Pet Bucket Blog

It’s very exciting for everyone, humans and animals alike, on the day your new pet moves in. Whether a puppy, kitten or adult pet is joining your family, there are a number of things to do that will ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible and that your pet can adjust happily to their new home. Be patient with your new pet and remember that it may take time for them to feel comfortable and secure.   1. First and foremost When bringing a new pet into a home they will have some stress, confusion, anxiety and fear. They are in a totally different environment and separated from what, and who, they have known before. All pets should be given time to adjust, and space. Despite your best efforts, kittens and puppies will no doubt have toilet accidents in your home. Even house-trained animals may have accidents during this period of adjustment.  2. The essentials Ask the breeder, shelter, foster carer or whomever has been responsible for your pet's care to verify whether microchipping and registration, vaccination, flea and tick prevention, worming and desexing has been performed or is needed. This is not just for the health of your new pet, but also for the health of any of your existing pets.  You should have a collar and identification tag ready with your pets name, your name, phone number and address. You need to have a bed and bedding, toys, food and water bowls, litter trays, litter, scratching post, food and treats ready for your new pet. Ask what food your pet has been eating and continue with this food. If you want to change the food or diet of your pet, this should be done gradually. Cats and kittens should be set up in a quiet, safe room and confined there for the first few days. A laundry or bathroom (with the toilet seat closed) will work well or ideally, make it the room that will be the cat’s escape/own room. At first, this room should not be shared with an existing cat. Set the room up with food and water bowls, bed, a scratching post, toys and litter tray. Cats will be more sensitive to changing environments so may spend much of the first few days hiding and shying away from you.  Once the cat has had a chance to settle, close all the windows and doors to outside areas and open the door to the cat’s room to let them explore your house.  3. Pet proofing your home and garden Check each room of your home for anything than could harm your pet such as choking hazards, electrical cables, heavy items that may fall or tip, cleaning products, medicines and unsuitable foods. Young animals love to chew, jump, bite, scratch and play so put anything valuable safely away - and that goes for shoes too! Cats in particular are masters of crawling into holes and small spaces. Make sure that any holes in walls or other places where they may get stuck are covered up.  You’ll also need to check your garden to ensure there are no gaps in the fence or gates, poisonous plants or garden products and that any pools or ponds are fenced off.  4. Outdoors Under supervision, give puppies and dogs time to explore the house and garden at their own pace, always using a leash in any unfenced areas. It is not recommended for a cat or kitten be allowed outside of your home for three weeks, unless on a lead. They must be completely familiar with the house before heading out. A cat may wander off or become disoriented. After some supervised or leashed outings, the cat should recognise the garden as their territory and know its way around. If birds and small animals are regular visitors then make sure your cat’s collar includes a bell. Use meal times or treats to encourage the cat to come inside at night.   Image credit 5. Introducing the family Take introductions slowly and do not overwhelm the new pet. Introduce the human family members first and then any other pets one at a time. Remember, never leave young children alone with the new pet.  Your new pet needs to know your scent, be comfortable and trust you. This will generally be easy with dogs, puppies and kittens whereas older cats may be wary. Enter the cat’s room, sit on the floor and let them approach you. Allow them to sniff your hand and gently pat their head and under their chin. If they don’t approach you, try later. Introduce the rest of the human family in time. Meal times and treats are good barrier breakers.  Introducing other pets is a trickier beast (pardon the pun). Introductions should occur one pet at a time and it is important that you make any existing pets know they are loved and have no need to feel threatened by the new arrival.  For dogs, during the first meeting keep both on leads and at a safe distance. If there is no aggression displayed, allow them to get close enough to smell and greet each other. If there are any problems, separate them and try again later. Use treats to reward good behaviour and reassure both dogs that everything is okay. If needed, continue with short, supervised meetings until the dogs become friends. Introducing a new puppy or dog to a cat is best done at a meal times so that meetings are associated with food and positive experiences.  With more than one cat, place a pillow or bedding item of each cat in the space of the other to familiarise them with the other’s scent. You can gradually let the cats spend time together. 6. Toilet training When you first bring a dog home encourage them towards a spot in the garden where you want them to relieve themselves. Reward them once it is done. You’ll need to take puppies outside regularly, for instance after meals, after a nap, before bedtime and after waking. Watch to make sure your dog or puppy doesn't try to urinate in the house. If you notice them lift their leg, take them out to the preferred spot. If you have a large house, you may want a two litter trays set up for the cat to use during their first 6-8 weeks. As the cat becomes more familiar with the house’s layout, gradually move the second tray closer to the permanent tray, eventually removing the second tray completely.  7. Sleeping  Although hard to resist, it is not recommended that you allow pets to sleep in your bed. Cats and kittens should be set-up in their own room for the first weeks and their bed, litter tray, food and water bowls should always remain in that room or whichever will be their escape/own room.  Place your dog or puppy's bed or crate where they can see and hear you at night time such as in your bedroom or just outside your bedroom with the door open. Make sure they are comfortable and warm and give them a toy to chew on. Having them close also allows you to easily take them outside if they need to relieve themselves.  Puppies will feel particularly isolated and will bark and whine to be near you. Verbally reassure your puppy or dog if they are whining or barking but do not give them much attention as this will encourage them to continue. As they settle into the home and family, you can move their bed further away to their permanent sleeping spot.  Feature image credit

  We have a lot of love for our pets, and it goes without saying that the feeling is almost always returned. The bond between human and animal is something that goes back thousands of years and has helped both species survive in precarious situations. Some people do not give enough credit to dogs and cats when it comes to the amount of emotion they are able to detect or able to express, but recent science has shown us that animals can in fact demonstrate emotional capacity in the form of jealousy. If your pet has recently changed its attitude and is exhibiting jealous behaviour, then you probably are curious as to why. Let's discover what causes this and when it can be expected. Presence of New Pets This perhaps is the most commonly observed initiator of jealousy in our pets. Whenever a new pet is introduced to the household, it is common for that pet to receive a temporary amount of increased attention that the existing dog or cat is not receiving. This can create a dynamic in which your older pet feels neglected or inferior to the new addition, and can lead to bad behaviour and spells of anger. Some pets may act out by using the restroom in inappropriate places, while others may begin to chew on items and create messes. This is believed to be the pet's way to gain your attention, but can often result in frustration. It is perfectly common for pets to be jealous of other pets, but a balanced amount of attention can help reduce any issues. New Relationships If you have recently began dating a new person, then your pets may show a tendency to be jealous when this new person is around. While there are different schools of thought on the matter, many people believe that animals - particularly dogs - view their masters as property that must be guarded. Whenever a new person comes into the picture, it can throw off a dynamic and make the pet feel inadequate or lonely. These feelings can then manifest in bad behaviour, including growls and barks, clawing and inappropriate restroom behaviour. It can be hard to incorporate everyone in a new relationship, but your pet will do its best to gain your attention whenever one arises. New Children If you have just had a baby, then you will probably notice a change in behaviour from your pets. These pets may be used to being the centre of attention; a change in this dynamic can suddenly leave them feeling neglected and upset. Especially the case when a baby is brought home, some of the pet's prior behaviour may no longer be appropriate; when you punish or chastise a pet for doing so, it can create confusion and that can cause increased bad behaviour in an animal. Any situation in which there is a change in your home life or less attention given to a pet can result in jealousy manifesting in dogs and cats. The best way to take care of this is to provide the pet with special time each day, regardless of the difficulty. Without doing so, these fits of jealousy may take longer to subside and can be a negative, recurring event in your daily life. Feature image credit  

  The warm summer weather means spending more time outside walking, running and playing with your canine companion. While it's fun to take advantage of the summer sun while it lasts, it's important that you understand the hazards that summer heat presents to your dog, too. High temperatures can cause heat stroke, dehydration and burns, and UV rays can lead to sunburn and sometimes skin cancer. Practice these pet safety tips to minimize the risk of these consequences when exercising with your dog. 1. Time Your Exercise Sessions Properly The sun's rays are the most intense, and the temperatures are highest, between 12:00 and 2:00 pm. Avoid exercising your pet between these hours if at all possible. The best times to exercise outdoors in the summer are before 10:00 am and after 4:00 pm. Not only is the temperature cooler in the morning and evening, but the UV rays are less direct, leading to a smaller risk of sunburn for both you and your pet. 2. Keep Those Paws Safe Hot asphalt or concrete can burn your dog's paws. Avoid exercising your dog on these surfaces on hot days, and opt instead for a grass park or dirt trails. Just be careful walking your dog to and from the car if you drive to a park - even a few steps on hot asphalt can be hazardous. If you live in the city where concrete or asphalt are the only options, purchase a pair of doggie booties. These are little shoes that slip over your dog's paws and protect them from the heat. 3. Offer Plenty of Water Whether you exercise your dog near home or in a dog park, make sure you offer them plenty of water before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration. An easy way to carry water with you is in a regular water bottle. Most dogs easily adapt to drinking out of a bottle when water is poured into the side of their mouths. If your dog does not adapt to drinking in this manner, you can carry along a small bowl and pour the water into it for them. While you walk, pay attention to the locations of public bathrooms and drinking fountains. If these are available along your route, you can avoid carrying your own water. 4. Notice Dehydration Early Despite your best efforts to keep them hydrated, there may be times when your dog does become dehydrated in the summer heat. Learn to recognize the signs of dehydration, which include sunken eyes, lethargy and loss of appetite. Offer your dog water immediately if you notice these signs. If they don't drink within an hour, call your vet for further instructions. Prolonged dehydration is very dangerous; it can lead to kidney failure, intestinal blockage, and sudden death. 5. Use Sunscreen You wouldn't spend an afternoon in the sun without applying sunscreen, and neither should your dog. There are many pet sunscreens on the market. For best results, purchase one that is endorsed by the AAHA or SPCA. Spray-on formulas are easy to apply. If your pet has short hair, coat their whole body. If they have long hair, you do not need to spray their long-haired body parts. However, you should still apply sunscreen to any area where their hair is sparse. Summer is a time of year that is meant to be enjoyed. If you follow the tips above, you and your furry friend can have fun in the sun without compromising health or safety. If your dog has specific health problems that may impact their ability to tolerate heat, contact your veterinarian before taking them out in the heat for prolonged periods of time. You're always better safe than sorry, and it's perfectly okay to stay inside on the hottest days of the year. Feature image credit

Just like Kim Kardashian is known for her vulumptous bottom, or Zooey Deschanel for her perfect bangs, Tuna the Chiweenie's signature is his exaggerated overbite. Today, with over 800K followers on Instagram, the Chihuahua-Dachshund probably never imagined he'd be an internet sensation.    In December 2010 when Tuna was only a puppy, he was found abandoned on the side of the road in San Diego, California. Judging by his severe overbite, Tuna was most likely a victim of irresponsible breeding. Although his looks were unconventional, Courtney Dasher could see the beauty in him and decided to foster the puppy. It wasn't long before she fell in love and chose to keep him permanently.   Tuna with mommy Courtney.   With the love Courtney provided him, Tuna began to thrive and regain his confidence. Courtney created the Instagram account dedicated to Tuna about a year into their friendship. By the end of 2012, Tuna had gained notoriety after Instagram featured one of his pictures on their personal feed. The enthusiasm people showed for Tuna's posts was something Courtney had never expected. People were inspired by the little dog's confidence despite his physical differences. Tuna basically became a spokesdog for the body-positive movement, reminding all his followers that they are beautiful no matter what anyone tells them.    Also an ambassador for animal rescue, Tuna is helping make a difference for animals in need by donating 20% of profits from his products sales. For more Tuna, you can follow him on Instagram @tunameltsmyheart and check out his website here.   All images: http://instagram.com/tunameltsmyheart

  Watch these hilarious kittens getting down to the beat! Turn Down for What?! I'd love to take them out for a night on the town. Brighten up someone's day by sharing this video. 

Obedience training not only makes your dog a more pleasant companion, it also can help keep your beloved friend safe and sound. These five commands are vital additions to your dog’s training repertoire.   Sit   Image credit Most dogs know how to sit but it is important owners practice this basic skill often so they know their dog will obey quickly, ignoring distractions. The sit command can stop dogs knocking over the young and elderly and make them less likely to drag you across a busy street.   Stay   Image credit   Once you have your dog sitting is important you can ensure they stay put in an emergency. With training, your dog should know to stay sitting until asked to move, however the ‘stay’ command is an extra ‘absolutely don’t move’ that can come in handy in tricky situations.     Come   Image credit   ‘Come’ is not only a useful command around the house when you need your dog to wander your way, but also out and about – especially if you let your dog roam off leash.   Your dog needs to know when they are called they are to come immediately. One of the best ways to train this is to give them their favourite treat when you are teaching them to approach when you call, so they come running at top speed, hungry for their reward.   Leave and Drop it   Image credit Dogs are great at sniffing out tasty things on their adventures, but not all of these things are good for them to eat. If your dog spots or gets a hold of something dangerous ‘leave’ and ‘drop it’ are vital commands to stop them getting themselves into danger.   Feature Image Credit  

1. Provide scratchable alternatives!   Cats love to scratch. Unfortunately, if kitty likes scratching on their owner’s favourite sofa they might not enjoy their clawing quite so much.   Image credit   It is important however cats be allowed to display this natural behaviour, which is used to maintain claw condition, mark territory (cats have scent glands in their paws) and stretch the body – so if you don’t want your beloved moggy finding places to scratch on their own, it is a good idea to provide owner approved surfaces for your pet to dig their claws into.   Cat scratching posts come in a variety of shapes and colours and are the traditional choice of cat owners. There are other options now on the market also, such as flat pieces made from corrugated cardboard, which cats love.   Image credit   When choosing a scratching piece of furniture for your cat it is best to observe what they are already scratching in your house and what will therefore be the most appealing to them. Posts that stand vertically are often the choice of cats who like scratching couches, and low cardboard scratchers enjoyed by carpet tearer-uppers.   Image credit   2. Encourage your cat to actually like to scratch their new toy   Just because you buy your cat a beautiful new scratching post doesn’t mean of course they are going to like it at first. Many cats will sniff the new object and walk off in disgust – and return immediately to scratching their old favourite spot on the leather armchair you love.   Image credit So, what to do? Spraying or sprinkling the post with catnip often works extremely well for suspicious cats. It is always a good idea to praise and treat your cat a great deal whenever he paws the post so he comes to associate scratching in that area with rewards.    3. Make your own furniture unappealing   If you take pains to make your cat’s post wonderful and they’re still not completely convinced, make sure to make their other scratching spots ‘unpleasant’ as well.   This can be done simply by spraying anti-scratching sprays which have scent cat’s despise and sends them elsewhere.   Placing double-sided tape on scratching areas is also effective as cats often run away in horror when they feel the stickiness on their pads when they go to ‘renovate’ items in your house with their claws.   Image credit   Secretly spraying your cat with a water pistol if you catch them in the act is also advisable, though be sure they don’t catch you in the act as cats are well known to hold grudges!     4. Give your cat a manicure Cats that live indoors especially can find their claws become over-long and thus painful or irritating to them, making them scratch more than they normally would – as well as making the damage they do far worse.   Image credit   Clipping the ends of your cat’s claws can help kitties with a serious scratching fix and save your furniture if they happen to make mischief.   Feature Image Credit  

Ginger Belle, a Yorkshire terrier from South Carolina, ran away in early May, 2014. Her distraught owners searched for her all over town but were unable to find her. Thankfully not too long after, Ginger Belle was picked up and brought to a local store where she was scanned for a microchip. Although she was collarless, it's because of Ginger Belle's microchip that she was identified and reunited with her family.  Like Ginger Belle, many pets have benefited from being microchipped; yet there are many owners hesitant to do the same. If you're still unsure, here are some reasons why you should consider it.   image credit   1. It's affordable Depending on the veterinarian, for $25-$50 you can have your pet microchipped. The implant is only the size of a grain of rice, but contains a special ID number that is linked to your contact information. The one time fee includes the implantation, and the registration in a pet recovery database where your contact information is stored. This information should be updated every time you move or change your phone number.   2. It doesn't hurt The microchip procedure doesn't require any anesthetic, and is as simple as the routine shots your pet receives. The microchip is injected between the shoulder blades, beneath the skin’s surface. The process only takes a few seconds, so you'll be in and out of the vet before you know it! The microchip with rice for size comparison. image credit   3. It's permanent Even if your pet wears a collar with tags, a microchip is the only permanent form of identification that won't be able to fall off, be removed, or become illegible. Microchips are designed to work for 25 years, lasting throughout your pet's lifetime.    Dog being scanned for microchip. image credit     4. There's some cool technology that works with it As microchips are becoming more popular, companies like SureFlap have created some really neat technology such as a pet door that can recognize your pet's chip to let him in and out of the house. The door can be programmed to lock and unlock at certain times, and although any pet can exit through it, only the microchipped pet can get back in. This prevents unwanted intruders like raccoons from entering your home.   5. You won't regret it According to the Humane Society, one out of every three pets is lost during their lifetime. This leads to an overwhelming amount of strays, shelter dogs, and unhappy families. Most pet owners should want to do everything possible to prevent losing their furbaby forever, and microchipping is a simple, modern day tool that can increase the chances in reuniting an owner with their lost pet. You won't regret microchipping your pet, but you'll always regret that you didn't if your pet gets lost.    image credit   It's important to remember that a microchip is NOT a GPS able to track your pet, but instead a permanent form of identification. If your pet gets lost and is brought to a shelter or veterinarian, they will scan for the chip and read its unique ID code. It's with that code that your contact information can be retrieved from the lost pet database, leading to a reunion with your pet.   Microchipping your pet is easy, affordable, and your best chance of reuniting with a lost pet. If you want to learn more about microchips there is an abundance of resources on the web and definitely be sure to ask your vet at your pet's next check-up! 

Cats are excellent pets. Dogs are loads of fun. Goldfish are certainly quiet. Apparently iguanas are loving. Still haven’t found your dream pet? Then what about miniature goats? If you’ve got the outdoor space then why not go for goats! Miniature, pygmy or dwarf goats are exactly that. The same in every way as their larger cousins only, well, much smaller. Miniature breeds are predominantly kept as pets and are immeasurably cute, clever, fun and friendly. They are also quite easy to care for, hardy and adaptable.  Miniature goats generally live for 8 -15 years, some even up to 20 years so it's a commitment not to be bleated at. They make fantastic companion animals, are great pets for children and tend to get along well with most other non-aggressive animals. They can even be taught to go on a leash, just like a dog.  The males will grow larger than females and weigh 27 to 39 kg (60 to 86 lb) and females weigh 24 to 34 kg (53 to 75 lb). They will stand 40-65cm (16-26in).   1. Regulations First you’ll have to check with your council and animal regulator whether you are permitted goats where you live. It may be a condition that any goats need to be tagged or chipped for identification. 2. Herd animals Goats are herd animals and will not like being alone. Having at least two goats will be less trouble and less demanding for you as they will have a companion to live and play with. Goats have also been known to play and live happily with other gentle animals such as dogs, cows, chickens and horses. Male goats will be more outgoing than females, but tend to generate a fairly strong smell if not desexed 3. Hey kid To ensure that socialisation occurs, it is best to bring goats into your family when they still require bottle feeding. You and your children will love feeding and patting the kid goats, and who will in turn form close, trusting bonds with your family. The goats will also become more manageable as they are not unfamiliar with handling and people. Don’t leave any young children unsupervised with goats.   Image credit 4. Housing Although some people enjoy having their pet goats inside their home, they can be quite messy and are naturally outdoor animals. Ideally, you should only have them inside for short periods. Goats are tough little creatures but do require some basics for a safe and healthy life. You will need an appropriately sized and properly fenced enclosure that will also protect them from predators. And they will need shelter from rain, wind and sun. Goats are amazing climbers, jumpers and can squeeze through holes that even Houdini would walk away from. Have the correct fencing, wire mesh is best, and make sure it is at least 120cm/48” high.  Kid goats can be housed in large dog kennels initially but will need rehousing into a larger shelter as they grow. Horse stables, barns and barn stalls, and draft-free wooden structures all make great shelters, or you can purchase special livestock housing.  5. Food and water Goats have a reputation for eating anything. Whilst that’s mostly true, goats will not eat any spoiled food or drink water that is not fresh. If let loose, they will eat most plants and grasses so be careful that there's none in your garden that are poisonous.  Their enclosure should have plenty of grass, clover and alfalfa for them to graze on, or fresh hay daily if grasses are unavailable. Grain, oats, corn and protein pellets should also be given. Any hay and grain must be in a trough and not on the ground. Small amounts of fruit and vegetables are also suitable and they will also need a salt and mineral lick.  It is important to provide goats with clean, fresh water at all times. As with their food, the water should also be raised off the ground to avoid it being spoiled or muddied.  5. Exercise and play Though small in size, miniature goats are certainly not small in energy or playfulness. They should not be tethered, caged or confined in a small space for long. Their enclosure must be large enough that they have adequate room to live in and are able to jump and run round. A pair of goats ideally need one acre of space.  Goats love to play and climb so give them objects that they can use such as large rocks, tree stumps, benches, tables, platforms, concrete blocks or a child’s tree house or activity centre. Some will also enjoy kicking around and playing with large balls.  You should never allow your child to encourage rough play with goats. Goats are naturally gentle but have strong heads for butting and very strong legs.  Goats can be leash-trained and you and your goats will look great out for your daily stroll! 6. Health and Grooming Goats are prone to parasites and need regular worming and tick prevention. They should also be vaccinated annually for Tetanus and Enterotoxemi. Have the vet do a throrough teeth and mouth check at the same time.  Goats can be de-horned or de-budded at a young age. You may need to trim their hooves every two - three months. If they are getting enough time and space to play, climb and run, their hooves will wear down from these activities.  Every office should include a miniature goat to assist open (i.e. crush) mail, do some filing and keep staff morale high.  Image credit   Feature image credit    

So many of us spend the entire year thinking about our next holiday - dreaming about the sand between our toes, the fresh and crisp mountain air, dozing in the sun or listening to the gentle crackle of a campfire. There are now enough pet friendly accommodation options and venues to enable your cat or dog to come along and unwind too. The keys to a great holiday with your pet is research and planning. There’s a lot to think about and you want to make sure that you make the right decision on behalf of your pet.   Before you hit the road, take a look at our holiday tips. 1. Is it the right decision? As much as we love our pets, it could be far more stressful and upsetting for them to be on holiday, than being looked after at home by a trusted friend or relative. You need to consider your pet’s temperament and experiences before taking them with you and remember that most cats do not like to travel. Has your pet been away from home before? Does your pet obey basic obedience commands? Will they become anxious? Will your dog be over-excited and bark or damage property? Is your pet socialised? How is your dog around other people and other dogs? Does your pet have special needs or a medical or physical condition that may be exacerbated?  2. Pets allowed versus pet friendly  Accommodation venues that state they are pet friendly are usually referring to allowing well-behaved dogs. Although cat friendly places are increasing, unless specified you will need to enquire about having your cat stay. Some venues allow pets in designated areas but not in rooms. For all pets, ask what the rules of the venue are. Are pets allowed in rooms? Are there any restrictions on number, breed or size? What facilities are available e.g. bathing facilities, grassed run areas etc? Are dogs required to be on a leash at all times? Is the premises properly fenced? Is it near busy roads? Can your pet be left unsupervised for a short period? 3. See your vet Visit your vet before any holiday to make sure that your pet has had all the current vaccinations, worm, flea and tick prevention required and are in good health. If you are travelling during tick season or to an area with paralysis ticks, then thoroughly check your pet twice each day when there. If your pet is on medication ensure that you have ample to last your holiday. Some accommodation venues may request a certificate of health or statement of vaccination. 4. Identification Your pet should wear a collar and identity tag with their name, your name and mobile/cell number and the number where you are staying. If possible, also include the accommodation’s address too.  Image credit 5. Research and plan Check out what is available at your destination. Are there dog-friendly parks or beaches? Are there rules about dogs in the township or city area? What local attractions and eateries are dog friendly? Find the contact details and address of a local vet. If your pet has specific needs, it is worth contacting the vet in advance to notify them in case of an emergency. 6. On the road  How does your pet travel in the car on short trips? If they find it distressing then perhaps rethink your plan to take them on holiday. If going away is a necessity, talk to your vet about safe, mild sedation or travel sickness medication if needed. For their safety and yours, when in the car, cats should be in a carrier secured safely by seat belts and dogs should be suitably restrained. Make sure that your pet is comfortable and have water, water bowl, and food on hand. Take plenty of toilet and water breaks and have a litter pan and litter available for your cat.   In case of emergency, your pet’s carrier should be labelled with your name, address and phone numbers, similar details for a friend or relative as well as your pet’s name, date of last vaccinations and the name and address of your vet.  7. What to pack Some of these items are essentials and others will depend on your duration of stay, planned destination and activities. You want your pet to be as comfortable as possible when away from home.  Their favourite bed and bedding  A few favourite toys Plenty of their usual food and preferred treats Water bowls Leash Flea and tick prevention, flea comb Shampoo, towel and any grooming equipment Litter pan and litter Plenty of garbage bags Sunscreen Any additional bedding or coats for cold climates Floatation vest Image credit 8. To remember Although most venues will not allow it anyway, you should not leave your pet alone in a hotel room or campsite unless absolutely necessary and only for a short time. It is likely that being alone in a strange environment will frighten your pet. Cats are not suited to caravan parks and campsites. Don’t let your cat outside in any new environment unless they are on a leash or fenced in so can’t escape. 9. Decision time Holidays can be a wonderful and enjoyable time for the whole family, but taking you pet it is not a decision to make spontaneously. There are many things that need consideration, lots of planning and research to do and always, always think of your pet’s welfare and needs first. Many animals will find it stressful being away from home, travelling or having a change in their routine. Ultimately, is taking your pet on holiday best for them? If not, leave them at home in the care of a responsible and caring person known to the pet.  Feature image credit