Tag Archives: halloween

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Keeping pets safe during spooky season

As Halloween becomes increasingly popular across the UK, more of us are joining in the seasonal festivities, from trick-or-treating to dressing up and decorating our homes. While it’s a fun time for families, Halloween can bring a range of hidden dangers for pets. By understanding what to look out for, we can ensure our furry companions stay safe and stress-free.

Chocolate and sweets

Chocolate is one of the most well-known toxins for pets, especially for dogs. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, or more serious symptoms such as tremors and seizures.
Sweets containing xylitol (a sugar substitute) are also extremely toxic and can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar or liver failure.
Make sure all treats are kept well out of reach, and be mindful that young children might want to share their sweets and chocolate with their pets without realising the risks.
If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate or sweets, please get in touch with your vet straight away.

Costumes

While some pets don’t mind being dressed up, many find it uncomfortable or stressful.
If your pet is comfortable wearing a costume, make sure it doesn’t restrict movement, vision or breathing and that it doesn’t have any parts that can be chewed off and swallowed. Keep an eye on your pet and remove the costume immediately at any signs of distress.

Decorations

Halloween decorations can be exciting for us, but confusing or even frightening for pets. Flashing lights, noisy props, and unfamiliar scents can cause stress and anxiety. Decorations like strings of lights or plastic ornaments can also pose choking or entanglement risks if chewed.
Candles and open flames are particularly dangerous, since curious pets can easily knock them over or burn themselves. If you’re creating a spooky atmosphere, consider battery-operated alternatives instead.

Visitors

The frequent knocks on the door, ringing of the bell, and unfamiliar visitors in costumes can be overwhelming for some pets, especially those who are naturally nervous. Dogs may bark or become defensive, while cats may hide or try to escape.
Try to keep pets in a quiet and secure room away from the front door during trick-or-treating times. Calming diffusers and their favourite toys can also help ease anxiety.

Escape risks

With doors constantly opening for visitors, there’s an increased risk of pets slipping out unnoticed, which is why keeping them in a separate room is a good idea to prevent accidental escapes.
It’s always important to ensure your pet is microchipped and that your contact details are up to date.

Halloween is meant to be fun, and with a few simple precautions it can be safe for pets, too. Keep treats out of reach, avoid costumes unless your pet is truly comfortable wearing them and create a calm space for them away from the hustle and bustle of the evening.

If you’re worried your pet has eaten something harmful or is struggling with the seasonal stress, get in touch with your trusted vet.

Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Autumn celebrations and pet safety

Every season has its grace, and autumn has arrived bringing us shorter days, beautiful colours and a longing for cosiness and evenings by the fire.

Bringing some joy to this unprecedented year, autumn celebrations are fast approaching, so this is the perfect opportunity to go over some important pet safety precautions.

Halloween

If your Halloween costume is always on point and you want to make sure your pet is included, please keep in mind:

  • Pet costumes shouldn’t restrict in any way your pets’ movement, breathing, vision or hearing;
  • If your pet is not comfortable clothed, there are alternatives you can use, such as festive collars, bandanas or harnesses.

Also, be selfish and don’t share! As counter-intuitive as this may seem, our treats are not safe for pets as chocolate and some sweets contain substances that are toxic to them and which may well cause sickness.

Fireworks

Make sure your pet or horse is microchipped, and that your contact details are up to date to facilitate a reunion if they run should away.

At home, start preparing a safe place for your pets where they can escape to if they feel scared. It should include familiar items that will make them feel calm and comfortable, and some coverage to muffle the sounds.

On the day of the displays, make sure that you walk your dogs and exercise your horses before they start. Also, if possible, bring your pets inside and consider not letting your cats out to guarantee that they are safe at home.

Regarding horses, having them stabled during fireworks displays may cause additional stress. Consider turning them out if you believe there’s a possibility of self-injury due to trying to escape from an enclosed environment.

As many official displays have been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, the British Veterinary Association has issued a warning regarding the likelihood of increased unregulated backyard fireworks.

If you know your pet struggles when the fireworks start popping, consider staying at home with them to provide some reassurance.
Also, talk to your vet – from desensitisation therapy to pheromones and various medications, there are a number of options available to help your pets cope with the stress.

Keep in mind that fearful pets may show signs of anxiety, which can be something as simple as pacing or panting, but also more undesirable behaviours, such as excessive vocalisation and toileting inside. If this happens, do not try to comfort your pets by petting them as this may be interpreted as positive reinforcement of an unwanted behaviour. However, it’s as important not to reprimand or punish them as this can worsen their fear.

The day after the displays, remove debris if you find them to avoid accidents.

If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. We wish you a happy and safe Halloween and Bonfire night!