Dogs  |  7h ago

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With the Christmas season fast approaching, it’s important to take care of your furry friend to keep their tail wagging.

“If you’re planning to head away for a period of the holiday season, keeping your dog safe and happy requires a little extra planning,” Christchurch City Council Animal Services Manager Lionel Bridger says.

“Make sure your dog has a pet sitter who can stay at home to feed your pup, keep them company and make sure they’re getting exercise.”

Mr Bridger says if you need to leave your dog home for a short period of time, there’s some ways you can keep them comfortable.

“A dog walker or family and friends could spend some time with your pets and keep them to their routine.

“We also recommend leaving the radio or television on as background noise on to make them less lonely.”

Dogs should be checked on at least twice a day and need to have access to food and water.

“Make sure your pets are safely inside if they’re by themselves for a period over the holiday season,” Mr Bridger says.

“It could also be beneficial to have interactive toys to keep your pooch entertained and busy.”

If you’re planning to travel with your pets, be prepared with food, water and anything else they may need during your trip. Stop regularly for exercise and bathroom breaks.

“It’s also a great idea to check you have any necessary medications for the holiday period so you can avoid making a trip to the vet over the break,” Mr Bridger says.

“Dogs are social animals and part of our families, so it’s important to make sure they’re safe and comfortable over the holiday period – whether they’re coming along for the ride, or they need to stay at home.”

Council’s Animal Shelter is open over the Christmas period and Council’s Call Centre is open 24/7.

If you lose your pup in the Christchurch area over the holidays, please contact the Call Centre on 03 941 8999.