FOR MANY, the holiday season is a time for bringing the family together to feast and celebrate, however, it can be a traumatic and potentially dangerous time for beloved pets.
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Kempsey Shire Council and charity animal rescue group the Friends of Kempsey Pound are jointly asking the shire's animal lovers to take a few steps to help your pet have a healthy and happy Christmas.
Marion Crowley, the founder of Friends of Kempsey Pound, said the holidays were a potentially perilous time for pets but could also be great opportunity to unite with your fur babies.
"Our dogs and cats can be great ways to bring people together if done sensibly, if you're travelling and can't find someone to look after your pet, it might be a great time to knock on a neighbour's door," Marion said.
"In the years of running Friends of Kempsey Pound I've learned that so many people in our community would love to help an animal if they just knew how."
Council's Ranger Team leader, Shaun Tomaszewski, said Christmas was always a busy time for the pound, with too many unwanted animals abandoned at the door.
"We love animals, and we are here to help with lost, found and unwanted pets, but Christmas causes additional complications," Shaun said.
"Unfortunately, not every pet is a perfect match for their home and the pound is the best place for us to help, however, the pound is not staffed full time and we need anyone with an animal they need to take to the pound to make an appointment through Council's Customer Service.
"Over Christmas, council has a short shutdown and rangers are only available for emergency animal services. In the past, we have had people leave cats and dogs at the front gate, which can do more harm to the animal than good.
"If you need to rehouse an animal in those few days please reach out to family, friends or neighbours until council re-opens."
Anyone looking to adopt a pet or needing to give up an animal to the pound should call Council Customer Service on 6566-3200. For after hours emergency assistance with dangerous animals call that same number and follow the prompts.
What you need to know
Kempsey Shire Council and Friends of Kempsey Pound have compiled the following list of easy tips to help pets enjoy the festive season as much as their family.
Hosting? Give your pets a chill out room
Exercise pets before your guests arrive. This will help them de-stress and make them more likely to nap once the festivities are underway.
Create a safe, quiet place for your pet to relax away from the party. Even the most social creatures need a break sometimes.
Do not feed the animals!
Christmas food includes some of the most dangerous foods for animals to consume and guests often succumb to those puppy eyes.
Do not let your pets anywhere near alcohol, avocado, chocolate, Christmas pudding, coffee, cooked bones, currants, fruit cake, grapes, gravy, ham, lollies, macadamia nuts, marinades, onion, pork, raisins or sugarless gum.
Beware of four legged thieves
Some pets can be very crafty when it comes to plotting ways to obtain special treats, and with so many leftovers you need to be extra careful. Keep an eye out for any changes in appearance or behaviour (including poor breathing, excessive panting, poor breathing, muscle twitching, vomiting and diarrhoea).
If you are concerned your animal has consumed poisonous food (or plants) check animalpoisons.com.au or call the free Poisons Information Helpline 1300 369-738.
Pet-proof the Christmas tree
Keep Christmas decorations out of reach. A dog or cat may think the baubles hanging from the tree look like toys but if a plastic or glass ornament breaks in their mouth, it could cause serious damage.
It's best to hang anything risky near the top of the tree. Be sure to fasten holiday lights to your tree and block access to any loose cords or wires.
Real trees have real dangers
Make sure the water reservoir inside of the tree stand is not easily accessible to dogs and cats. As the tree drinks water, it can release toxic sap into the stand that smells tasty to pets.
Block access to the tree stand by thoroughly covering it with aluminium foil and a well-wrapped tree skirt.
A good reason to clean up quickly
Clean up wrapping paper as quickly as possible after presents have been opened. If chewed, they can prove dangerous for a pet's intestines.
Presents for pets
Don't forget to give your pet a special Christmas treat. You could create a treasure hunt of dry food or treats around the house or yard or take some time to play their favourite games with them.
Watch for signs of stress in your dog
A few signs that dogs are stressed include licking their lips, showing the whites of their eyes, turning their head away when being patted, walking away and trying to hide under furniture.
Also watch for signs of heat stress. Provide some blocks of ice in their water bowl or a shell pool on hot days.
Travelling with pets
Remember it doesn't take long for the car to reach exceedingly high temperatures so don't leave your pet in the car.
When in the car with you make sure your pet is secure and windows are down slightly to allow for fresh air.
Pets aren't presents
Cats and dogs that are given as gifts are much more likely to end up in a shelter so reconsider before buying someone a pet as a gift.
