Every year, during the Festive Season, veterinarians find it necessary to repeat our advice on the care of pets.
So, let’s get into the fundamental issues that we implore you to heed.
(1) Incorrect feeding
Our fixation with over-stuffing ourselves in carried over to our pets. So, we feel that our pets must gorge them with all the junk food (or residues therefrom), which are not part of their normal diet.
Dogs and cats are not humans and would not relish garlic pork and pepper pot on Christmas Day. They would be just as happy if they received their usual bland fare. [I say “bland” because the food that we give our companion animals should be free of spices, since some spices can trigger an allergic reaction].
I recall a lecturer from the largest pet food manufacturers in the world, and who worked at the foremost companion animal nutrition research institutes on the planet, advising us that over 50 percent of all ailments among pets stem from incorrect nutrition. That figure would be much larger during Christmas.
The problem is that the vet has to prise himself/herself up from a favourite chair or recliner to look after a pet which has “just” developed a “life threatening” malady, which is, in truth, just a reaction to a piece of chocolate, spicy food, or several grapes or some such incorrect bit of feeding. The moral of the story is that there is absolutely no need to over-feed or extra-feed your companion animals during the Holiday Season. Give them the same normal everyday diet as usual!
Of course, since no veterinarian (well, with some few exceptions) can tell the flustered client to go to hell on a Christmas Day, he/she has to deal with the product of the owner’s careless feeding habits.
(2) Scaring pets with explosives
I know that it won’t be Christmas if we don’t throw squibs at each other to see the scared reaction!
Well, dogs and cats have sensitive ears. The noises from the explosions disorient and traumatize them. They don’t know what to do; they can’t cope with the unexpected loud sounds; they run indoors and into doors, and hide in secluded places where they think there is security (bathrooms, under beds, in cupboards, etc). They jump from verandas; they hurt themselves. They run away from home (you can see them wandering around our roads, lost and with anxious/ frantic looks), and are struck down by uncaring motorists.
The idea of tying firecrackers to dogs’/cats’ tails is an offence under the law. One can be charged, and the offender could be incarcerated. Terrorizing dogs and cats is not a joke. A person carrying out such acts is certifiable, and needs psychiatric help.
Simply put, exposing pets to squibs and to any type of explosive is one of the greatest cruelties one can administer to an animal. I will be returning to this theme on the “Pet Care” column of December 29th, 2024, in addressing the perennial issue of the impact of firecrackers on our pets.
(3) Christmas baths
Dogs do not require regular baths. Cats (who groom themselves constantly) hardly ever need baths. It seems that pet owners, having totally cleaned up their houses for Christmas, then turn their attention to their residents. God, help ‘Rover’, the cleaning frenzy is on. ‘Rover’ and ‘Felix’ get dunked in the big basin or under the stand-pipe. Of course, the drying might pose a problem — especially during the December rains. The animal may then be placed in a draught — and a ‘cold’ results. If you feel that something must be done to your animal’s coat during Christmas, then brush it. Full stop. No further discussion needed.
(4) Purchasing special toys/ gifts for your pets
I truly am convinced that buying a Christmas gift to be placed under the Christmas tree for your pet is really a method to create happiness for oneself. The first reaction to the “pet’s present” is for ‘Rover’ or ‘Felix’ to destroy the “gift”.
When shopping, there is really no need to buy any toy for your pet; but if you must, please purchase something that: (i) he can’t easily destroy, (ii) if ingested, will cause him no harm, and (iii) must not be electrical (to be plugged into an electrical outlet).
(5) “Dressing up” the pet
Clothing makes the companion animal uncomfortable, especially if the material produces an allergy. Scratching and attempting to remove the colourful clothing can be very discomfiting, and even cause abrasions and serious bruises. Surely, something as simple as a tiara (with the legend of “Happy Christmas”) is enough for a photo op. When that has been achieved, you may remove the ornamental headpiece.
Enjoy your pre-Christmas preparations.
