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Keeping pets safe on Halloween
Halloween can be a wonderful time for the kids and a great way to spend quality time having fun with the family. Unfortunately Halloween and the weeks preceding it can be a very distressing time for animals. With bangers and fireworks going off near their homes and gardens they can become very distressed. The Dublin SPCA recommends that you follow the advice below.
Do's & Don'ts for Protecting Pets at Halloween
Do's
1: Ensure easy identification
Ensure that pets always have effective identification. The Dublin SPCA recommends that you have your pet micro chipped and ensure that it is wearing a collar with identification in the event that it escapes from the house. Any vet practice can arrange this quickly and easily.2: Educate others
Educate others about looking out for pets and other animals at Halloween.3: Keep an eye on your pets
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.4: Separate pets from sweets
Keep pets away from Halloween decorations and tell children not to share any sweets and chocolate with their pets. Take any pet suspected of ingesting a harmful item or substance immediately to a veterinarian..
Don'ts
1: Leave your pets outdoors
Don't keep pets outdoors during Halloween and ensure that they have a safe, quiet place inside. 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. Try to make sure that the dog isn’t left alone if it’s distressed.2: Dress your pets up
Don't dress animals up in costumes as many pets find this uncomfortable and stressful.3: Take pets trick or treating
Don't take pets trick-or-treating. Dogs can become very distressed and confused by all the noise and activity with strange smells and loud bangs from fireworks.4: Neglect animals' needs
Don't let animals near bonfires candles or other dangerous items. Don't ignore animals in need. Report animal abuse and neglect immediately to the Garda or contact the Dublin SPCA at 01-4994700
For more information please contact Gillian Bird or Miriam Kerins in the Education Department at the Dublin S.P.C.A at 4994705
Web: www.dspca.ie
Email education@dspca.ie