Mayo pet owners issued warning ahead of Halloween night

The Mayo Dog Warden has released a statement with tips on how to keep your dog safe this Halloween.

The announcement states that the number of calls received by the Veterinary Office about stray or missing dogs increases around Halloween.

A dog’s hearing is almost four times more sensitive than a human’s. Dogs are easily frightened by fireworks They will run away to try and find safety if left outside, warns the Dog Warden.

Here are some tips from the Dog Warden to prevent this:

- Exercise your dog earlier in the day.

- Keep them on a lead at all times when outside.

- Make sure they are wearing a collar with an ID tag with your contact number on it.

- Check your dog’s microchip details are up to date. Having your dog microchipped is a legal requirement.

- Keep your dog inside during fireworks and have someone keep them company.

- Close all doors, windows and curtains.

- Play calming music to mask the loud noises outside.

- If your dog is sensitive to loud noises or flashing lights, make them an area where they can retreat to where they can feel safe. For example, a crate with a blanket over it, a cardboard box or under a table with a blanket covering it. Don’t try to coax them out; they will come out when they feel safe.

- Give them something to do, such as play with their favourite toy or chew on a treat.