Keeping pets safe on Halloween

Halloween is a growing celebration in Australia, and many pet parents include their dogs in the celebrations.

Whilst the constant door-bell ringing of trick-or-treaters and scary costumes add to the thrill of the day, it may not be the case for the furry family members in our households.

This holiday can quickly turn into a terrifying time for our pets so PETstock VET Dr Tara Morris has shared some tips on ways to safely include your pet in the spooky festivities.

Costume safety

 While dressing our pets in spooky outfits can add to the excitement of the day, a costume should not neglect their comfort or cause distress, so it is important to look out for signs that may indicate that your pet is uncomfortable or anxious. Common signs of distress can include shaking, whining, panting or a change in posture.

If dressing your pet in a costume this year, ensure that it isn’t forced, doesn’t restrict your pet’s movements and that their limbs aren’t caught on any fabric. The costume should not be too loose either as that may be a tripping hazard.

PETstock’s DDG Pumpkin Tee is a perfect choice for this year’s celebrations, the softness ensures that it does not rub or irritate their skin, which can be a problem that often goes unnoticed.

For more do’s and don’ts on dressing a dog in a costume click here.    For more tips on identifying anxiety in your dog, click here.

For pet parents looking to give back at Halloween, the Petspiration Foundation Halloween bandana, suitable for both dogs and cats, will have your pet looking ghoulish and 100% of profits will be donated to families and pets in need.

Keep your pets away from Halloween treats

As humans, we’re often partial to the lollies and chocolates from the trick-or-treat jar, and as tempting as those puppy eyes may be, they can be highly toxic to pets if ingested.  Keep any chocolates and sweet treats up high and out of reach of your pets.  If you have an extra curious pet, utilising containers and cupboards that are child proof will keep their paws off.

For those looking to get involved with jack-o-lantern carving, nibbling on the uncooked pumpkin can cause discomfort in many pets.  Pumpkin is a great and nutritious treat for dogs when cooked; however, be mindful that there are no signs of rot when feeding them the remains of your carved jack-o-lantern, ensure it is cooked and feed only very small amounts.

If you’re concerned that your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your local vet immediately.

Watch the door

Whilst frequent doorbell ringing and unfamiliar guests may be harmless to us, it can be quite the opposite for our furry friends. Particularly if they have anxiety.

You definitely don’t want to lose your pet on Halloween either, so when opening the door for guests, ensure your pet doesn’t run outside. Keep them on a lead if you feel they may be at risk of running off.

Even better, provide them with their own safe place in a quiet room, with their bed and favourite toys for comfort, and keep them entertained with interactive toys or a long lasting chew.

There is always a risk of something going wrong on a night like Halloween, so always ensure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag and that their microchip details are up to date in the instance they make a dash for the door.

If you do lose a pet, click here for some tips to help find them as soon as possible.