Mardi Gras season is a special time of year for all Louisianians. Filled with music, parties, and parades — not to mention delicious food (King Cake, amirite?) — Mardi Gras is a true city wide celebration! But, while we may love the joyful chaos, our Prytania Pets realistically do not. Follow our helpful tips and tricks to make sure this year’s Mardi Gras is the best one yet!
The Parade Route is no place for your Prytania pet. Did you know that it is illegal in Orleans parish for your pet to be within 200 feet of a parade route while the parade rolls as well as an hour before and an hour after the parade ends (with the exception of Barkus)? Legality aside, the route can be an overwhelming and scary place for your Prytania Pet! The lights, noises, and crowds can be incredibly stressful even for the most relaxed pet. The best place for your furry friend is inside where it’s nice and quiet. If you have an outdoor kitty, please try to either bring them inside or create a safe space for them to hide out during the parade. The last place your cat wants to be is in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a Mardi Gras parade!
If your home is on a parade route, your dogs and cats may still be anxious even after being brought indoors. Try setting up a up a “safe room” for your pet whether you’re hosting a party or going out for the parades. If they’re already used to being in a kennel, that’s the perfect place for them to relax. If not, use a spare room or bathroom – anywhere they can’t injure themselves or any of your belongings. Here’s some helpful tips on how to create the best safe room for your Prytania Pet.
– Turn on the TV or plug in a sound machine to help drown out the noise.
– Give them a long-lasting chew and their favorite toys.
– Sprinkle some catnip for cats.
– Lay down a soft blanket or their bed for them to comfortably rest.
Post parade, keep an eye on your Prytania pet during your walks. As a reminder, please keep your dog on a short non-retractable leash during your walks. Whether it’s a stray crawfish shell, chicken wing, or a moonpie, your Prytania pet may be tempted to eat carnival goers leftovers. And while delicious, these treats can cause our furry friends some not-so-fun GI upset. Please call Prytania Vet or Medvet New Orleans if you think your pet may have eaten something they weren’t supposed to — we can then advise you on the best course of action. Other good resources are the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control or the Pet Poison Helpline. And while the fun plush throws may become your Prytania pet’s new favorite toy, please keep an eye on your pet during play time; these seemingly harmless toys can pose a serious choking risk if ingested.
As always, we recommend all Prytania Pets to be microchipped. There is no appointment needed for us to microchip your pet. If you’re not sure if your pet is microchipped, you can also bring them by for us to do a quick scan. We have limited hours on the Saturday before Mardi Gras and Lundi Gras Day and we are closed all Mardi Gras day. We hope you all have a safe and happy Mardi Gras!