Pet-Safe Christmas Trees and Decorations 

The Christmas tree is the centre-piece of many homes during the holidays, but it can be a source of mischief for curious pets. Cats may see it as a climbing frame, and dogs might be tempted by low-hanging ornaments.

To keep your tree safe:

• Secure it firmly to prevent tipping.
• Avoid using tinsel, which can cause dangerous intestinal blockages if ingested.
• Choose shatterproof ornaments and keep them out of reach of playful paws.

If you have a real tree, be mindful of the potential risks. Pine needles can cause stomach upsets, and water in the tree base may contain fertilisers or bacteria harmful to pets. Artificial trees are a safer option for households with curious animals.

If you have concerns about pet health assessments or suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact emergency veterinary services at Village Vets immediately.

Christmas Decorations That Support Pet Wellness

Decorations are a huge part of Christmas, digging them out from the attic and setting aside a day with the family to put them up; but unfortunately some can pose risks to your pets. At Village Vets, we often remind pet owners of the importance of choosing pet-safe decorations:

• Use cord protectors for lights and opt for LED lights, which emit less heat, reducing the risk of burns.
• Avoid toxic plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly. Instead, use faux alternatives or pet-friendly greenery such as rosemary or spider plants.
• Chocolate decorations are also a very avoidable toxin, if necessary, hang them high on the tree out of the way of your pup.

Reach out to our teams at any of our locations to get more advice on pet-friendly decorations this holiday season. 

Quick Tips for a Safe and Happy Christmas

Here are a few practical steps to keep your pet safe this holiday season:

• Secure your tree: Avoid tipping and keep harmful decorations out of reach.
• Choose pet-friendly plants: Replace poinsettias and holly with safe alternatives.
• Monitor treats: Keep toxic foods and table scraps away from your pet.
• Provide a retreat: Create a quiet space where your pet can relax away from the noise.
• Stay prepared: Familiarise yourself with the services at your local Village Vets for emergency care or consultations.

Village Vets: Trusted Pet Healthcare for the Holiday Season

At Village Vets, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional pet healthcare during the festive season and beyond. Our comprehensive pet health plans, for dogs, cats, and rabbits, offer tailored services to meet your pet’s needs. At any of our locations, our team is here to help.

This Christmas, let us support you in ensuring your furry friends are safe, healthy, and happy. For advice, appointments, or emergency veterinary services, contact Village Vets or visit our website today. Wishing you and your pets a joyful and pet-safe Christmas!

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Recognising a Pet Emergency

Being aware of the signs that your pet may need urgent veterinary care is crucial. Look out for symptoms such as persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, a swollen abdomen, or signs of pain like whining or limping. Unusual behaviours, including sudden lethargy or collapse, are also red flags. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it’s always better to contact your vet for advice.

What to Do in an Emergency

If your pet shows signs of distress, staying calm is the first and most important step. Pets often pick up on their owner’s emotions, so remaining composed can help keep them calm too. Contact your vet immediately to describe the symptoms or situation. Providing as much detail as possible will allow the veterinary team to prepare for your arrival.

For serious incidents like choking, difficulty breathing, or seizures, head to the vet or nearest emergency clinic without delay. Always call ahead to ensure the team is ready for you.

Common Holiday Emergencies

The holiday season brings unique risks for pets, from eating toxic foods to accidents with decorations. Here are some common emergencies and how to handle them:

• Toxic Foods: Foods like chocolate, mince pies, and grapes can be extremely harmful to pets. If your pet consumes something dangerous, call your vet immediately and provide details about what and how much was eaten. Do not attempt to make your pet vomit unless specifically advised by a professional.
• Injuries or Accidents: With the increased activity around the house, it’s easy for pets to get hurt. Whether it’s a burn from a candle or a cut from broken ornaments, clean minor injuries gently with warm water and cover them until you can see a vet. Avoid moving your pet if you suspect a fracture.

Be Prepared: Your Emergency Checklist

To ensure you’re ready for any unexpected situations over the holidays, it’s helpful to plan ahead. Keep the following in mind:

• Save the contact information for your regular vet and the nearest 24-hour clinic.
• Check your vet’s Christmas opening hours in advance.
• Create a first aid kit with pet essentials, including antiseptic wipes, bandages, and any prescribed medications.
• Ensure festive hazards like chocolate, ornaments, and electrical cords are kept out of reach.

Your Pet’s Safety This Christmas

Emergencies can happen at any time, but with preparation and quick action, you can ensure your pet gets the care they need. At Village Vets, we’re here to support you and your pets during the holiday season, offering expert advice and emergency services when you need us most.

This Christmas, let’s prioritise the safety and happiness of our furry friends. For urgent assistance or to learn more about our services, contact Village Vets today. Wishing you and your pets a happy, healthy, and safe festive season!

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Getting a new puppy is exciting and joyful, but it also comes with responsibility, including the need for regular veterinary care. The first vet visit is crucial for your puppy’s health, helping establish a health baseline and introducing you to the basics of puppy care. This guide offers practical tips on preparing for the vet visit, questions to ask, and what to expect during and after the appointment.

Why the First Vet Visit Matters

Your puppy’s first vet visit is an essential milestone for several reasons:

1. Health Assessment: This visit allows the vet to perform a thorough examination, assessing your puppy’s overall health.
2. Vaccination Schedule: Puppies require a series of vaccinations to protect them from common diseases. The vet will create a vaccination schedule tailored to your puppy’s needs.
3. Preventative Care: Discuss parasite prevention, diet, and basic care that will keep your puppy healthy.
4. Behavioral Guidance: Early socialization and training tips are often covered during this visit, as behavior is essential to a happy pet and household.

Preparing for the First Visit

Proper preparation can make the first vet visit smoother and less stressful for you and your puppy.

1. Bring Important Paperwork: If you received any health records or documentation from the breeder or shelter, bring these along.
2. Gather a List of Questions: Prepare a list of questions about feeding, vaccinations, training, and more. This is your opportunity to get expert advice from your vet.
3. Get Your Puppy Used to Handling: Gently touch your puppy’s paws, ears, and mouth to help them become comfortable with handling.
4. Bring a Treat or Toy: Something familiar can help comfort your puppy and reward them for good behavior.
5. Practice Short Car Rides: To help prevent anxiety, take a few short trips in the car to acclimate your puppy to travel.

What to Expect During the Visit

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what typically happens during a puppy’s first vet visit:

1. Check-In and Waiting Room: When you arrive, you’ll usually check in with the receptionist. If there are other animals in the waiting area, try to keep your puppy calm and close to you.
2. Physical Examination: The vet will examine your puppy’s coat, eyes, ears, teeth, paws, and body condition.
3. Weighing: Weight is an essential part of assessing your puppy’s health and determining proper dosage for medications.
4. Temperature Check: A rectal temperature check is common to ensure your puppy isn’t running a fever.
5. Vaccinations and Shots: Depending on age, your puppy may receive initial vaccinations.
6. Parasite Prevention: The vet may recommend or start a regimen to prevent fleas, ticks, and heartworms.
7. Diet and Nutrition Advice: Vets often provide guidance on the best diet for growing puppies, as well as tips for healthy treats and feeding schedules.
8. Behavioral Tips: Many vets discuss the importance of socialization and may offer early training advice.

Key Questions to Ask Your Vet

Taking notes on these topics can be helpful for future reference:

1. Vaccination Schedule: Which vaccines are required, and when will follow-ups be necessary?
2. Diet Recommendations: What brand or type of food is best suited for puppies?
3. Signs of Health Issues: Ask about symptoms of common puppy illnesses.
4. Training Tips: Any advice for housetraining, crate training, or discouraging biting?
5. Pet Insurance: Does the vet recommend insurance, and if so, are there specific companies they trust?
6. Spaying or Neutering: When is the best time, and what are the health benefits?

Common Puppy Health Concerns

Understanding common puppy health issues can help you detect potential problems early:

1. Parvovirus: Highly contagious and potentially deadly, parvo requires immediate attention.
2. Distemper: Distemper can cause respiratory issues and more severe complications, so vaccination is key.
3. Parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, and fleas are common in puppies. Regular deworming and flea prevention are essential.
4. Dental Health: Early dental care can prevent future issues. Ask your vet about proper brushing techniques.
5. Skin Issues: Puppies can develop rashes, dry skin, or sensitivity. Your vet can recommend pet-safe treatments.

Tips for a Low-Stress Visit

Puppies may experience anxiety during their first vet visit. Here are ways to minimize stress:

1. Stay Calm: Puppies pick up on our energy, so try to remain calm and soothing.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise your puppy for good behavior and reward them with treats after the visit.
3. Bring a Comforting Toy: A favorite toy or blanket can provide a sense of security.
4. Avoid Over-Stimulation: Keep other pets or loud distractions away from your puppy.

After the Vet Visit: Care Tips

After the appointment, it’s normal for your puppy to be tired, especially if they’ve received vaccinations. Here are a few tips for post-visit care:

1. Monitor for Reactions: Watch for any side effects, such as lethargy or mild swelling near the injection site.
2. Limit Activity: Allow your puppy to rest and recover.
3. Provide Extra Comfort: A soft bed and extra cuddles can be reassuring after the new experience.
4. Stick to Routine: Try to get back into your regular feeding, play, and sleep routine to help your puppy feel secure.

Common Follow-Up Questions and Concerns

Puppies grow fast, and it’s common to have follow-up questions after the first visit. Here are some topics to keep in mind:

1. When to Return: Your vet will likely recommend a follow-up appointment in a few weeks. Make note of this schedule.
2. Behavioral Changes: Sudden changes in behavior may be a sign of health issues.
3. Changes in Appetite: If your puppy’s eating habits change, it’s worth contacting the vet.

Additional Resources

Consider using these resources for more information on puppy care:

• Local Pet Training Classes: Socialization is key, and training classes can be a great way to introduce new skills.
• Pet Insurance Plans: Research insurance plans if your vet recommends it. Many plans cover preventive care and emergencies.
• Puppy Socialization Tips: Socialization during the early months can prevent behavioral issues later.

Conclusion

Your puppy’s first vet visit is a pivotal step in establishing a healthy, happy life together. By preparing ahead of time, asking key questions, and staying observant after the visit, you’re setting your puppy up for a bright future. Remember, the vet is there to support you and your new puppy on this journey, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any concerns along the way. A well-cared-for puppy becomes a beloved and healthy companion for years to come.

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You’re invited to our open day event!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept 30th, from 1pm to 3pm, as we celebrate the grand reopening of our newly refurbished veterinary clinic in Dunshaughlin!

Come and join us for an afternoon of fun and frolics. We will show you around our new clinic and introduce you to our incredible team in Dunshaughlin. We’re planning an exciting day for adults, children, and, of course, our furry friends!

Step behind the scenes of our state-of-the-art facility. You will have the opportunity to ask our team any burning questions you may have!

There’ll be lots of FREE fun activities on the day, including face painting, a chance to experience our pet ambulance, a professional pet photographer who will turn your pet’s photo into a keyring, as well as tasty treats for our two-legged and four-legged friends!

We’ll have some special guests on the day, and you will be in with a chance to WIN one of our famous Pet Health Plans!

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Once your puppy has grown into a young dog, it becomes much more apparent and often shows signs of misbehaviour.

If your young rascal is barking at other dogs, jumping up to people, or not coming when called, it might not necessarily be something to do with their breed or gender. It might be that young dogs simply don’t know what is expected of them!

The number one reason is that – your pup hasn’t been trained, and they are misbehaving naturally as they simply don’t know what is expected of them…as well because nobody showed the example! Dogs need discipline, and some breeds are even faster to learn as, through centuries of selective breeding, your pups can quickly adapt to training!

Here is the deal… Dogs are born without a set of guidelines to follow in the human world. They understand the dog world, but now that we have them in our home, we have to teach them the rules of the human world.

How to stop a dog from misbehaving?

It’s up to the human in charge to teach them what we want them to do, what we don’t want them to do, and how to stop doing those unwanted behaviours in the first place.

Recognise their behaviour 

Dogs display unwanted behaviours when they are full of energy, completely drained, and need naps and downtime. It is like with children, as soon as they wake up, they want to play, jump and get about. Now think of the kids at the end of the day at a playground; they become easily irritable and needy of attention. The same goes for your little furry friend, as they will be misbehaving precisely at these times. This means that you are going to evaluate where their energy level is. If their battery level is high, you will make sure you give them an outlet to release, play with them, spend time training, play in the yard or go for a walk.

15 Minute training 

Recognising patterns of behaviour accompanied by training will help you change your young pup’s behaviour. Dog behaviourists suggest spending, on average, at least 15 minutes a day training your four-legged friend every day for their entire life. This means you must integrate this time into their daily routines and teach them tricks and tricksof the human world! Everyday training will serve you a lifetime friendship with your pooch!

It is also better to exercise your pup’s energy before the training session, as they can focus better on what you are trying to teach them.

Positive and Negative Reinforcements 

Frequently puppy owners accidentally reinforce behaviours that they don’t want to see without realising it. If your pup is jumping on you, do not pet them on their head, as this will only positively reinforce the jumping. If we keep reinforcing the behaviour, it becomes more substantial because the dog is learning. Instead, we want to teach our pups how to sit politely to get attention from us.

It is also our best advice not to use things like squirt bottles, shaker cans and even e- collars or resort to yelling and screaming at your dog. This does not get the best result in training your dog as it ruins the bond that you already innately started building!

If you find this is not working out for you and your little rascal, it is best to consult with your local vet to refer you to a local puppy school or a dog trainer, as this would be an investment worth a lifetime of a good friendship with your dog!

Happy Barking!

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5: Lawn Feeds, Plant Foods and Moss Killers

It might seem like we’re being overprotective here but it can be very easy to forget these things, especially when you’ve applied them a few days ago. Any leftover feeds should be kept locked in a shed or out of sight from your pet. You can always trust a dog to sniff out the thing that’s not good for them… and eat it!

4: Mushrooms and Other Fungi

While some mushrooms are edible, others are highly toxic and it’s difficult to tell which is which. Symptoms of eating poisonous fungi can vary dramatically but may include sickness, hallucinations and even kidney or liver failure. Patrol your garden carefully, especially the shaded areas where light struggles to reach; these will be the best places for mushrooms and other fungi to grow and flourish.

3: A Stray Ball… Or a Stray Cat

Even after rigorously checking your garden for hidden dangers, it might not be the best time to go patting yourself on the back. A stray ball kicked by your next-door neighbour’s young-fella’ might seem like a fun toy when in reality it makes for a lethal choking hazard. The same can be said for a Ragamuffin if she happens to find herself stuck in your garden. Isolate your pet from the hazard and quickly remove or shoo it away, then you can crack open the Fanta and enjoy what little Sun we get.

2: Daffodil, Lily and Spring Crocus Bulbs

Several popular garden plants are poisonous to dogs and, funnily, it’s the bulbs that pose the biggest risk. For example; daffodil, lily and spring crocus bulbs are all highly toxic and symptoms of plant or bulb poisoning can include vomiting, an upset stomach and coughing. If you do wish to plant some of these lovely bláthanna, cordon off the area with a makeshift fence and bury the bulbs deep.

1: Compost

Which brings us nicely to Compost. Compost is usually full of moldy food and garden waste. Some of this waste can produce mycotoxins which are highly dangerous to dogs. Mycotoxicosis, which is poisoning by-products contaminated by fungi, can be fatal. You should always keep compost out of reach and seek urgent veterinary advice if you suspect that your dog has raided the compost bin. Again, if you’re using compost as a planting base you may need to cordon off the area with a fence that your pet cannot bypass.

With the above now in your repertoire of gardening tricks, you’ll be able to know what to look out for and what to protect your furry friend from! Vigilance is key but, with owning a dog, you knew that anyway…

Before we wrap up, if you do find yourself in the middle of an emergency you really shouldn’t be reading this! Click here for our emergency contact list. Otherwise, call 01 8213189 for our Meath and North Dublin clinic, or 01 2987510 for our South Dublin clinic.

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Essential Items and Must Haves:

If you’re serious about this you’ll need a few essential items to help you on your way. The first things we recommend getting are a dog crate (obviously), a limitless supply of newspaper and a comfy, you-smelling blanket. The crate will give your dog a place to rest and an area to call their own in due time, while the blanket will keep them warm and allow him/her to familiarise your scent with safety. Next, you’ll need a toy or enriching treat that will keep your pup’s mind off of misbehaving, chewing on the good couch in the sitting room or going toilet in the kitchen.

On a side note, our own Pet Health Plans are ideal for any accidents that happen when your pup is figuring out their place in the world. You’ll receive free visits to all of our clinics, annual booster vaccinations, annual urine and blood tests, 10% off neutering and 20% off all Royal Canin Diets!

The first night:

Introducing your pet to their new lodgings should be done when you’ve plenty of time on your hands. To begin, allow them to investigate it on their own terms; this is where your you-smelling blanket comes in. Once you think they’re comfortable around or in their crate you can leave them for the time being… However, the hard part is when it comes time to lock the house down for the night and go to bed.

Coax them gently into their crate and then close its door. Remain in the room with them for a short period and then make your exit. If you hear barking or howling don’t return to investigate it immediately (not unless you think it sounds dire). What should happen is that your pet will gradually calm down. When morning comes, enter the room as you normally would and make little fuss over letting them out. Repeat as necessary until the nightly barking stops or they willingly enter their crate for a rest! When you’ve time, investigate the crate for signs of wear and tear or biting; those signs can be a good indication of how your pet is taking to their new home.

Time-outs and rest:

Your dog’s crate should be a haven for them to relax and feel safe in, not a place for time-outs or as a punishment for being bold. Should the two be mixed your pet may become confused as to what their crate is for, resulting in increased anxiety from being in it. In due time you’ll find that your pet will naturally retreat to their crate much like a cat would their favourite hiding spot; it’s for that reason as to why we recommend not interfering with that psychological connection. On the other hand, if you find that your dog is falling asleep in the sitting room you can train them to seek out their crate by issuing simple commands and using simple reward-based training.

Toileting:

If you haven’t already toilet-trained your dog, you will once you start crate training them – this is what the limitless supply of newspaper we mentioned earlier is for. It’s fine for your pet to go toilet in their crate for the first few nights but eventually you’ll need to have them asking to be let out. This can be accomplished by showing your disapproval, showing them what they did wrong and using treats to show them what you actually want them to do – issuing commands all-the-while and rewarding them for following your instructions correctly. Once your dog learns that their crate is not a toilet you’re halfway there; the rest will come naturally!

So, after our few nudges in the right direction we hope that you have success with training your dog to enjoy their new lodgings. For advice, the chats or anything else you can always phone us or pop in for a visit.

Be good!

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Crate or Box?:

The act of transporting your animal to your Vet is often the largest stumbling block; they hate it, you hate it, it’s not nice for anyone! Some simple tricks I learned with Shadow was to leave his transport crate in plain sight, put a me-smelling blanket inside and let him suss it out in his own time. This will help your pet feel more comfortable when the time or need arises to transport them in said container. While pet-grade crates work best, in one particular emergency Shadow landed at the Vets wrapped in towels and tucked in a basket like a new-born!

Dogs, on the other hand, can be both easier and harder to transport; it ultimately depends on their size. Similarly with cats, placing their transport crate in open sight and having a you-smelling blanket will make it appear more inviting to your pet. You may even find that they prefer lying in their crate as opposed to their bed! Once they’ve become accustomed to the crate or box, you should have no problem corralling them into it when the time comes. Treats can also be used to lure your pet in, but I always felt ashamed when Shadow stared back through the bars…

Setting Off:

Pets can be quite empathetic creatures, able to pick up on the smallest emotions we express. When a visit to the Vet is coming up, try to make as little fuss about it as possible. Even after getting them into the crate and into the car, pretend that you’re simply going to a park or a pet shop. Upon arriving at the Vets you can start to relax as they’ll soon be in safe hands.

If you’re pet is still frightened or upset about their journey, it’s important that you speak to them in a comforting voice, as if they were a toddler. Alternatively, you can prepare them for future journeys by introducing them to your preferred mode of transport long before an emergency. Allow them to investigate your car on their own terms and they’ll be much happier when it comes to travelling in it!

You can compliment the above by taking your pet on incrementally longer drives. Start out by taking them in the car for a minute, then five minutes, then ten minutes. Eventually you’ll reach a point of critical mass where they’ll no longer be frightened by having to go anywhere in the car! Alas, not all of us have access to that kind of transport, so if you’re depending on a bus or a train we recommend covering your pet’s crate with a large blanket; this will help dampen strange noises while helping them to relax in reduced light.

Home and Safe:

Once the visit has come and gone, you may find that your pet is out of sorts or not quite themselves. This is a natural response to frightening or tense situations and will subside after a few hours or days. Make sure your pet has their favourite toy, favourite treat and their bed is padded with an extra layer or two. There’s nothing like getting into your bed and curling up for the night after a stressful event; the same goes for our poor pets!

We hope that the above has armed you for any future journeys your pet may need to your trusted Vet. There’s literally tonnes of strategies and tricks you can use to help your pet feel safer during stressful periods, but it’s about finding what works for you and yours! If you have any questions you can always contact us.

Bye for now pet-pals!

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Get Them Their Favourite Treat:

Time is often a luxury for many of us working in the modern world. Buying your pet their favourite treat is still showing some love! Perhaps even a new toy would sweeten the deal just that little bit more. Of course, your pets probably won’t even know why they’re getting treated, but the main thing is that they’re happy! It’s the thought that counts, after all.

Just be careful to check the ingredients, making sure that any treat you pick up is safe and tasty for your paw-pal.

Models Michele McGrath and Yomiko Chen takes their pooches for a stroll as they gear up for Valentines Day

Put Aside Some Time for Your Pet:

Put aside an hour or three for your pet! If you own a dog; bring him or her for a walk or a trip to the beach now that the evenings are slowly getting brighter. If you own a cat; spend some time petting or playing until one of you falls asleep. If it’s a small animal you have; let them out of the cage for a supervised hour or two.

Bring Your Pet On A Date:

While it may not be a trip to the movies or a night away in the Slieve Russel; you can still bring your pet on a date! This could be a leisurely stroll down the town, a coffee in a take away cafe(for you, not your pet) or even a moonlit walk on a pier.

Get out of the house and bring your pet, it’s one of the best ways to show them that you love them. Why not hop in the car? Let your pet be your co- pilot and go on an adventure! With the bright evenings slowly coming back to us, the park is the perfect place to have a date both of you can enjoy.

Just remember to bring a lead and some snacks!

Rescue dogs Happy & Ringo were helping to launch the Village Vets “Love Your Pooch” campaign.

Book An Appointment With Your Vet:

Definitely not the most conventional way of showing your pet that you love them… Bringing your paw-pal to the vet is one of the most compassionate and caring acts that we could think of. We may not give each other the gift of health on days like these, but your pet most certainly deserves it. Trips to the vet should be a regular occurrence anyway, but the odd check-up every now and then can often reveal hidden ailments or maladies that would otherwise be left untreated. Get your pet checked properly, consult your vet about dietary requirements or see about purchasing a Pet Health Plan.

That about wraps it up for us on this very special occasion. Whatever you plan on doing with your day, we hope both you and your pet have a memorable experience! If you or your pet run into any difficulties over this Valentine’s Weekend, we’re only ever a phone call away.

We wish you, yours and your pets lots of love this Valentine’s Day! Xxx

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Fireworks…

Yeah, let’s get the big one out of the way. Fireworks, for all intents and purposes, are the single greatest stressor for pets on Halloween. Imagine you’re a dog who has no context for Halloween or what fireworks are, now imagine a loud, disembodied BOOM going off outside your crate. You’d be scared too, we bet. But dogs aren’t the only animals affected; horses can spook, rabbits can panic, birds can literally have heart attacks, fish… well, fish aren’t too bothered.

Regardless, now is the time to start putting some thought into how you can mitigate the inevitable; whether you have access to a room with good sound dampening or if you can pad out your animal’s enclosure with noise reducing materials. Any efforts taken now are, put simply, better than doing nothing at all.

Trick or Treaters

Ah yes, the lighter, funnier side of Halloween. No doubt it will be a very busy affair this time around as it is expected that many children will want to take part in this long-standing tradition given the all-clear. But, strangers in masks calling to your door at night is more than enough to give your pet a good case of the barks. Along with fireworks, this can lead to a potentially unpleasant situation.

If you’re expecting trick or treaters, we encourage you to keep your pet away from the front door or from wherever you’ll be handing out sweets. The logic behind a lot of these tips is quite simple, but it’s hard to argue with their effectiveness when put into practice!

Indoor/Outdoor

No debate here. Your pet should be inside on Halloween night. Be it a stable, makeshift hutch, carboard box, utility room, tiled hallway; get them inside and keep them company. For too long we’ve listened to true horror stories on November 1st. Whatever it is about Halloween night, certain individuals love to target animals for all sorts of abuse, all in aid of having a laugh. If you see, hear or think that an animal is being hurt or taken advantage of on Halloween night, or at any time of the year for that matter, make a call to your local Garda Station. If circumstances permit, take any stray pets into your home for the night, just until the morning; there’s little else that can be done, as sad as that is to say.

Sweets, Chocolates and Decorations

While a lot of the festivities surrounding Halloween include dressing up and setting off fireworks; chocolates, sweets, crisps and drinks are plentiful too. It is very easy for kids and adults alike to forget that cats and dogs are unable to eat chocolate or sugar-free sweets. Always be aware of the sweets you let fall on the ground as most pets will instantly lick them up or scurry off with them. This is very important at parties where sweets commonly fall to the floor and alcohol is spilled, all of which is toxic to most animals. If you do own a pet and you’re hosting a party, make sure that your furry companion is kept well away from the main thoroughfare of guests and revellers. A quiet back room is normally ideal for this purpose, as long as the animal has plenty of food and water and is regularly checked in on.

We hope these tips will help you and your pets have an especially spooky and safe Halloween this year! Don’t be afraid to get in touch if you have any queries regarding Halloween or are in need of some pet advice. We’re always on call to help!

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