The ISPCA has advised pet owners to keep animals indoors as much as possible in the run-up to the Halloween Bank Holiday weekend and the public is asked to take care with livestock and wildlife as well as domestic pets.
It said many pets go missing at this time of year when they get scared by the loud noise of fireworks and try to escape.
The ISPCA has issued seven tips for keeping pets safe during the festivities:
Costumes
The ISPCA advises caution when considering dressing your pet up for Halloween as it can cause them stress and restrict their natural behaviour.
It suggests a new toy or game, or a festive bandana, collar or harness as a safer alternative to a costume for your pet.
Sweets and chocolate
With lots of sweets and chocolate around the house during the Halloween period, the ISPCA is reminding dog owners of the potential dangers they pose.
Chocolate contains theobromine, an ingredient toxic to dogs, and some sweets contain a dangerous sweetener called xylitol. Dogs can suffer from vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate and seizures after ingesting these ingredients.
Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are also highly toxic for dogs. You should contact a vet immediately if your dog has eaten something potentially toxic.
Candles
Candles used indoors to light pumpkins or other decorations could be potentially dangerous and should be placed well out of reach of pets.
Cats in particular are at risk of burning themselves as they go climbing around the house and could cause a fire.
Fireworks
When pets are spooked by the loud bang of fireworks, they often make a quick exit out an open door. The ISPCA recommends keeping them in a secure, indoor area.
Dog owners can avoid having their pups out while fireworks are going off by going for walks in the morning and early evening.
The ISPCA also said owners can train their pets to become accustomed to the noise by playing similar sounds.
Microchipping
The ISPCA is reminding pet owners to make sure their pets are microchipped – it is also a legal requirement for dogs and puppies once they’re 12 weeks old.
It also recommends putting a tag on your pets collar with your name and contact details so they can be returned home quickly after getting lost.
Outdoor pets
Outdoor pets like horses should be moved away from areas where fireworks will be let off or bonfires lit. Birds and small mammals should be kept inside with a blanket covering their cage or hut to provide a sound barrier to loud noises outside.
Wildlife
With animals going into hibernation at this time of year, it’s important to check for wildlife before lighting bonfires. In particular, hedgehogs hibernate underneath piles of wood, scrub and leaves.
Some Halloween decorations used outdoors like fake spider webs and string lights can snare wild animals, so the ISPCA asks that people be careful when putting them up and take them down once Halloween is over.
