Skip to main content

Safety of Dogs at Halloween


Date: 28-10-2021

With Halloween approaching it’s time to start preparing to keep your dog safe at this ‘’Scary’’ time.

Always at this time of year the number of calls we receive to the Veterinary Office about stray or missing dogs increases.

A human hearing range is around 64-23,00 Hz whereas a dogs hearing range is around 67-45,000 Hz therefore loud noises affect them more.  They become frightened and scared.  Likewise, the bright flashing lights of fireworks will also affect them, and they will run off to try and find safety if they are left outside.

Here are a few things you can do to help keep your dog or any family pet safe at this time.

  • Exercise your dog well and 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, making sure that there is someone at home with them.
  • Close all doors, windows and curtains.
  • Play calming music to mask the noise outside.
  • If your dog is sensitive to loud noises or flashing lights, make them an area that they can retreat to where they can feel safe, i.e. 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, play with their favourite toy or give them a treat to chew on.

If your dog goes missing or you find a dog contact the Dog Warden Service at Mayo County Council on 094 9064000 or your local Garda Station giving them a description of the dog, where it went missing/found and your contact details.

https://www.mayo.ie/dog-warden/missing-strays

Mayo County Council promoting responsible dog ownership.




Back to top