Anxious Pets and Halloween

Is Halloween 🎃 a Scary Time for Your Pet?

Is your pet nervous? For many pets, Halloween is terrifying. Every year we are inundated with calls and visits from owners about their pets' anxiety at the sound of fireworks. Here is some advice that we hope will help.

Start this Immediately - Play short clips of fireworks on your TV, phone, AND radio at a low volume, and gradually increase it over the next couple of weeks. This helps desensitise pets to the unpredictable bangs coming from various places.

Offer soothing conversation and cuddles to provide reassurance and comfort when your pet is feeling anxious

1. Close Windows and Curtains - and keep the TV or radio on to mask the noise.

2. Make a Safe Hiding Spot — a quiet room or cosy den with their favourite blanket or toy.

3. Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques and reward calm behaviour (during the times of their usual triggers) to help distract and help with positive vibes.

4. Stay Calm Yourself — talk in an upbeat, happy tone. Pets often take cues from your body language and tone of voice.

5. In Extreme Cases — talk to us about calming defusers or mild sedatives if they are very stressed and nothing else works.

Anxiety doesn't just happen at Halloween

If your pet is anxious at Halloween, chances are they are anxious at other times too. Again, try these proactive steps to support and reduce stress.

1. Establish a Routine: Maintaining a consistent daily routine can help provide a sense of stability and security for your pet, for example, going for walks at the same time each day.

2. Outdoor Exercise on their Terms: Driving to the park if they are afraid of traffic, or going early in the morning during fireworks season.  

3. Create a Safe Space: If you need to leave them alone for any length of time a simple hiding place, like a sheet over a table with hanging sides (like the tent you use to make as a child), might help them feel safe and cosy.

4. Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques and

   reward calm behaviour (during the times of their usual triggers) to help

   your pet associate positive experiences with anxiety-inducing situations.

5. Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Regular exercise and activities can

   help alleviate anxiety and keep your pet's mind occupied and improve

   their ability to be able to rest and sleep.

6. Calming Products: Calming products like pheromone diffusers and

   sprays are useful to have at hand all year around. We will prescribe anxiety medication in extreme cases only and a check-up with the vet is required.

7. Behaviour Modification: Professional trainers can be very helpful and

   can work on techniques tailored to your pet's specific anxieties.

8. Talk to Us: If your pet's anxiety significantly impacts their quality of life

   make an appointment with us to rule out any underlying medical

   conditions and explore appropriate treatment options. 

Sweets & Treats

Keep toxic chocolate, sweets, and raisins out of reach of pets and remind children NOT TO SHARE treats with dogs.

Costumes & Decorations

Costumes should be comfy and not block movement or vision.Also, be aware that pets can get tangled in decorations.

Tracking and Microchip Use a tracking device and also make sure your pet is microchipped by a vet as these are hugely useful if your pet (especially cats) run away.

Final Thoughts

Halloween can be a stressful time for our pets — but a little preparation makes a huge difference. Start easing them into the sounds and sights now, and you’ll both have a much calmer night when the fireworks begin.

If your pet really struggles with anxiety, don’t wait until the 31st October— give us a call. We can advise on calming options or medication if really needed.

We’re always happy to help or chat things through. 📞 Call 01-6230744 or

book an appointment here

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