The ISPCA has issued tips and advice to pet owners ahead of Halloween, to help keep their pets safe during what can be a stressful time for animals.
Many pets go missing at this time of year, when they get scared by the noise of illegal fireworks and they try to escape, affecting cats and dogs, horses, ponies and donkeys, livestock and wildlife too.
Chocolate is poisonous for pets
The ISPCA is reminding pet owners of the potential dangers chocolate and sweets pose causing serious illness or even fatal outcomes in extreme cases to dogs or cats. Chocolate contains theobromine, an ingredient that is toxic to pets, and some sweets contain a sweetener called xylitol, also dangerous if ingested. Dogs can show symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate and seizures after ingesting these ingredients. Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are also highly toxic for dogs. You should contact a vet immediately if your dog has eaten something potentially toxic.
Costumes
The ISPCA advises caution when considering dressing your pet in Halloween costumes as it can cause them stress and restrict their natural behaviour. We recommend a new toy or game, or a festive bandana, collar or harness, as a safer alternative to a costume for your pet. Both adults and children wearing costumes for parties or trick or treating, can be scary for many pets too so introduce them carefully and slowly.
Candles
Candles should be placed well out of reach from our pets, especially from cats as they like to climb on counter tops and shelves. A flickering light can cause cats and kittens to become curious and can be particularly at risk of burning themselves as they go climbing around the house. Decorations can also be dangerous if ingested and should be placed well out of reach of pets.
Fireworks
When our pets are spooked by the loud sudden noises of fireworks, they often make a quick exit and escape through an open door. The ISPCA recommends keeping pets in a secure, comfortable, safe indoor space and distract them during fireworks by providing them with chew or food filled toys to keep them busy. Try to keep doors and windows closed, leaving on a radio or TV on to drown out any noise outside. A home diffuser for pets can also help reduce stress and anxiety. The ISPCA recommend making a little den to help keep cats and dogs to feel safer and calmer during Halloween. Dog owners should try to avoid having their pets outdoors while fireworks are going off by going for walks in the morning and early evening.
Microchipping
The ISPCA is reminding pet owners to ensure their pets are microchipped and that the contact details are current on the microchipping database. It is also important to have an ID tag on your pet’s collar with your name and contact details, so should they escape, they can be reunited quickly. Microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs and puppies once they’re 12 weeks old.
Outdoor pets
Outdoor pets such as horses, ponies and donkeys should be moved away from areas where fireworks or bonfires will be lit. Birds and small mammals should be kept inside with a blanket covering their cage. Hutches should be indoors and covered to provide a sound barrier to loud noises outside.
Wildlife
Animals such as Hedgehogs go into hibernation at this time of year, so it’s important to check underneath piles of wood, scrub and leaves for wildlife before lighting bonfires.
Some Halloween decorations used outdoors like fake spider webs and string lights can snare wild animals, so the ISPCA asks that people avoid using any decorations that could cause injuries when putting them up and to take them down once Halloween is over.
