Five ways to protect your new pet

Christmas is the time for giving but Mackay Regional Council is reminding Mackay residents not to give pets as a Christmas present unless the recipient has been consulted first.

Mayor Greg Williamson said pets are a lifetime commitment that requires responsibility.

“You need to ensure that the pet you are planning to give to a loved one will be the right fit for their lifestyle and that they are ready to take on the lifelong responsibility of pet ownership.

“When buying a pet, you need to consider the financial implications involved in owning a pet long term, if you have enough time to spend with the pet daily, and whether you’re capable of meeting their exercise requirements.”

And living arrangements and whether the property is pet-friendly must be considered too.

Firstly, all tenants will need to seek written approval from their landlord before having a pet.

Whether you are giving or receiving a pet, here are five ways to protect your new pet.

>> READ MORE: GUIDE TO RENTING WITH PETS

1. Be aware of toxic plants

There are over 25 common indoor and outdoor plants that can be toxic to pets.

From skin irritations to vomiting, diarrhoea and even death, these toxic plants can cause a range of symptoms.

Here is the list of plants toxic to pets from the RSPCA Queensland.

• Aloe vera – vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors
• Angels Trumpet – all parts of the plant are toxic, especially the seeds
• Asparagus Fern – symptoms range due to a wide variety of toxins
• Azalea – paralysis of the muscles, depression of the nervous system
• Baby’s breath – vomiting, diarrhoea
• Begonia – intense burning and irritation of the mouth
• Bulbs (e.g. Daffodils, jonquils, tulips, Spider lilies and Crocus) – oral irritation, upset stomach, kidney failure, hyperactivity, lethargy, shock
• Buttercup (Ranunculus) – stomach irritation, diarrhoea and convulsions
• Carnations – mild gastrointestinal signs, mild skin irritations
• Chrysanthemum – rash after contact
• Cycads – leaves and nuts are highly toxic when eaten, symptoms can be irregular stiffness when walking, liver and tissue damage, and paralysis
• Cyclamen – vomiting
• Daffodil – vomiting, diarrhoea
• Dumbcane and Elephant’s Ear – upset stomach, oral irritation, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures, difficulty balancing
• Gladiola – salivation, lethargy
• Ivy – symptoms range due to a wide variety of toxins
• Lantana (berries) – gastro-intestinal irritation, muscular weakness and slow circulation
• Lilies – all parts are quite toxic to cats if eaten, causes inflammation of the stomach, progresses to acute renal failure and may be fatal if left untreated
• Milkweed – vomiting and weakness leading to kidney and liver failure and death
• Oleander – nausea, depression, bloody diarrhoea, weakened and irregular paralysis
• Paspalum – seeds are sticky and can cause irritation, hair matting, and dermatitis
• Poinsettia (leaves and stems) – diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, sap can cause irritation, and blindness if rubbed in eyes
• Sago Palm/Japanese fern – potentially fatal
• Tomato plant – diarrhoea, weakness, slow heart rate
• Wandering Jew – dermatitis
• White Cedar (fruit) – contractions, difficulty walking, coma
• Wisteria – severe vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea

>> READ MORE: HOW TO HAVE A WASTE-FREE CHRISTMAS

2. Fencing requirements

Fencing not only protects your pet from the dangers of roaming but also protects you, the owner, from potentially being liable for any injuries or damage caused by your dog.

Dogs that are not kept safely behind a fence can risk being injured or causing injury to others and according to Mackay Regional Council, irresponsible owners will be liable for any injuries or damage that their dog causes.

Having an adequately sized fence for your dog protects both your dog and your neighbourhood.

Therefore, here are four recommendations to ensure your fence or dog enclosure is adequate, from Mackay Regional Council.

• High enough that your dog can’t jump over
• Low enough that your dog can’t dig under
• Strong enough that your dog can’t push it over, and
• Hole-proof so that your dog can’t escape through it

3. Registering pets

Registering your pet is required in Mackay in accordance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and council local laws.

Registration helps council identify who owns which dogs and cats, how many dogs and cats live in the city and where they live.

Mackay Regional Council says irresponsible owners who fail to register their dogs or cats with council may face significant penalties including on-the-spot fines.

Council regularly checks registration compliance both in public areas and residential situations to ensure pet owners are taking their responsibility seriously.

Here’s what you need to know about registering your pet:

• All dogs over the age of 12 weeks homed in the Mackay Regional Council area must be registered. Any dog re-located to the Mackay area must be registered within 14 days of a person moving to the Mackay area, or after becoming an owner of a dog.
• Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2011 states that all cats over the age of 12 weeks and living in the Mackay region must be registered with Mackay Regional Council.
• The registration period is from July 1 to June 30 (financial year). Council will issue reminder notices at June each year. A discount period applies if paid during June or July.
• Dogs and cats must be registered in accordance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and council local laws.
• Owners who fail to register their dogs or cats with council may face significant penalties including on-the-spot fines.

>> READ MORE: HOW TO HAVE A WASTE-FREE CHRISTMAS

4. Keeping cats

Cats are wonderful pets but a roaming cat can kill an average of 186 animals a year, of which, 115 are native and have two or more litters per year, according to Mackay Regional Council.

Therefore if you are giving or receiving a cat, here’s what you need to know about responsible cat ownership:

• Two cats are permitted on a 600m2 or greater allotment and only one cat is permitted on an allotment less than 600m2 or on multi-residential premises (ie: units, apartments, townhouses etc) in Mackay. An additional animal permit is required to keep three or more cats on a 600m2 or greater allotment; or two cats on an allotment less than 600m2.
• If you buy or are given a cat you must ensure the animal is microchipped (if over the age of eight weeks), register the animal with Mackay Regional Council and make sure the contact details on your pet’s microchip are up-to-date.
• Cats are prolific breeders, desexing your cat prevents uterine infections, eliminates unwanted harassment from the opposite sex, tends to make animals less aggressive and territorial and less likely to wander and mark their territory and reduces registration fees.

5. Being a responsible pet owner

Pets provide unconditional love and companionship. However, the registration, health, welfare and safety of animals are only part of responsible pet ownership.

Here are Mackay Regional Council’s tips for being a responsible pet owner:

• Select the appropriate pet that will suit your lifestyle and circumstances
• Support the rules of breeders and purchase from a reputable breeder
• Register and microchip your pet
• Provide a proper enclosure to contain your pet within your property, this includes cats.
• Make your pet part of the family, pets need companionship too
• Exercise your pet and ensure your pet is under effective control
• Respect neighbours – ensure your pets’ behaviour is respectful in your absence

For more information about having a pet in Mackay, visit Mackay Regional Council’s website.