FOUR PAWS gives tips,
so that October 31st doesn't become a horror for pets
Hamburg. With spooky decorations, carved pumpkins and costumes, October 31st is just around the corner: Halloween. But while this unofficial holiday is fun for many people, Halloween can be frightening for pets. Judith Förster, qualified biologist and pet expert at FOUR PAWS, explains when animal costumes are inappropriate and how to avoid unnecessary stress for your animal companions.
Disturbing costumes are taboo for animals
Your dog dressed as a pirate or the black cat dressed as a vampire with artificial bat wings? Animal costumes may seem cute, but they can also cause stress and anxiety in dogs and cats. “Accessories such as fake axes or wings attached to the costume can be unsettling as the animals cannot throw them off. It also becomes problematic when dogs' ears are covered or their field of vision is restricted. Even if the tail, which the dog needs to communicate, is not visible, this can be uncomfortable for the animal. However, a costume vest is certainly harmless and does not restrict a dog any more or less than normal thermal protection,” says Dr. Judith Förster, qualified biologist and pet expert at FOUR PAWS.
Dogs and cats are not people and have no choice, so owners should not force them into an unnatural situation. People should also be considerate of animals when dressing up themselves. If you have a particularly sensitive animal, you should avoid wearing any clothing that covers the face when near it. “Our dogs and cats also recognize us by smell, but above all they interpret our facial expressions. Masks and full-body costumes can unsettle or frighten animals,” explains the expert.
Avoid stress
Constant ringing and knocking on the door, changing visitors and increased activity outside the front door can put many dogs on alert. Dogs who tend to chime every time the doorbell rings are particularly stressed on Halloween. To protect sensitive animals from the noise, they can be placed in a quiet room and distracted with music to drown out the noise at the door. Cats should also stay indoors on Halloween. “If possible, you should turn the bell down or turn it off completely,” advises Judith Förster. “If you are hosting a party at home, you should inform guests of the pet's whereabouts and ask them to leave the animal alone.”
Distraction and workload
An exhausted, well-exercised dog is more relaxed and less susceptible to stress. “You can enjoy Halloween a lot more when you know your dog is happy. So before you have fun in the evening, you can keep your dog busy during the day with long walks and additional hours of play,” recommends the pet expert.