It was a warm December evening, and Santa Paws was busy preparing his sack of dog treats when he noticed something troubling: people giving puppies as surprise Christmas gifts.
“Ho ho ho... no!” he barked. “Let’s spread the word about a paws-itively responsible holiday!”
Santa Paws knows puppies are adorable but if you’re thinking of gifting a puppy to someone outside your household this Christmas, we would strongly advise against it.
Although it might seem like a heartwarming gesture, people need to decide for themselves when or if they are ready to take on this kind of responsibility. Puppies are a lifetime commitment, not a holiday whim.
Before introducing a puppy to your own household, think carefully about whether your property is suitably fenced, whether you can afford the expense of de-sexing and registration, vet bills, food and whether you have the time and energy to invest in daily exercise and care for your furry friend.
Councillor Josephine Bartley is chair of Auckland Council’s Regulatory and Safety Committee and adds that while humans can’t wait to enjoy the holiday season, it can be stressful for dogs.
“Excited children, extra visitors, festive decorations, noise and change of routine can be overwhelming for pets, and they may react unpredictably.
“So, parents, take the lead and always supervise children around dogs, even if it is a dog you know.”
Keep your dog safe this Christmas
Santa Paws has some other suggestions to keep your canine friend and your family safe around the holiday chaos and lessen the anxiety for everyone:
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Always supervise children and teach them how to behave around dogs; set boundaries for guests as to what is appropriate behaviour for them and for your dog; ensure there is a quiet space where the dog can retreat if the excitement gets too much
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If going away, ensure your dog is provided for; don’t leave it until the last minute to book a kennel; if leaving in someone’s care, be sure they know how to care for your pooch responsibly; they should know dog access rules for nearby parks and beaches, where to look for a dog should it go missing or where to report a lost dog and the importance of keeping it under control and contained to the property when at home.
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If you’re heading out of town with your dog, find out where the local off leash areas are or if street walking, remember to keep your dog on a leash. The same applies in your own neighbourhood.
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Try keeping to your dog’s usual routine as much as possible including keeping to a daily exercise and mealtime routine; this will help a dog feel more secure and reduce anxiety.
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The smell of festive feasting might have your dog salivating but foods like fatty ham, chocolate or raisins can be deadly; avoid any upsets by skipping the table treats and go with dog-safe goodies.
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A real Christmas tree looks and smells divine; keep gifts out of reach of dogs – waking up Christmas morning to a pile of paper and half chewed presents won’t be fun,
This holiday season let’s make tails wag for the right reasons—safety, love, and responsible decisions. Because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a happy, healthy dog and safe and happy children!
