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Life

31st Oct 2016

If your dog get frightened on Halloween, try these tips

Megan Roantree

These might help relax your pet.

Halloween is great, it gives you an excuse to dress up as just about anything, eat loads of sweets and watch Hocus Pocus.

But if there is one down-side to Halloween it’s that our pets can get a bit frightened by all the crowds, the noise and fireworks.

Dogs Trust Ireland has released several pieces of advise on how you can keep your dog happy during this period.

They advise that you walk your dog early in the day before it gets dark.

Feed your dog before the fireworks begin as he may become unsettled and not want to eat during the fireworks. Plus a full bellied dog is more relaxed.

Have noise such as music or your TV turned up loud to drown out the sound of what’s going on outside.

Provide a safe hiding place for your pup. Make sure your furry friend has somewhere safe in his or her favourite room, perhaps under the table and close the curtains.

Make sure your house and garden are secure and doors are locked during the fireworks. Fear and panic might make the dog try to escape.

Don’t force any attention on the dog from strangers or people he may not recognise because of costume.

Comfort your dog by patting them and chatting to them, just like us, animals need reassurance.