ISPCA urges pet owners to keep their pets indoors in the run-up to Halloween

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has issued tips and advice to pet owners to keep their animals safe over the Halloween season. 

The ISPCA spokesperson told the Leitrim Observer that many animals go missing around the Halloween Bank Holiday weekend due to the loud noise of fireworks, which animals can be terrified and often attempt to escape.

"We are asking the public to take extra measures this Halloween to keep their pets indoors and consider the safety of not just domestic pets but livestock and wildlife, too. By working together, we are ensuring that people and animals stay safe and unharmed during the Halloween festivities", ISPCA said.

The leading animal welfare charity has issued seven tips to pet owners during the festivities: 

Costumes

The ISPCA has advised pet owners to be cautious when considering dressing up their pets for Halloween as it can cause them stress and restrict their natural behaviour. 

It suggests a new game or toy; or bandana, collar or harness, as a safer option for the pets.

Sweets and chocolates

The leading animal welfare charity advises keeping sweets, chocolate, grapes, and raisins out of reach from dogs and puppies as chocolate contains a toxic ingredient called Theobromine, and some sweets contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol. 

These chemicals can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate and seizures. In case of ingesting any of these chemicals, the ISPCA the pet owners to contact their vet immediately.

Indoor hazards

Candles used indoors to light jack-o-lanterns or other Halloween decorations could be dangerous and should be placed out of reach of animals.

Cats are especially at risk of getting burned or sung by candle flame as they climb the house, which could cause a fire. 

Fireworks

Animals can be terrified by the noise of fireworks and to ensure the safety of pets, it is advised to keep them indoors, isolated from the outside noise. 

The ISPCA suggests that pet owners walk their dogs during daylight to avoid trick-or-treaters and to avoid having them outside while fireworks are set off. 

Microchipping

The ISPCA urges pet owners to ensure that their pets are microchipped and all the contact database details are correct. 

The ISPCA would recommend an ID tag on pets' collars with their name and phone number. In case the pets get lost, they can be quickly found. 

Outdoor Pets

Outdoor pets like equines should be securely stabled or moved to a different location away from fireworks displays or bonfires in the area. 

Birds and small mammals should be kept indoors with a blanket covering their cages or hutch to act as a sound barrier.

Wildlife

Hedgehogs hibernate at this time of year and sleep in wood piles or heavy scrub and leaves. It is important to check under all wood piles before lighting any bonfires to ensure no wildlife hibernating. 

Some outdoor plastic decorations like fake spider webs or string lights can snare wild animals. The ISPCA urges caution about where pet owners keep their decorations and to ensure they are removed once Halloween is over.