The NSPCA has compiled a list of helpful tips to help make the trip to your holiday destination easier for you and your pets.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is always stressful to travel with your pet, but these tips will help make the trip easier for you,\u201d the NSPCA said.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Feed Lightly:<\/strong><\/p>\n When travelling feed your pet\/pats a light meal two to three hours before you plan to depart.<\/p>\n Avoid feeding your pet in a moving vehicle.<\/p>\n \u2022 Bring the Basics:<\/strong><\/p>\n Be sure to pack the pets\u2019 essentials, such as food and water bowls, leashes, a poop scoop, a plastic bag and food and water and have them easily accessible.<\/p>\n Unexpected delays may mean you might have to use any or all of these items on route.<\/p>\n \u2022 Identify your pet:<\/strong><\/p>\n Microchip identification is recommended to best identify your pet.<\/p>\n The NSPCA, however, also suggests that for a journey of considerable distance you should place a temporary disc on your pet\u2019s collar.<\/p>\n The disc should give your destination information and\/or a cellphone contact number where you can be reached.<\/p>\n \u2022 Harness:<\/strong><\/p>\n It is recommended that you use a harness rather than a leash when your dog is inside a vehicle.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep heads inside the vehicle:<\/strong><\/p>\n For safety\u2019s sake be sure to keep your pets\u2019 heads inside the vehicle at all time.<\/p>\n If a pet hangs his head outside a moving vehicle, it can lead to injuries from flying objects, inner ear damage or even lung infections.<\/p>\n \u2022 Consider barriers:<\/strong><\/p>\n Consider inserting barriers, for what is going to be the pet carrying area.<\/p>\n These barriers make travelling much safer for your pets, especially in the event of an accident or sudden braking.<\/p>\n \u201cIt might be a good idea to water-proof seat covers with a thick plastic and to do the same to floors in the vehicle for ease of clean-up if accidents do happen,\u201d said the NSPCA.<\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n