How Can You Keep Your Pets Safe During Halloween?

October? Already?? It seems like it was just yesterday that we were celebrating - quietly and with our close family - the New Year. Well, the holiday season is upon us again, and that means it's time to make sure your pet is ready for Halloween.

Between costumes, candy and decorations, Halloween is a fun time for everyone. The only thing that might be scarier than the spooky ghosts and goblins are the safety hazards.

Here are some pet safety tips to make sure your furry friends have a happy Halloween.

1) Sometimes, the scariest noises on Halloween night are not from a haunted house but from people. Bystanders can be oblivious to the fact that pets may feel threatened by these noises and gestures, let alone all the ‘new’ people wandering the neighbourhood, so keep an eye out for them as well. Sudden, loud and continuous noise can scare off any pet, making them run away from the house. The first thing you need to do is make sure that your pet has proper ID tags on their collar that includes your name and contact number. Tags are a great way to ensure that your pet will be returned to you if they go missing – and this can easily happen around Halloween. The best thing about keeping your dog's ID tags on them is that they can be placed on a light reflective collar. This makes it easier for cars and people to see the dog in the dark.

2) We cannot stress enough to keep your pets supervised as much as possible, indoors, and out during Halloween festivities. According to the RSPCA, thousands of pets are injured or killed by Halloween decorations and celebrations every year. The risk is even higher for cats, who are curious and tend to be more active at night. Most people don't realise that pet injuries from Halloween decorations and fireworks can be prevented by following a few basic safety tips, such as keeping any doors closed that they could jump through or escape under. Dedicate a safe, cosy room to your pets with plenty of toys and water where they can stretch their legs and have some cuddles far away from the busyness of Halloween.

3) Sadly, there are other risks that are tough for pets, and people, to avoid – namely chocolate and sugary sweets. While they may look yummy to us humans, these treats contain xylitol which can be harmful to your pup or cat if ingested. We all love our pets, but they don't always understand that the chocolate bar you left on the kitchen counter is not meant for them. They are adventurous eaters, and food should never be left unsupervised. Although many of us know this, it doesn't stop us from leaving food around. A dog can eat a whole bag of chocolate in one sitting, while a cat can easily get into the sugar bowl and lick up every last bit. The best way to protect your pet from eating up the Halloween treats is to store them somewhere they cannot reach, such as high on the counter or in the cupboards. Also, keep an eye out for treats that may have fallen on the floor or been dropped under a bed or couch. If an accident occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

It's impossible to overstate the importance of safety when it comes to pets. With the holiday just around the corner, it's important to ensure your pet is safe and doesn't get into any trouble. By taking precautions to keep your pet safe this Halloween, we guarantee they will enjoy the holiday without any scares. They're counting on you!

We invite you to follow our blog for more interesting pet-related content, and we hope that these tips help you prepare your furry friends for a safe and happy Halloween. If there is anything else we can do for you, please let us know by following our blogs or visiting our website today.