Joey’s New Year’s Message

By Scott Lackenby | Dated December 28, 2016

Phew! What a crazy couple of days! Christmas is busy at GVH and I’m an especially busy clinic cat looking after all of the boarding cats. We’ve had so many boarding cats that I have even been temporarily evicted from my bedroom! It’s ok though, I get to camp out in one of the consult rooms, and I’m loving it!!!

Now that Christmas is done, you humans start getting excited about New Years which you celebrate with fireworks! FIREWORKS! ! This just proves how crazy you humans are. How can letting off explosives be a celebratory thing?!? As you can see, us animals do not share your love of brightly coloured explosions. Quite the opposite. Many of us find them terrifying. So terrifying that we often run away when there are fireworks on. Here are a few tips on keeping your pets safe during the night of the exploding sky.

• Some animals, dogs especially, get so anxious that they need to be medicated. The medications are prescription only,  so if you think your pet needs some sedation to help with their firework phobia,  please call to make an appointment.
• There are artificial pheromones that mimic the happy pheromones released by mummy animals to keep their bubbas relaxed. There is a dog version and a cat version. They come in a plug in similar to an air freshener and the dog version comes in a collar. We use one in the cattery here to help the boarding cats feel more at home. Chat to one of my lovely Nurses if you think this may help your pet.
• It’s been around for a few years now, and the people who use them say they work. Thundershirt ‘s are a vest worn by your animal and works a bit like a reassuring hug. Studies have shown that direct pressure on certaintrigger points can help relieve anxiety in a little over 50 % of animals who wear them.
• Create a safe zone for your pet. A darkened room with soft background music can be helpful. Pets will often pick their own safe zone, so when scary things like fireworks are happening, be sure to keep this space clear of clutter.
• Make sure your pet has a microchip and that their registration details are up to date. This needs to be done with the NSW Pet Registry, not just with your local Vet. Unsure if your pets registration is up to date? You can now manage this all online. Head to www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au for more info. It’s also helpful to have a collar and tag with contact details if your pet has a tendency to run away during these load events.

Well, better go. I have lots of boarders to play with, I mean help out. It’s almost time for dinner, and if I’m quick, I might be able to pinch myself a snack. Happy New Year everyone!! Meows for now, love Joey xoxo