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Halloween is great craic for us, but for our pets it can be one of the more bewildering and even hazardous nights of the year. We’ve written before about keeping pets calm during fireworks, which are a big part of the season here in Ireland. But there’s more to Halloween than bangs and flashes, the costumes, the callers at the door, and above all the mountains of sweets all bring their own risks. Here’s how to keep the spookiest night stress-free for your furry family members.
The doorbell that never stops
For a dog or cat, a constant stream of strangers in strange outfits appearing at the door can be genuinely unsettling. The repeated knocking or ringing, the excited voices, the door opening and closing, it’s a lot. And there’s a real safety angle too: with the door opening again and again, a frightened pet can bolt out into the dark night and become lost, exactly when the streets are busy and chaotic.
The simplest solution is to keep pets in a separate, quiet room away from the front door for the evening, with the curtains drawn to soften the flashing lights and comings and goings outside. Make sure they’re microchipped and wearing an ID tag too, just in case. A safe, cosy space where they can’t dash out is the kindest thing you can offer on the night.
Sweets are a serious hazard
This is the big one. Halloween means sweets everywhere, and many are genuinely dangerous to pets. Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats, and the darker it is, the more dangerous. Xylitol, a sweetener found in many sugar-free sweets and gums, is extremely poisonous to dogs even in tiny amounts. Raisins, in some treats, are toxic too. And the wrappers themselves can cause dangerous blockages if swallowed.
Keep all sweets well out of reach, and have a word with the children about not sharing their haul with the pets, no matter how much those big eyes beg. If you think your pet has eaten chocolate, xylitol, or anything suspect, ring your vet straight away, don’t wait for symptoms.
Costumes: only if they enjoy it
A pet in a Halloween costume can be adorable, but not every animal enjoys being dressed up, and for many it’s stressful and restrictive. If you do fancy a costume, make sure it doesn’t restrict movement, breathing, sight, or hearing, has nothing they could chew off and swallow, and isn’t too tight or too warm. And read your pet, if they freeze, try to wriggle out of it, or seem miserable, skip it. Their comfort matters more than a photo.
Decorations and pumpkins
Watch out for hazards among the decorations. Lit candles, including those in carved pumpkins, are easily knocked over by a wagging tail or curious cat, so use battery lights instead. Fake cobwebs, small props, and glow sticks can all cause problems if chewed or swallowed. Keep the spooky décor out of reach of inquisitive noses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chocolate really dangerous for dogs and cats?
Yes, chocolate is toxic to both, and darker chocolate is more dangerous. Keep all Halloween sweets well out of reach, and if you suspect your pet has eaten any, ring your vet immediately rather than waiting for symptoms.
How do I stop my pet escaping on Halloween?
With the door opening constantly for callers, keep pets in a quiet room away from the front door, ensure they’re microchipped and wearing ID, and never leave the door unattended. A secure, cosy space prevents a frightened dash into the night.
Should I dress my pet in a Halloween costume?
Only if they genuinely don’t mind. Many pets find costumes stressful. If you do, make sure it doesn’t restrict movement, sight, hearing, or breathing, and has nothing chewable. If your pet seems unhappy, skip it.
What Halloween foods are toxic to pets?
Chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free sweets and gum), and raisins are all toxic, and wrappers can cause blockages. Keep everything out of reach and ask children not to share treats with the pets.
Let us help
Heading out for Halloween festivities and worried about a nervous pet at home? We can keep them calm company in their own familiar space. Whether it’s dog walking or cat minding, see our services or get in touch to arrange care across Dublin, Meath and Louth.
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