Halloween Tips for Pets

🎃 Halloween & Firework Season 

Keeping Pets Safe and Calm

Halloween is a fun and festive time for families, but it can be a stressful season for pets. These Halloween pet safety tips Ireland from Cara Vet Group will help you protect your dogs and cats during fireworks, trick-or-treating, and spooky celebrations. With a little preparation, you can make sure your furry family members stay calm, comfortable, and safe throughout the Halloween festivities.

Remember: every pet is different. It may take a combination of approaches to help them feel secure.

🕯️ Before Firework Season

Start Early... Ideally 3–6 Months Ahead

Create a calm zone
Choose a quiet room where your dog or cat can relax undisturbed. Plug in a Feliway (cats) or Adaptil (dogs) diffuser at least a few weeks before fireworks begin. Leave it on continuously.

Sound desensitisation
Gradually introduce firework sounds using a sound-training playlist (available on YouTube or Spotify) at a low volume. Increase gradually over time to help your pet become used to the noises.

Calming supplements
Consider Nutracalm or other veterinary-recommended calming aids to promote relaxation. These are particularly helpful for anxious pets or those with previous bad experiences.

Routine & reassurance
Keep feeding, walking and bedtime consistent. Predictability helps reduce anxiety.

👻 On Halloween or Firework Nights

• Walk early: Exercise dogs well before dark so they’re home and settled before fireworks start.
• Set up a den: Make a comfortable hideaway in a blackout room with bedding, toys and chews. Close windows, draw curtains, and play gentle background noise (TV or radio) to mask sounds.
• Keep them safe indoors: Secure all doors, windows and cat flaps. Frightened animals may bolt if startled. Provide litter trays for indoor cats.
• Use calming products: Continue using Adaptil/Feliway/Pet Remedy near their den and give Nutracalm about an hour before dusk. A Thundershirt can also help many dogs feel more secure.
• Ignore fearful behaviour: Stay calm yourself. Don’t punish or over-comfort your pet when scared - this can reinforce fear. Engage them in calm play if they’re willing, but let cats hide if they prefer.
• Avoid hazards: Keep chocolate, sweets and wrappers away from pets - most are toxic. Keep lit pumpkins and candles well out of reach to prevent burns or fires.
• Costumes: Avoid costumes unless your pet is fully comfortable. Ensure outfits don’t restrict breathing, movement or vision.
• Keep out of reach: Keep decorations, fake cobwebs, wires, and batteries out of reach.

Microchip check

Make sure your pet’s microchip details are up to date, just in case they escape in fright.

🧸 After the Event

• Keep the Adaptil/Feliway/Pet Remedy diffuser plugged in for at least a week afterward.
• Continue Nutracalm at a half dose if your pet remains unsettled.
• If your pet showed extreme fear, speak with our veterinary team about a desensitisation or behaviour plan before next year’s season.

❤️ Final Tips

Don’t wait until next October to address firework fears - early planning makes a big difference.

For personalised advice or to pick up calming products, speak with our team at Cara Vet Group. Please feel free to contact us with any queries.