Keeping Your Pet Safe at Halloween

WHEN IT COMES 10 HALLOWEEN YOUR PETS TO ost of us love taking part in M the frightening festivities. Whether it's dressing up, decorating the house as a haunted mansion or just enjoying the sweet treats, it's important to remember there may be one member of the family who doesn't feel the same; your pet. Halloween can be a stressful time for your pet and can put them at risk from a number of potential hazards. Here are some tips on how to keep them safe and relaxed at Halloween: 1. VAMPING THE HOME If you are keen to create your own haunted mansion for Halloween, it is important to consider where you place your decorations. Pumpkins and candles are a popular choice for most homes, however, they are a risky fire hazard for any curious pets that may accidently knock one over, as well as potentially causing a nasty burn, so make sure they are kept away from your pet. Small plastic items that could become a choking hazard should also be kept out of reach. 2. 3. DON'T DRESS TO SPOOKY SOUNDS Costumes with rubber bands IMPRESS in particular should be avoided as they can irritate and dig into your pet's skin. If your pet is becoming agitated, The safest option is to leave the costumes to the trick- Excitable trick-or-treaters can be intimidating for your pet. Excessive noise and large groups of visitors in spooky costumes can or-treaters, but if you are considering dressing up your pet at Halloween, make sure that the costume is they may be inclined to chew at the costume causing them to possibly swallow or ingest dangerous foreign bodies. Do not leave them unattended when wearing a costume and not causing them any distress or restricting their movement at all. Your pet can become entangled causing injuries or even strangulation. cause them to become stressed make sure they are comfortable. and anxious; even very sociable animals can become nervous in unfamiliar situations. Keeping your pet in a quiet, separate room with their favourite toys can keep them calm and occupied and also reduces the risk of them slipping out while the front door is open. 4. TRICKY TREATS Chocolates and sweets are essential in any household at Halloween but these treats can be extremely toxic for cats and dogs. Plastic wrappers and lollipops can also be a choking hazard for your pet or leave them with a very upset stomach. Make sure that all sweet stashes are out of reach and 5 KEEPING YOUR PET INDOORS offer them a pet-friendly alternative instead. Halloween can be a scary time for both us and our pets so it's best to try and keep them indoors to reduce the risk of them becoming spooked by loud noises while out and running off. Ensure your pet has been microchipped and is wearing a collar and ID tag so if you do become separated, you will be easier to reunite. Some Halloween pranksters may even try to tease or scare your pet, especially if you have a black cat, so make sure they Griends animal feel Good Insurance www.animalfriends.co.uk aren't left unattended outside.