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Source:
Susan Nelson, 785-532-5690, snelson@vet.k-state.edu
http://www.mediarelations.k-state.edu/WEB/News/MediaGuide/nelsonsusanbio.html
News release prepared by: Megan Wilson, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu
Thursday,
November 16, 2006
K-STATE
VETERINARIAN OFFERS PET ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
MANHATTAN
-- Heading to a relative or friend's house for the holidays and
want to take your pet with you? Kansas State University's Susan
Nelson has 10 tips to make sure you -- and your pooch or kitty --
are welcome guests.
Nelson,
assistant professor of clinical sciences at K-State's Veterinary
Medical Teaching Hospital, recommends:
1.
Making sure your pet is welcome. "The most important thing
is to ask for permission to bring your pet," Nelson said. "If
they say 'no,' then you need to respect their wishes."
2.
Bringing along your pet's travel carrier so it can be confined if
necessary. "If you have to leave them alone, keeping them confined
minimizes the chance that they could be destructive toward anything
that belongs to your host," Nelson said.
3.
Bringing doggie bags and a "pooper scooper," or litter
box and litter. "You want to be able to clean up any messes
that your pet makes immediately. You also may want to have a bottle
of odor neutralizer and your own cleaning supplies," Nelson
said. "Also, you may want to bring a pet hair roller to use
on the furniture."
4.
Bringing your pet's own food and water bowls. "Some people
have reservations about using something that the dog or cat has
eaten or drank out of. It's easiest just to bring along your own
bowls," she said.
5.
Bringing the pet's food and treats.
6.
Bringing any medications your pet might need, as well as your veterinarian's
phone number.
7.
Bringing your own supply of water for the pet. "If you are
going somewhere where there is a drastic water change, you might
want to bring your own water for your pet to try to avoid diarrhea,"
Nelson said.
8.
Bringing any toys your pet might need. "Having their own toys
may prevent your pets from playing with something they aren't supposed
to play with. It may keep them from causing damage to something
that doesn't belong to you," she said.
9.
Keeping your pet confined during meals. "If your host isn't
used to having a pet around and begging during a meal, it might
be best to confine your pet during the meals so that they are not
in the way," Nelson said.
10.
Bringing a card or gift for your host. "It's good to show that
you appreciate that they allowed you to bring your pet. You want
to be sure they will invite you to bring your pet back with you
next time you visit," she said.
In
addition to thinking about your hosts, also be sure to gauge your
pet's temperament. Even the most well planned trip may not be a
success if your pet is not comfortable.
"If
your pet is used to having it quiet, then taking them to a place
where there are a lot of people and a lot of noise might cause them
a great deal of stress. You want to consider how your pet will react
to the change in environment," Nelson said.
Nelson
joined K-State in 2003. She received her bachelor's degree in biology
from Hastings College in Nebraska, and her doctorate of veterinary
medicine from K-State in 1989.
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