The leaves are turning brown and the nights are drawing in, so begins the countdown to Halloween…
Halloween is a fun time for children and families, when thoughts turn to spooky costumes, pumpkin carving and trick or treating. At fetch.co.uk they’ve pulled together their favourite toys, treats and advice so you can get your pets in on the action too, for a Halloween for pets that is both safe and fun!
No trick or treat
Keep sweets and chocolate out of reach of your pets. It can be very toxic to dogs, and at the very least can result in an upset stomach. For more information on the dangers of chocolate read the Fetch guide to chocolate.
Fancy dress optional
So, you want to dress your pooch up as a pumpkin, witch or ghost this Halloween? There’s a few things to consider before the dress-up can begin:
- Make sure the costume fits properly and is comfortable
- Give them time to get used to wearing the costume
- Never leave them unsupervised while wearing it
- Make sure there are no parts that can be chewed off and swallowed
- Ensure the costume doesn’t restrict their movement, sight or hearing
Beware!
Keep pets away from lit candles and pumpkins as these are a fire hazard if they are knocked over.
House arrest
Try to keep outdoor cats indoors at Halloween, and dogs in the house rather than in the garden. There will be less risk of accidents happening or them being frightened by fireworks, people, and of course ghosts. Here at Fetch we stock a variety of stress relief and anxiety products.
Who you gonna call?
Pets are easily spooked; when this happens their instinct is to run away from whatever it is that has scared them. To make sure your pet is returned to you should they get loose, make sure they’re microchipped and tagged—don’t forget to make sure your contact details are up to date though.
Door duty
Keep pets away from the front door during Halloween. This will reduce the chance of them slipping out when you open it or becoming agitated by scary visitors. Even the most well-adjusted pets can become anxious or stressed in these situations. Consider keeping them in another room with their favourite toys to distract them.
