Don't spook your pets this Halloween

Don't spook your pets this Halloween

"Don't spook your pets this Halloween," Pieter Verhoek a spokesperson for the New Zealand Veterinary Association warns.

"Tricking and treating can be great fun for kids, but taking pets along for the ride can cause a few problems," he said.

Lollies and chocolate are not good for cats and dogs, and in some instances can be toxic. This is especially with chocolate, which can result in animals getting seriously sick or even dying. So we do suggest that such treats are kept out of the reach of our pets.

Another area to watch is where dogs can get over-excited with a series of visitors to the front door and someone can get bitten, more often by accident rather than any intentional attack. Veterinarians suggest that dogs in particular are restrained and protected from the excitement of lots of people coming and going.

Halloween is normally fun, but sometimes the "tricking" part of the trick or treat can get out of hand, so we do ask that animals are kept well away from kids who potentially might play pranks on pets - this is especially so for black cats!

Finally, if the kids want to dress your dog or cat in a costume - please be sensible - ensure that the animals are comfortable and not restrained by unaccustomed clothing.

Veterinarian Pieter Verhoek said "Have a very happy Halloween, but please spare a thought for pets who might not enjoy the festivities as much as us!"

ENDS

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