October 31 is just days away if you can believe it, but people have been issued a ‘do not’ do warning ahead of the big day
Halloween is fast approaching, and while many of us are busy choosing costumes and planning themed parties, some pet owners are getting into the spooky spirit by picking out outfits for their furry friends. From tiny pumpkins to spooky skeletons, pet costumes have become a popular way to include animals in the Halloween fun.
However, experts are advising pet owners to think twice before dressing up their pets. While it might seem harmless and cute, not all animals are comfortable wearing costumes.
Now, specialists warn that some outfits can restrict movement, cause overheating or lead to stress and anxiety. Urging people “do not dress up” your pet, experts from Bella + Duke say you may not know it, but it could cause lots of issues for your dog. It explains: “It is not advised to dress up dogs.
“Costumes often restrict movement and can stress out your furry friend. They could overheat and then struggle to regulate themselves with the extra layers of the costume. Additionally, there is a risk of them getting tangled in furniture and ornaments, resulting in an injury or breakage.”
It adds that “each dog is different” and “some may be comfortable in a jumper or costume for a shorter period of time with supervision.” But to be on the safe side, you should not dress them up if they are distressed and you should not have them in it for long even if you think they are okay with it.
Does your dog bark at the doorbell?
During trick-or-treating, keep your dog away from the busy front door. Take them to a quiet room or upstairs and keep them entertained with their favourite games or treats. All the noise and activity can be stressful for dogs and might lead to anxious or protective behaviour – and they could try and escape.
With this in mind, make sure your dog has a safe space and you comfort them if they need it. It stresses: “If your dog knows they have their own private rest area, it’s easier for them to cope with whatever Halloween surprises there are.”
Do not walk your dog at night
In addition, experts advise walking your dog before nighttime to minimise encounters with trick-or-treaters, costumes and loud noises that may cause stress or pose a risk to your pet.
If you do encounter anything that scares your pup, calmly walk away and distract them. This could be through sprinkling treats on the ground to keep your dog preoccupied from the spooky trick-or-treaters, it suggests.
No sweets, just treats
Pet owners are also being warned that you should keep sweets out of snout’s reach, as while it may be common sense, many of us can leave things lying around, forgetting just how sneaky they can be. Chocolates, lollies and cakes might be a Halloween delight for us, but they are a danger for pets.
It explains: “For example, lollies can be a choking hazard; the sticks are very sharp. When it comes to sugary snacks like marshmallows and cakes, not only can they contain dangerous ingredients like xylitol, but they are also packed with sugar, which can result in unruly behaviour.”
It concludes: “If your dog eats something it shouldn’t, especially chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. It will help if you have the following information to hand: What your dog has eaten, how much your dog weighs, and how much your dog has eaten.”
