Christmas is just around the corner — only 15 sleeps to go! While we’re racing through end-of-year catch-ups, Christmas parties, and holiday planning, it’s easy to forget that this busy season can be a big adjustment for our pets. Changes in routine, festive visitors, hot weather, fireworks, and travel can all create challenges for our furry family members.
To help you prepare, we’ve put together a refreshed Narre Warren Vet Clinic Christmas Pet Guide so your pets can enjoy a safe, calm, and comfortable holiday season.
🎄 Make Sure Vaccinations Are Current
Many boarding facilities and pet sitters have strict vaccination requirements, and even pets staying home benefit from staying protected.
Routine vaccinations help guard against:
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Kennel cough
- Feline respiratory infections
If you’re unsure when your pet last had their booster, give us a call — we can check their records for you.
🦟 Stay Up to Date With Flea, Worming & Tick Protection
As the weather warms up, so does parasite activity. Whether your pet is adventuring outside or snoozing indoors, regular parasite control is essential.
Keep protection active against:
- Fleas
- Intestinal worms
- Heartworm
- Ticks (especially paralysis ticks if you’re travelling to affected areas)
Our team can help you choose the most reliable products for your pet’s lifestyle.
📞 Double-Check Microchip & ID Details
With extra visitors, open doors, and busy households, pets can wander off more easily during the holiday period.
Make sure your pet is:
- Microchipped
- Wearing an ID tag
- Registered with your current phone number and address
If you’re not sure who your chip is registered with, we can help point you in the right direction.
🚗 Travelling These Holidays? Help Your Pet Prepare
Whether they’re coming with you or staying behind with a sitter, a little preparation goes a long way.
Travel sickness & anxiety
Some pets feel unsettled or nauseous during car rides. We can provide:
- Anti-nausea medication
- Calming supplements
- Behaviour tips for smoother travel
Pre-holiday health checks
If your pet will be boarding, travelling, or joining you on adventures, consider booking a quick check-up to ensure they’re fit and ready.
🎆 Fireworks, Festivities & Noise Sensitivity
Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve fireworks can be overwhelming for noise-sensitive pets.
Common stress signs include:
- Hiding or shaking
- Pacing or vocalising
- Restlessness or destructive behaviour
- Escaping attempts
- Vomiting from stress
If your pet struggles during loud events, we can discuss calming aids, behaviour strategies, or medication options. Please book early — appointments fill quickly this time of year.
🐾 Don’t Run Out of Food or Medication
With public holiday closures and reduced trading hours, it’s smart to check your supplies ahead of time.
Make sure you’re stocked up on:
- Prescription diets
- Regular medications
- Supplements
- Treats and enrichment toys
If your pet relies on ongoing medication, please order refills early to avoid delays.
⏰ Check Our Christmas Opening Hours
The festive period often comes with earlier closing times and limited appointment availability.
Keep an eye on our Narre Warren Vet Clinic holiday hours so you can plan ahead for any healthcare or medication needs.
🐶 Changes in Routine? Watch for Separation Anxiety
Holiday schedules often mean more outings, visitors, or time away from home — which can unsettle some pets.
Signs your pet may need support include:
- Barking or whining
- Toileting accidents
- Chewing or destructive behaviour
- Stress-related vomiting or diarrhoea
We’re here to help with training guidance, environmental management tips, and medication if needed.
🌞 Summer Hazards to Keep in Mind
The festive season comes with a few extra risks, including:
- Heatstroke and hot pavements
- Dehydration
- Toxic foods (grapes, raisins, chocolate, ham fat, onions)
- Rubbish scavenging
- Tinsel, string, and decoration ingestion
- Cooked bones and BBQ skewers
If you’re unsure whether something is safe for your pet, just ask — we’re happy to help.
A little planning makes a big difference to your pet’s comfort and safety over Christmas and New Year. If you need vaccinations, a pre-travel consult, anxiety support, or summer safety advice, please book early — our December appointments fill quickly.
👉 Download our Christmas Pet Checklist
From the team at Narre Warren Vet Clinic, we wish you and your furry loved ones a safe, happy, and joy-filled Christmas! 🎅❤️