Help your pets this Halloween

Halloween is almost here and Westmeath SPCA would like everyone to be careful and safe around animals and pets so here are some useful tips to remember.

Staying calm around a nervous or scared dog helps ease the situation for your dog. Your pet looks to those they trust so stay calm around your pet when there’s loud bangs and fireworks going off.

If your dog looks to you for comfort during fireworks or other scary noises and times, comfort them. It's not rewarding their fear but enforcing that there is comfort and safety for them even when they can't understand what's happening.

Keep your pets safely inside when there’s fireworks and trick or treaters about. Walk your dog before the activities start and provide a cosy corner for your dog or cat to rest during the activities.

You could create a covered tent like environment by draping a rug or blanket over your pet’s bed or crate providing a cosy sanctuary sheltering them from the main impact of the holiday’s excitement and chaos.

Provide usual toys and blankets so your pet is completely comfortable and at ease in their sanctuary, if possible set it up early so your pet has time to consider it their regular safe sanctuary.

Many pet-owners use plug-in diffusers or calming treats to support their pet through the noisy and changed atmosphere. Some treats Westmeath SPCA have used with success have contained chamomile, B-Vitamins and or L-Tryptophan. Rescue Remedy may be used for stressed animals in reduced amounts.

Essential oils help dogs relax and feel better also, for example lavender, jasmine or frankincense.

Always offer essential oils for your pet rather than imposing them as animals self select these remedies.

Toys providing mental exercise are also a great distraction for dogs from the strange goings on around them. In fact playing with your pet during any scary disruption is the best way to help your pet through it if they otherwise find it overwhelming.

Halloween is a time many get dressed up in costume, if you want to get your pet dressed up also make sure your pet is happy with your choice, some pets are happier being dressed up than others.

Be careful combining pets and decorations, make sure your pet is not at risk from the decorations, getting tangled in or swallowing the new embellishments to the house.

Don’t spook pets, they don’t see the funny side of it and may panic and become unpredictable and run away or cause an accident.

It is a very good time to ensure that your dog is microchipped and your contact information is registered and up to date. Remember you must have your dog microchipped and registered to you.

Westmeath SPCA would like to wish everyone a happy Halloween and stay safe, humans and animals!

For more, check out Westmeath SPCA on Facebook.