Halloween can be an exciting time, but for our pets it can be a frightening experience with loud bangers and fireworks going off in your area.
The ISPCA has shared some of their top tips to keep your beloved pets feeling safe and happy during the Halloween festivities. A spokeswoman said: "Halloween can be an enjoyable time of year, but we all need to do our bit to ensure that everyone including our pets feel safe during this festive time of year.
"The ISPCA would like to remind the public to be aware of the dangers that Halloween poses to the wellbeing of all animals and to take extra measures to safeguard the safety of not only domestic pets but farm animals and wildlife too." Here's a roundup of what you should and shouldn't do for your pet this weekend:
Read more: Dublin dad transforms home into Ireland's scariest Halloween house of horrors
Fireworks
While fireworks are popular with humans, for cats, dogs, horses and other pets they can be a downright terrifying sight. If fireworks are going off in your area, make sure to keep your pet in a safe area so they can't run off if frightened. Also, it's best to walk dogs during daylight hours to avoid trick-or-treaters and fireworks.
Halloween costumes
While it may seem like a cute idea to dress your pet up in a Halloween costume, the advice is not to dress them up. Costumes can cause stress and restrict your pet's movements. A bandana or a festive collar is a much safer option for your cats and dogs this Halloween.
Halloween sweets and chocolate
It is recommended that you keep your sweets and chocolates away from pets, as chocolate contains a toxic ingredient called Theobromine, while some sweets and candy contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol. These chemicals can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate and seizures.
Keep candles and decorations away
If you're going to light candles or jack-o'lanterns this Halloween, make sure that these decorations are out of your pet's reach. Cats in particular are curious about these decorations, and may get accidentally burned. So it's best to keep all electric and battery-powered Halloween decorations away from pets.
Outdoor hazards
If you have pets that usually like to stay outdoors like horses, guinea pigs, birds and rabbits, consider moving them to a safe location on Halloween. Horses should be put in a stable or other secure areas while fireworks are going off, while it is a good idea to bring birds and rabbits and guinea pigs inside with a ring blanket covering their cages or hutch to act as a sound barrier.
Microchipping
Make sure that your pet is microchipped with your latest details because if they do happen to get lost it is the first thing that a vet will look for. You can check your microchip database to make sure it has your correct contact details if you moved house or changed your phone number.
READ NEXT:
- The most haunted wedding venues available for a spooky Irish wedding
- Halloween Dublin 2022: The best things to do this October bank holiday weekend
- Halloween bank holiday opening hours for Tesco, Dunnes, Aldi, Lidl and Supervalu
- We tried the Dublin Ghostbus Tour and it was full of spooky surprises
- Halloween parties in Dublin: The best late night spooky fun in 2022
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
