Saturday, 21 December 2024 14:55

Animal owners urged to make a list, check it twice

Written by  Staff Reporters
The NZVA has a range of guides and checklists for animal owners this summer. The NZVA has a range of guides and checklists for animal owners this summer.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has launched a new summer checklist for animal owners this year.

The Te Pae Kirehe Summer Holiday checklists and guides aim to support owners to plan ahead for the holiday season.

The NZVA is also sharing a range of resources that support animal owners to keep their animals healthy during the holiday period and understand what to do if they have an animal health emergency.

The guides provide information for both companion animal and lifestyle block owners.

NZVA head of veterinary services (large animal) Cristin Dwyer says advice for lifestyle animals varies between species, but the main message this summer is to ensure cows, sheep, camelids, chickens, pigs, and horses are kept cool and comfortable during the heat, and owners and property sitters monitor animals for signs of heat stress.

“If you’re going to be away from your property over the holiday break, make sure you arrange for a responsible, experienced person to mind your animals and that the sitter has everything they need to do this during this time,” Dwyer says.

“This includes knowing what to feed each type of animal and how much; that there is sufficient feed to cover the time period; medications or supplements are labelled with clear instructions; and each day they check that the water troughs are full and clean,” she adds.

Lifestyle block owners are encouraged to review the NZVA checklist ahead of the summer break and if a property sitter is going to be caring for the animals, make sure they are provided with contact details, a summary of any health conditions, and they have a support person they can contact if they need assistance.#

To download the summer holiday checklists and resources, head to https://www.nzva.org.nz/public/summer-holidays/ 

More like this

Feeding newborn calves

To ensure optimal growth, health, and wellbeing of calves, feeding strategies should be considered carefully.

Featured

Dr Mike Joy says sorry, escapes censure

Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.

People-first philosophy pays off

The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.

Farmer anger over Joy's social media post

A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.

From Nelson to Dairy Research: Amy Toughey’s Journey

Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Faking it

OPINION: Demand for red meat is booming, while it seems the heyday of plant-based protein is well past its 'best…

M.I.A.

OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter