Don't let Halloween become a fright night for pets
From bangers and fireworks to endless trick-or-treaters and bowls of tempting sweets, Halloween is a big night for Irish families. But for our pets, the sudden chaos can make it one of the scariest nights of the year.
With almost every Irish pet owner (99.6%)¹ considering their pet a member of the family, Petinsurance.ie has released its top safety tips to help keep them safe and calm this Halloween, and avoid a potentially costly trip to the vet:
Help pets cope with loud noises
Fireworks and bangers can frighten pets, so give them a safe, comfortable place to retreat to. Exercise dogs earlier in the day and keep them on a lead, while cats should be kept indoors after dark. Close curtains and blinds to block flashing lights and leave the TV or radio on to drown out some of the noise.
Keep chocolate and sweets out of paws’ reach
Halloween treats can be tempting for curious pets, but chocolate and sweets can be dangerous if eaten. Petinsurance.ie research found that 16%¹ of pets have eaten chocolate, while 28%¹ have eaten sweets or rubbish from the ground. Keep treats safely out of reach and remind children not to share their Halloween haul with pets.
Take care when trick-or-treaters come knocking
A constant stream of visitors can unsettle pets, while an open front door gives an anxious or excited dog or cat the chance to escape. Keep pets somewhere secure and away from the door during the evening, and make sure their collar, tag and microchip details are up to date.
Make sure Halloween decorations are pet-safe
Fairy lights, glow sticks, candles and small Halloween decorations can be tempting for curious pets. Keep decorations safely out of reach and never leave pets unattended around open flames or anything they could chew or swallow.
Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet at Petinsurance.ie, said: “We know Halloween is a big deal for Irish families, but sometimes we forget just how frightening it can be for our pets. The loud noises, unfamiliar faces and tempting treats can all be unsettling, particularly for animals that don’t know what’s going on.
“Halloween is also one of those occasions where an accident can happen in seconds. A door left open, a piece of chocolate within reach or a curious pet investigating a decoration can quickly turn a fun evening into an expensive trip to the vet.
“Having pet insurance means owners can have peace of mind if the unexpected does happen. Our 24/7 Pet Careline, Assist Your Paws, also gives customers access to seasonal advice and support whenever they need it.”