Australia Day Antics

We all have our own way of celebrating January 26th, with popular choices including having a BBQ, heading to the beach, watching fireworks or gathering with friends and family.

THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BBQ
Aussies are known for their great BBQ-ing abilities. It’s part of the culture and is a great way to spend time with friends and family. Since your pets are family, it’s no doubt they’ll be right there amongst the action!
If you are having a BBQ at home this Australia Day or taking your pets to someone else’s house, please keep these things in mind:
• BBQ food often has a lot of seasonings including garlic, salt and onion, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Keep people food and drinks out of reach at all times and tell guests not to feed your pet!
• Keep an eye on the bin! Your pet may find the wrapping from meats, sharp kebab sticks or cooked bones appealing – any of which could be a potential threat if ingested.
• With guests coming and going, it’s a good idea to supervise your pets and regularly check that they are okay. It’s too easy for someone to leave a door or gate open and for your dog or cat to run away.
• Do not leave pets alone with hazards – especially a hot BBQ plate or fire.

HITTING THE BEACH?
Most parts of Australia have access to gorgeous stretches of beach. If taking your dog to the beach or park is part of your Australia Day tradition there are a few precautions you need to take.
• Make sure the beach you are visiting is dog-friendly.
• Make sure you take enough poo bags for the whole day. Leaving faeces behind is not only horrible for other people, but it could also land you an on-the-spot fine.
• You may slap sunscreen on your own body. But did you know dogs could get sunburnt too? Cover them in a doggy safe sunscreen to ensure the sun’s UV rays don’t damage their skin.
• Take plenty of fresh drinking water and a bowl along for your dog, and do not allow him to drink sea-water.
• Some pets are at risk of heatstroke, even if they are getting wet with cool water at the beach. Allow your pet to rest regularly.

DRESSING UP
Over the Australia Day weekend, plenty of pet parents will dress up their animals in Aussie themed outfits. Whilst it is a bit of harmless fun, there are some risks involved.
Some pets are more suited to being dressed up than others. If your pet seems distressed it’s probably a better idea to avoid this altogether.
• Small pieces of costumes and items of clothing including buttons, plastic and zips are all choking hazards.
• Flags around the neck, bandanas and bow ties must be loose so that they don’t restrict breathing.
• Be careful with costumes that may cause overheating.

POOL PARTY!
Pets must be supervised when they are near the water, especially if they are old, have health conditions or are weak swimmers.
• Some dogs are natural born swimmers whereas others are not. If you think your pet would enjoy a dip in the pool but can’t keep himself afloat consider a doggy life jacket.
• Some pets may be good swimmers, but if left unattended, may not be able to exit the pool.
• Dogs may try to drink pool water, which could contain salt or chlorine, so ensure that there is a constant supply of fresh drinking water on hand.