31/10/2024
Keeping Your Pets Safe At Halloween!
Halloween can be a fun time of year for the whole family - even your dog. However, there are also many potential dangers and sources of stress for your pets. We would like to remind all pet owners to be especially vigilant about their animals at this time of the year. The following is some basic information for ensuring your pets remain safe during Halloween.
It would be best to walk your dog before it gets dark and the festivities start in earnest. Do not take pets trick-or-treating or let them near bonfires or other dangerous items. Dogs and cats can become very distressed and confused by all the noise and activity with strange smells, costumes and loud bangs from fireworks. Also, it is generally not advisable to dress animals up in costumes as many pets may find this uncomfortable and stressful.
Although most dogs love visitors, some can become fearful or anxious of strangers and many dogs may even be afraid of people they know if those people are in costumes. When inviting visitors into your home, introduce them to your dog in a positive manner. If your dog seems at all afraid of visitors in costumes, remove them from the situation calmly.
The constant ringing of the doorbell might also get your dog or cat over-excited or stressed out. Therefore it would be wise to take extra precautions for Halloween. Confining them to their own safe haven for the evening can help calm their nerves and keep them from running out through the constantly open front door. A quiet, inner room with their own bedding where they can't hear much of the noise from fireworks can help. Putting a radio or television on in the room can also be effective to drown out the noise.
Do ensure that pets always have effective identification in the event that they escape from the house after being scared by fireworks. We would recommend that you have your pet microchipped and ensure that it is wearing a collar with an identification tag at all times.
If your pet shows signs of distress or fear, do not reward this fearful behaviour with a lot of attention and affection. Stay close by to reassure them that they are safe, but remember that your pet views your attention and affection as a reward for a particular behaviour. Rewarding this fearful behaviour can encourage their fearfulness. It is best to carry on in a matter of fact manner, as if nothing out of the ordinary is happening.
Do not leave animals in a room with lit candles in pumpkins. Make sure that lit candles are kept where they cannot be knocked over by a wagging tail or by a curious cat. Not only could your pet start a fire, but they could severely burn themselves in the process.
Do tell children not to share any chocolate or sweets with their pets. Chocolate contains theobromine and sweets may contain xylitol, both of which are highly toxic substances that can poison dogs. Signs of chocolate toxicity include tremors, nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures and death. Dogs may also swallow foil or cellophane sweet wrappers, causing a risk of choking, upset stomach or gastrointestinal blockage. Therefore, do keep all of these goodies far out of your dog's reach. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a harmful substance or item, please seek veterinary advice.
If you have rabbits or guinea pigs etc that live outside, ideally bring them inside if at all possible. Alternatively, cover hutches and runs to muffle the sound and prevent flashes of light from fireworks startling your pets. Please do remember to leave adequate ventilation though.
Lastly, do not ignore animals in need. If you notice any stray pets, please try to give them shelter if possible. Please report any animal abuse and neglect immediately to An Gardai Siochana, the ISPCA or other welfare organisations.
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