The Story of Matt Hollinshead | Guest Writer | December 11, 2021

As Christmas approaches, the animal welfare officials of the Rio Rancho area provide advice to pet owners to ensure that the holiday is not only enjoyable for them, but also for their canines and cats.

What if your animal must travel a long distance with you?

Sandoval County Animal Care Assistant Kelli Mortensen said that pet owners can teach their animals about vehicles and make short rides before traveling to make them feel comfortable. She said that if pets have not been in a car before, they are more likely to "panic or get motion sick."

"Getting them used to this car will help a lot," she said.

For dogs, Mortensen said that long-distance walking or a quick trip to the park to "make them exhausted" can help them relax while driving. She said that for cats, using laser toys to help them do pre-travel exercises is beneficial.

On the other hand, she also said that car owners can give them a toy to stimulate their spirits in the car.

"They have a lot of toys, and you can fill them up with (pet food) or peanut butter, so they can be mentally stimulated instead of constantly thinking about what is happening," she said.

She said that depending on the duration of the trip, finding a safe place for the animals, letting them go out, stretch their limbs and use the bathroom would help. She also said that pet collars with ID tags are “always super easy to get” to prevent pets from getting lost in unfamiliar areas.

Salah Fern, executive director of the Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Sanctuary, said that owners should ensure that their pets’ microchip information is updated when they linger. If they have not yet implanted the microchip, Heffern says to complete it.

She said that if the trip involves going to the toilet or to a park where other animals may be, the animals should be vaccinated in time.

"You don't know what other animals might carry, and you want to make sure your pet's immune system is as strong as possible before traveling," she said.

Heffern also recommends bringing a travel bag for your pet based on the pet's temperament. She said that in the event of a serious accident, putting pets in the suitcase or buckling the collar-specific accessories on the regular seat belt will help ensure that they will not be ejected.

Heffern said that in resorts, pet owners should stick to the usual feeding and walking schedules. She also said that they should pay more attention to the fence lines and holes in the holiday house, and leash the animals instead of letting them roam freely in an unfamiliar yard.

According to Connie Peterson, Director of Recreation and Community Services at Rio Rancho Park, pet owners should keep cars and animal cages well ventilated, always provide adequate water, and do not allow dogs to travel on an empty stomach and have evidence Rabies vaccination.

In addition, she said that the owner should not let the dog stick his head out of the open window, because the flying debris can cause eye injuries. In addition, dogs should not be riding on the back of pickup trucks, as they may fall off and get injured or die.

What pet sitters should know

Peterson said that pet sitters should not make themselves too comfortable in the owner's house so that pets will not experience stress changes in their daily lives. She said that pet sitters must ask their owners if they can use specific electrical and electronic equipment and clean them up by themselves.

Peterson said that when pet sitters are taking a client's dog for a walk, don't stop to let others pet them or let other dogs smell them, because the client's dog may bite or be bitten.

Mortensen said it is important for the owner to interview the future pet sitter and communicate the feeding and restroom schedule before leaving.

Heffern said that whether it is a friend or someone who has a strong recommendation on a third-party website, they should trust the pet sitter, and the owner should ask the sitter to meet with the animal in advance.

She also said that the owner should provide a list of "dos" and "don's", these seemingly abnormal but in fact "completely normal" behaviors and emergency contact information.

What if your pet is not used to snowy and cold areas?

Although furry breeds like huskies or sheepdogs may be good in cold temperatures, Mortensen said that short-haired animals should only go to the toilet or take a quick walk outside because they are less able to cope with the cold. Unless they are wearing a dog coat.

"These small breeds, they don't have enough body temperature to keep warm. They are not big enough; they don't have long coats," she said.

Heffern said that if the owner travels to snowy places, they should buy winter boots for the animals, because the salt from the melting ice can be toxic and burn their feet. She also said that they should have a pet jacket.

Peterson said that cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should not be left outside for long periods of time in sub-zero weather. She also said that the owner should always check the dog’s paw for signs of cold weather injuries, such as broken or bleeding paw pads, and should not leave pets in unattended cold vehicles.

Indoors, Peterson said, you should be cautious when using space heaters around pets, because space heaters may burn or be knocked over, which may cause a fire. She also said that pets should maintain a healthy weight throughout the winter, adding that outdoor pets need more calories to generate enough body temperature and energy to keep warm.

Heffern said Christmas tree decorations should be kept away from dogs so that they don't chew or trample on them. She also said that chocolate, turkey bones, ham bones and gravy drops should be kept away from dogs because they can cause intestinal problems.

In addition, she said that the noise of new toys can make pets nervous, so owners should be aware of this and give their pets some space.

Mortensen says that household plants like poinsettia are toxic to cats.

Speaking of pets, this 2-year-old neutered female beagle combination Freedom is one of the animals that Sandoval County will adopt. The county information stated that she is a cute, loyal, and caring dog. Anyone who wants to adopt Freedom or other pets can call 505-867-7642 or send an email to sandovalpets@sandovalcountynm.gov. Courtesy photo.

Heffern said that the Watermelon Mountain Ranch at No. 3251 Westphalia Avenue provides on-site microchip services for US$25 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. No appointment is required.

Mortensen said other low-cost options include Valley Vetco at 413 Montaño Road NE, Building A, Albuquerque. She also said that any veterinary clinic can install microchips, depending on the individual's budget.

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