Keeping your dog safe and happy over the holidays

With Christmas on the horizon Christchurch City Council Animal Services Manager Lionel Bridger is encouraging dog owners to make suitable holiday arrangements for their furry friends.

“If you are planning to go away over the holiday period, please ensure you have arrangements in place to keep your dog safe and well looked after,” says Mr Bridger.

“Preferably that would mean booking your dog into a boarding kennel, organising a pet sitter or having a family member or friend look after the dog."

If you have to leave their dogs alone at home for a short period of time, there are a few things you can do to help make them more comfortable.

• Ensure your dog is checked on twice a day and taken for a walk.
• If your dog is an inside dog, please don’t leave them outside, especially at night.
• If you have to leave your dog inside alone, please leave a radio or television on as background noise. This provides a distraction for the dog so it doesn’t feel alone.
• Ensure that your dog has access to food, water and shelter at all times.

“Dogs are sociable animals by nature, so it really is best for them not to be left alone while their owners are on holiday," Mr Bridger says.

“Our dogs are our friends, they're part of the family so please make sure they’re well looked after.”