Dogs’ hearing is approximately four times more sensitive than us humans and they can hear much higher frequency sounds than people, so you can imagine how loud the whizz, pop and bang of fireworks can be for dogs! With lots of different sounds, sights and smells around that only appear once a year, it can be very unsettling, so it’s important we watch out for them during spooky season.
Tips for a trick free Halloween from Dogs Trust
– Never force your dog to wear a dog costume, it could make them uncomfortable, overheat or feel worried. Festive doggie bandanas are usually more acceptable for dogs.
– Don’t force your dog to receive any unwanted attention, even from family members, as they may not recognise people in costumes and feel frightened.
– Make sure that your dog is wearing a collar and an ID tag and that their microchip details are up to date via www.fido.ie in case they escape.
– Keep treats and sweets away from your furry friends. Chocolate, raisins, grapes and the sweetener xylitol are some of the foods that are toxic to dogs. If you suspect your dog has eaten anything they shouldn’t, please call your local veterinary practice immediately and always store their out of hours emergency number on your phone. Why not try whipping up a batch of our ‘Spooky Dog Treats’ for your pup to enjoy (in moderation) instead! We’ve put the recipe at the bottom of this page ??
– We don’t recommend taking your dog ‘Trick or Treating’, but that doesn’t mean your dog needs to be left out of the fun. As well as keeping your dog safe, it’s important to ensure that you can make the night as enjoyable for them as possible by keeping them happily occupied with treats and games.
– Give your dog a K9 Connectable (or other long-lasting chew/slow feeder toy) jam packed with tasty goodies, this will help keep their mind occupied and give them something to do.
– Keep an eye on your dog’s body language and respond appropriately if you spot any signs of fear or anxiety. Make sure your dog has the opportunity to move away from a situation or interaction if they choose to.
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