
Keeping small animals safe during halloween
Halloween in Hexham, Stocksfield and Bellingham is a lot of fun for people of all ages, but our small animals don’t always share in the spooky enjoyment. Trick-o-treaters in scary costumes, knocks on the door, screams of excitement and of course changes in the home environment can all lead to stress for our little friends.
Here are a few things to consider and keep an eye out for this Halloween season in order to make sure your small animal stays safe and doesn’t get spooked.
1. MOVE ANY OUTDOOR PETS TO INDOORS
Not only might the weather be quite cold for your rabbit to be outside, there is a chance that excited trick-o-treaters may struggle to navigate in the dark and stumble upon the area your pet is, rather than perhaps the front door. This could be quite a shock for your rabbit and as we know, shock is not a good thing for rabbits! Moving them indoors to a safe and quieter space is a good idea.
2. SECURE A SAFE SPACE INDOORS
All small animals are at risk of shock, it can be fatal for them. So avoiding sudden loud noises is quite important. Some decorations indoor can be quite loud, or even doorbells or knocking. It is a good idea to find the quietest spot in your home ahead of the 31st, and to take precautions in making that area as quiet and relaxing as possible!
3. BE AWARE OF INDOOR RISKS
It is well documented what dangers like chocolate, sweets, decorations or plants can do to dogs and cats, but this also effects our small friends! Choking hazards in the likes of hamsters, to poisons in rabbits. We would recommend your secure area to remain “Halloween free”, so no decorations or sweets etc. Taking the temptation away is the best way to avoid a bad situation.
4. VETERINARY CARE
If the worst happens, then we are here for you. We have 24 hour emergency care here at Orchard House Vets, so if you find yourself in a situation where your small animal has an urgent medical problem, then give us a call on 01434 607677 (or your local Orchard House Vets surgery).