Have a happy holiday

WITH Christmas holidays looming and everyone preoccupied with their own version of holidays, here are some thoughts for the holiday season to help you keep your dog safe and healthy.

If your dog stays at home when you go on a family outing:

• Make sure the fences are all secure and the gate is padlocked so that nobody can come in and leave the gate open.
• Leave plenty fresh, clean water in a shady position.
• Make sure your dog has shade for sunny days and shelter for wet or cold days.
• Leave plenty of toys in the yard to stop boredom.
• Preferably take the dog for a walk before you leave.
• You may leave a few tiny treats around the yard hidden, so the dog can have fun sniffing them out.
• Make sure that your yard is clean and clear with no hazards to dog safety such as broken glass, empty tins, chemicals or paint or tools in open sheds or on improvised tables that can be knocked over.

If your dog goes out with you:

• Never leave him alone in the car, whether the windows are down or not - even in the shade a dog alone is a temptation for dog thieves and you may come back to a smashed window and no dog.
• Never leave him in the car in indoor carparks or on ferries or any form of transport - many dogs have been killed by car exhaust fumes.
• Always take water in a container and a plastic bowl to tip it into - dogs need water often.
• Always use a leash - for greater freedom to sniff new smells use the long, contractible leash but never allow your dog to wander away from you. You can never be sure what hazard is around the next corner.

Sometimes you may want to take your dog along if you are going for a holiday. There are motels that you can stay in (see NZ Pet Travel Guide) that will accept your dog too, but please do not just turn up with your dog and expect all will be okay. You MUST make arrangements beforehand, as the motels usually have only a limited number of units where dogs can stay with their owners - they may be booked up or already occupied, or even undergoing repairs etc. There are also motel rules that you must follow and be sure that your dog will not annoy anyone else. If he barks often or whenever he sees a stranger, or if he has any bad habits that could lead to trouble, best leave him at home.