Hallowe’en can be fun but here’s some tips on keeping your pets safe and happy
Us humans revel in the scares and jumps Hallowe’en brings. However it can be a genuinely frightening time for pets and wildlife. Fireworks are being let off and the celebrations of Diwali and Bonfire night are just around the corner. You may be having Hallowe’en party or expecting trick or treaters, so there are some pointers to make it a terrific time for all.
👻 Treats – Hallowe’en is all about treats! There’s so much chocolate around and also sweets. They are a treat for us but if your pet consumes any, it can make them very poorly and would mean a trip to the vets. It’s become quite a common sight to see pumpkins put out into woods etc for wildlife to consume. However, they are not a natural food source and can actually cause stomach upsets, especially to hedgehogs.
😈 Dressing Up – Ghoulish costume adornments and decorations have the potential of being choking hazards if swallowed. Outdoor decorations such as fake cobwebs prove a problem for birds who can get tangled up in them!
💀 Visitors – Does knocking at the door stress your pet? Do they shy away from people coming round? Make sure the have a quiet place they can go to feel safe.
🤡 Outdoor dangers – We’ve touched on outdoor decorations posing a danger but party fireworks, loud noises and ‘tricking’ are also things that can spook pets. It’s best to walk your dog when it’s still light. Cover outdoor caged animals and keep an eye out for spent fireworks in horses fields and gardens. Cats are best kept indoors especially when it gets dark..
Most people want to enjoy Hallowe’en responsibly but there are some meanies out there. Keep your pets in doors and away from terrible but tasty treats and have a happy Hallowe’en.