A stressful time for your furry friends
With Hallowe'en fast approaching, Dogs Trust is issuing advice to help owners keep their pets safe at what is often the most stressful time of year for pooches.
Fireworks and bangers can be terrifying for dogs. This is because their hearing is on average four times more sensitive than that of us humans.
Research has shown that while almost three-quarters of fearful dogs recover by the next morning following firework exposure, in a small percentage of cases it can take longer.
Tips from Dogs Trust
Vonna Nolan, Head Dog School Coach at Dogs Trust Ireland said:
Our top tip this Halloween is to keep your dog safely indoors with a member of the family from early evening. It’s so important not to leave dogs alone when fireworks are going off as they could panic without you and cause injury to themselves. Despite the common misconception, it is okay to comfort your dog, if they seek reassurance from you. Dogs can’t learn when they are terrified, so you won’t be reinforcing their fear. Some dogs just want to hide as that’s how they feel safest, so we’re urging people to allow their dogs to choose whatever gives them the most comfort.
The charity has put together tips to help keep your dog happy this Halloween:
- Make sure dogs are wearing collar and ID tags and their microchip details are up to date
- Prepare tasty dog friendly Halloween treats, such as food filled interactive toys
- Create a cosy den or area where your dog can hide safely and comfortably
- Walk and feed your dog before the fireworks begin
- Close the curtains, turn the lights on and put on some soothing, rhythmic music to drown out the firework noises and flashes
- Before answering the front door to ‘trick or treaters’, make sure your dog is behind a firmly closed door inside to prevent any escape attempts
- Dogs may not recognise people in costumes, so don’t force them to receive any unwanted attention, even from family members.
Veterinary advice
Niamh Curran-Kelly, Veterinary and Welfare Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland continued:“If your dog really struggles with fireworks, please contact your vet who will be able to discuss whether medical treatment might be helpful during the Halloween period. Also, don’t forget to keep all treats meant for humans safely away from your dogs, especially chocolate, raisins, grapes, and anything containing xylitol, all of which are toxic to dogs. If you suspect your dog has eaten anything they shouldn’t, please call your local veterinary practice immediately.
For more tips on keeping dogs safe at Hallowe'en, listen here to Maria's discussion on The Saturday Cafe with Lyndsey Power from Inn the Doghouse.
