Halloween and Keeping your Pets Safe!

Posted on by

adapted from DSPCA

Unfortunately Halloween and the weeks preceding it can be a very distressing time for animals. You may be aware of the terrible incident this September where the dog died as a result of a firework. Whilst cases like that are relatively rare; the Dublin SPCA (and CATalyst!) would like to remind guardians to be especially vigilant about their companions and community cats at this time.

DON’T keep companions outdoors during Halloween and ensure that they have a safe, quiet place inside where they aren’t frightened by all of the noise and excitement and where they cannot escape through the constantly open door. A quiet, inner room where they can’t hear much of the noise from fireworks and loud bangs can help. Putting a radio or television on in the room can also be effective. When children are coming to the door to trick and treat, cats can quickly slip out the front door, and dogs sometimes try to bite unsuspecting kids, thinking that they’re intruders. For everyone’s safety, it’s best to keep animals inside a bedroom or family room, away from all the commotion. Try and make sure that the dog isn’t left alone if its distressed.

DO ensure that companions always have effective identification. The Dublin SPCA recommends that you have your companion microchipped and ensure that they are wearing a collar with identification in the event that it escapes from the house. Every year we get calls and visits from upset guardians with lost pet information as their companions have run off after being scared by fireworks. The Dublin SPCA will Microchip your companion for you or any vet practice can arrange this quickly and easily.

DON’T leave animals in a room with lit candles or pumpkins. Dogs can have lethal tails, wagging all over the place. Make sure that lighted candles are kept where they cannot be knocked over by a wagging tail or by a curious cat. Not only could your companion start a fire, but they could severely burn themselves in the process.

DON’T dress animals up in costumes as many pets find this uncomfortable and stressful.

DON’T take pets trick-or-treating. Dogs can become very distressed and confused by all the noise and activity with strange smells, costumes and loud bangs from fireworks.

DON’T let animals near bonfires, candles or other dangerous items.

DO make sure that rabbits and other caged animals are safely secured indoors, or in a garage or outbuilding, away from the sight and sound of fireworks. As an alternative, the cage can be covered with thick fabric to muffle the sound, making sure there is sufficient ventilation. Horses should be securely stabled or moved to a different location during fireworks displays in the area.

DO keep companions away from Halloween decorations and tell children not to share any sweets and chocolate with their companions.

DO take a companion suspected of ingesting a harmful item or substance immediately to a veterinarian.

DON’T ignore animals in need. Report animal abuse and neglect immediately to An Garda Siochana or contact the Dublin SPCA at 01 499 4700 or the ISPCA’s Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515.

Related Links

Keeping Your Pet Safe at Halloween

 

From Visually.

Posted in Animal Welfare Issues, Responsible Guardianship, Seasonal Animal Care, What You Can Do.