Pet Tips for Hallowe’en

Halloween can be a fun and busy night for kids and families, but it also can be a scary time for our four-legged friends. The Irish Blue Cross advises pet owners on how to keep their animal companions safe and their evening as stress-free as possible with the following helpful recommendations:

• Pets can escape and run away due to fear of the loud noise of fireworks so ensure your garden is escape proof and be careful when opening your front door.
• If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors make sure to bring them inside before dark during firework season.
• It’s really important to make sure your pet is microchipped with their details up to date, this gives you the best chance of being re-united with your pet if they go missing or escape.
• Try to walk your dog early in the day before it gets dark and before the fireworks start. Always keep your dog on a short lead so that if they are frightened by any loud unexpected noise they can’t run away.
• Make sure you walk your dog with a correctly fitting collar or harness and attach an ID tag with your details on it.
• Turning the TV or radio on can help soften the noise of the fireworks and closing the curtains can reduce any flashes or bright lights.
• As we have so many extra treats around the house at Halloween be extra careful not to let your pet get access to chocolate, sweets, grapes or raisins.
• Reassure your pet if they want to be near you, pet them, and talk to them. Always make sure to praise your pet. If they have an accident in the house, understand it is because they are scared. Do not shout at or punish them
• Create a safe space for your pet. This needs to be a quiet space where your pet can relax and not be fussed over.  It is a good idea to put some of their toys, bedding and some of your clothing for a familiar smell into the space. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, it can be a crate, a box or even just a space behind the sofa or under a table.
• You can try to distract your pet by playing with their favourite toys.
• Don’t tie your pet outside a shop, we would never advise this in normal times, but particularly at Halloween.
• Some pets hate costumes as they can be restrictive so if your pet doesn’t like wearing clothes don’t force them.

Sophie Olah, Head of Veterinary Services, The Irish Blue Cross “Halloween night is a festive occasion for families, but it also can be chaotic for pets who don’t understand what’s going on. The best thing pet owners can do is plan ahead to keep their pets as safe and as comfortable as possible so everyone can enjoy the evening in their own way. Unfortunately, at this time of year, we have patients that present themselves to us with horrific injuries from fireworks. Please keep your pets indoors and away from fireworks or bonfires that may be happening in your area.”

Stay safe out there, and happy Hallowe’en again!