No Tricks, Just Treats

by Kerry RVN, Bright Side Vets

Halloween can be great fun for us, but for our pets, strange costumes, a constantly ringing doorbell and tempting treats can make it a rather spooky night!

Keep the treats for the humans. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats, while some sugar free sweets contain xylitol, which is extremely dangerous to dogs. Sweet wrappers can also cause problems if swallowed, so keep your Halloween haul safely out of paws’ reach.

Think about the spooky visitors too. Repeated knocks at the door, excited children and unfamiliar costumes can be unsettling. Pets may show anxiety by hiding, pacing, panting, trembling, becoming unusually clingy or trying to escape.

Creating a quiet, cosy space away from the front door can really help. Close the curtains, pop on the radio or TV and provide familiar bedding, favourite toys or a puzzle feeder. Calming products such as Pet Remedy may also help some pets feel more settled.

If your pet struggles with visitors or noise, planning ahead can make Halloween much less frightening. Speak to your veterinary team before the big night if you are worried about their anxiety.

With a little preparation, Halloween can stay full of treats and hopefully very few tricks!