Take the fright out of Halloween and firework night.

Halloween has become more popular each year with parties being held, fireworks being let off and children out trick or treating. Here are a few reminders to ensure that your pet stays safe.

• Keep all edibles out of reach of your pet , especially chocolate.
• Keep pets away from the front door. Children in costumes can scare a pet and with the door opening and closing frequently, you don't want them escaping.
• Do not dress your pet up unless they are completely comfortable with this and ensure that the accessories are kept simple. Supervise your pet at all times.
• Keep your cat indoors.
• Take care if you are using candles - wagging tails and swatting paws can knock them over.

We're ready for the fireworks!

So, you've set up a safe area in which your pet can retreat to, plugged in a diffuser to help your pet feel more relaxed (or chosen a natural calming product to suit your pet.)

Now for some tips for on the night(s);

• Take your dog for a walk early in the evening before the fireworks start.
• Ensure your pet is safely inside and secure doors, windows and cat flaps.Cats will need a litter tray.
• Is your dog or cat micro-chipped in case they do escape?
• Try not to leave your pet alone when fireworks are going off. Pets may hurt themselves or cause damage if they are not supervised.
• Shut curtains, keep lights on and switch on the radio or TV to help muffle out the sounds of the fireworks.
• Behave normally and praise your dog if they are relaxed.
• Ignore any fearful behaviour.
• Don’t get cross or punish your pet, regardless of their behaviour, as it will only make them more distressed.
• Cats prefer to be left to cope on their own - let them find a hiding place and leave them undisturbed.

Outdoor rabbits and guinea pigs;

• If the hutch is attached to a run, make sure that your pet is back in their hutch before it gets dark and close off access to the run.
• Provide plenty of extra hay in which they can burrow and hide. A cardboard box ,with a hole cut in the side for access and filled with hay, makes a good hiding place.
• Turn the hutch to face a wall or fence to help block out the flashes,  or cover the hutch. Do however ensure that there is enough ventilation.
• If you can, move the hutch indoors to a cool part of the house or into a shed for example.
• You could always bring them inside for a cuddle (if they are used to this) or pop them in a pet carrier indoors with plenty of hay during the worst period of the fireworks.