FOUR PAWS gives tips so that October 31st doesn't become a dreaded day for pets
Hamburg. Halloween is just around the corner: October 31st is all about carved pumpkins, spooky decorations and scary costumes. But while this day is fun for many people, Halloween can cause a lot of stress for pets. FOUR PAWS pet expert Dr. Sabrina Karl explains why pet owners shouldn't dress up their animals and how to avoid unnecessary stress for dogs and cats.
“Elaborate, glowing or waving Halloween decorations can cause stress in pets. Cats in particular are sensitive to changes in their home. Animal costumes are definitely not recommended, as they not only restrict animals' freedom of movement, but also interfere with their communication. Dogs mainly communicate through body language. If their tail and ears are covered by clothing, they can no longer communicate effectively. Costumes with flapping components that fit uncomfortably or are too warm also lead to considerable stress “Responsible pet owners should therefore not dress up their pets,” says Dr. Sabrina Karl, pet expert at FOUR PAWS.
Human costumes can also scare animals
People should be considerate of animals even when they dress up themselves. If you have a particularly sensitive animal, you should definitely avoid coverings that cover the face when near it. “Of course, our dogs and cats also recognize us by smell, but above all they interpret our facial expressions. Scary masks and full-body costumes can unsettle or frighten animals,” says the FOUR PAWS expert.
Avoid unnecessary stress caused by noise
Constant ringing and knocking on the door, changing visitors and increased activity outside the front door can put some dogs on alert. Dogs who tend to bark every time the doorbell rings are particularly stressed on Halloween. It can help to keep the animal in a quiet room or to distract it with quiet music. “If possible, you should turn the bell down or turn it off completely,” says Dr. Sabrina Karl. “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.”
Take long walks during the day
A dog that is mentally and physically well exercised is more relaxed and less susceptible to stress. “You can enjoy the Halloween celebration much more if you know that your dog is doing well. So before you have fun in the evening, you can keep the dog busy during the day with long walks and additional hours of play – and in the evening you can go for a smaller walk away from busy streets,” says the pet expert. The following applies to cats: If possible, keep them indoors as soon as the sun goes down.