Make your festive celebrations pet-friendly this holiday season

From parties at home to large events with fireworks, pet owners are encouraged to create a safe place for your animal, distracting them from the noise and avoid placing them with any objects on which they could injure themselves if they become stressed or erratic.

If staying in for the festive season, a lot of social occasions can occur around your animal. It is important that they feel comfortable in these situations and are supervised closely.

The most important thing to do is learn the warning signs of when an animal is stressed or not enjoying the amount of attention. This can include your animal walking away, growling or hissing and raising of fur, freezing, staring or turning their head away.

Environment Councillor Tom Wyatt said it’s not just loud noises pet owners need to be aware of.

“With higher temperatures occurring in Central Queensland at this time of year, it is especially important to make sure you and your pet stay cool this summer,” Cr Wyatt said.

“Ensure there is fresh water at all times, a cool spot for your animal to sit, frequent baths to keep body heat down and also that roads and walking paths are of a suitable temperature when taking your animals for a walk.

“Remember, if it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot, it’s too hot for your pet.”

For more information about looking after your animal throughout the holiday period visit http://www.rspcaqld.org.au

By ensuring that your animal is wearing identification and is micro-chipped it will allow the earliest possible return of your animal in an event where it escapes your property or is considered lost.