But on the day … oh … we do love to spoil them!
PLAY pet gingerbread man toy … pooch will love it! R149.99, from Woolworths
If you love them, insure them!
We love our pets. So does Woolies. Who now offer insurance for your cats and dogs.
And let’s face it … when it comes to caring for your furry friends, medical expenses, routine care, hospital stays and even transportation often become a part of life – so it makes sense to ensure that you are adequately covered for any mounting costs, as and when you need it.
With multiple cover options built to suit a variety of lifestyles and pocket sizes, Woolies is giving their customers the opportunity to rest easier, knowing their pets are covered by an insurance offering that they can trust.
With the main goal of protecting your finances from unexpected medical bills, pet parents can choose from Classic, Hospital, Accident and Premium Plans, with an option for extended booster benefits. Get more information on the Woolies app or online at woolworths.co.za/wfs/pet-insurance.
We’re all about giving our pets all our love. But let’s face it … they’re all for the treats! So … with love from Pedigree and Whiskas, a stocking crammed with treats they’ll love. We’ve ten to give away … and each will be personalised with your pet’s name. Pop over to Instagram @getitnationalmagazines, find the competition post and follow the prompts. Entries close December 7.
Vinyl pet toys on a festive rope,
R44.99 each from The Crazy Store
Keeping pooch calm
Pets can experience heightened stress and anxiety when faced with sudden loud noises, storms, fireworks and changes in routine. These situations can lead to various behavioural issues, from excessive barking and destructive behaviour to trembling and restlessness. As we approach the end of the year, our calendars are filled with exciting events, and while these festivities bring joy to our lives, they can also be a source of stress and anxiety for our pets. The experts at Bob Martin’s share some great advice to help you manage your pet’s well-being during these busy times.
Including a calming treatment in your pet’s wellness routine is a valuable step in ensuring their emotional well-being during times of stress and anxiety. However, it should be complemented with responsible care practices that prioritise your pet’s comfort and mental health. Both of these aspects go hand in hand.
Calming tablets, collars or spot-ons as a supportive measure: Calming aids can significantly help … they provide a sense of calm and relaxation, making challenging situations more manageable for your pet.
Responsible pet care: While calming aids can be highly effective, responsible pet care also entails understanding and respecting your pet’s unique needs and preferences. It’s crucial to recognise situations that may trigger stress or anxiety and take steps to avoid or mitigate them whenever possible.
Knowing your pet: Get to know your pet’s temperament and preferences. Every pet has their individual personality, and some may be more sensitive to certain stimuli than others.
Avoiding high-stress situations: If your pet doesn’t fare well in crowded or noisy environments, consider alternative arrangements. Instead of taking them to busy places, restaurants, or parties, opt for quieter and more pet-friendly settings.
Creating safe spaces: For particularly anxious pets, creating a safe and familiar environment at home can work wonders. Providing a comfortable and quiet space where they can retreat when they feel overwhelmed allows them to self-soothe and reduces stress.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your pets live a happy and stress-free life, with tail wags all-round. Bob Martin’s Calmcare Range harnesses the power of valerian, lavender and rosemary to provide a solution for managing stress and anxiety in pets. Beyond immediate stress relief, it can also assist in addressing underlying behavioural problems.
Details: bobmartin.co.za
Merry Woofmas … Santa soft toy from the Woolworths PLAY collection, R199.99
Travelling with your pet? 5 things to consider before em-barking
When you’re travelling with your pet, there is a whole new checklist you need to consider. But it doesn’t have to be a nerve wracking experience for either of you if you plan ahead and be sure of the steps you need to take to ensure the journey is smooth sailing for all members of the family. Gavin Miller, Managing Director at Marltons, shares his top five tips to consider before you go on your holiday.
1. Check, check, double-check It goes without saying that the most important thing to do before taking your pet – no matter what pet it is – is to check if your accommodation is pet friendly. Don’t assume that just because you’re taking your hamster instead of a St Bernard you can simply breeze into your sea facing apartment. Nope. Many hotels and resorts have strict pet policies, and you need to confirm that non-human family members are welcome and catered for.
2. Sort out your equipment Every pet, from a budgie to a boxer, needs their own special equipment. This starts with what they’re actually going to travel in, to where they’re going to sleep, to food and containers, to toys. If you’re going to take your pet away with you, it is crucial to ensure that they’re going to be safe and comfortable for every step of the journey. In transit, make sure that they are crate-trained in their own area of security to ensure that you can drive safely and ensure that you have all the leashes, collars or cages sorted for when you arrive.
3. Pack a pet specific supply kit Have a chat with your vet to make sure you have everything necessary in a kit for your trip. A general first-aid kit, and then also some additional items you may need along the way such as waste bags. Pet pit stops are tough to schedule, so rather be prepared. Also consider snacks and hydration along the way. Pets can easily get dehydrated when travelling, so make sure you pack extra water. And toys. Don’t forget toys.
4. Sort out their identification Life is unpredictable. And life on the open road is even more so. An unfamiliar place far from home is the very worst place to lose your pet. Before you leave make sure they’re easy to find in the worst case scenario. Sort out your microchipping and make sure their collar tags are up to date. Make it as easy as possible for a good Samaritan to return them to you in case they do a runner.
5. There’s no place like home Yes, you’re going away, but your pet doesn’t understand this – all they know is the home they live in. Pack their favourite toys, blankies, bowls and beds so that once you reach your destination they have all the comforts of home around them so that they can relax too.
Holidays can be the best days, and memories made that include fur family members are priceless. All it takes is some extra planning and patience to make sure your time away is an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons.
Details: marltons.co.za
