VET’S VIEW: Halloween can be a scary time for pets

It’s only a few short weeks to Halloween, a time of hear I do in fairness look forward to. Whilst Halloween is generally an exciting and happy festive season, especially for the younger members of the family, it can – and so often does – end up being a traumatising and dangerous time for our pets, especially those animals who are shy or inquisitive.
Halloween brings with it the perennial problem of accidents involving our pets. It could be illness from ingesting a poisoning or choking hazard, a burn from a candle or an injury from chewing on an unusual electrical wire or battery. Successfully getting through the Halloween season unscathed, from both a pet and a human point of view, takes a bit of forethought and planning.
When it comes to house pets, the big dangers come from eating treats that may contain ingredients like chocolate or the ingestion of things like batteries or decorations, causing choking or bowel blockages. Some treats may cause pancreatic problems in the following days.
For those pets who live outdoors, perhaps in kennels or outhouses, the big danger is from bangers and fireworks, which can traumatise and disorientate animals. This can cause them to bolt and either cause an accident or become lost long-term. Spooked pets can also bite out of fear or stress, which can lead to someone having to take a trip to the hospital.
Curious pets gaining access to treats, such as chocolate or nuts, can turn a lovely happy festive season upside down and result in heartache, especially if that pet dies as a result. Plan ahead. Perhaps restrict pets to an area where you know they will be safe, especially on Halloween night, to help prevent, poisoning, choking, biting or bolting.
There is a growing number of products on the market that can be given to anxious or nervous pets to help them cope with unusual sounds and the comings and goings of seasons like Halloween. Speaking with your vet can help you to get the proper information on these products and how to properly use them.
Naked candles are a particular risk around pets, especially cats, who like to investigate mantelpieces and shelves. Cats can easily spook and bolt, so keeping them out of reach of potential dangers when trick-or-treat visitors might call is a good idea. A secure room, as far as possible away from loud noises and opening doors, would be ideal.
While Halloween is generally a happy festive time for us humans, spare a thought for your pets and perhaps put a plan in place, so that they have a happy and most importantly safe time also. There is nothing worse than having to abandon all the fun to go to the vet’s clinic on Halloween night – from an owner’s and vet’s point of view.

Veterinarian Conal Finnerty MRCVS practises at the Skeldale Vet Clinic in Ballinrobe and Belmullet. Follow the clinic on Facebook, or call 094 9541980 or 087 9185350 to make an appointment.