Tips to keep your cats, dogs, gerbils, rabbits and llamas safe on Bonfire Night...
This time of year can be scary for your fluffy companions (see: loud bangs, unedible sweets, people seemingly trading their face for one covered in blood and growing fangs). Some pets don't mind the whizzes and bangs at all, while others disappear up the chimney and take weeks to get over the stress.
But never fear, there are some things you can do to lessen the shocks for your pets.
Keep pets inside the house
With noisy fireworks, garden bonfires and people wandering the streets in scary costumes - the RSPCA estimate that 45% of the UK’s dogs are likely to show fearful behaviour when they hear fireworks. That means more than THREE MILLION dogs can end up chewing their feet, barking with fear, hiding or trying to ‘dig’ a way out. So, if you are a cat or dog owner it is recommended that you keep your pet inside during the festivities.
If you are a rabbit or guinea pig owner and your pet normally lives outside, it might be worthwhile temporarily moving them inside until the excitement dies down.
Beware of decorations
Cats and dogs may find Halloween decorations irresistible to play with but they could be hazardous to your pet. Try and minimise decorations and make sure they’re not in obvious reach of your pet.
Play calming music
Try and drown out the sound of fireworks with a happy playlist. Also do your best to act as if nothing out of the norm is happening. Animals feed of human emotions and will become anxious if you fuss too much!
Don’t leave sweets lying around
Chocolate and sweeties are NOT for dogs and can make them very unwell. Cats will also do anything they can do get their paws on Halloween treats so make sure they’re out of reach of your pets. Keep them in a sealed tub, if the trick or treaters eat them all first.
Keep candles safe
Try and keep pumpkin candles out of the way of doggies’ tales. You don’t want an emergency trip to the vet over the Halloween weekend.
Keep pets away from the front door
We may love being entertained by trick-or-treaters but if your pet is shy then they might not be so welcoming. If the doorbell sets them off then try and keep an eye on the front door to prevent your dog from being on alert the whole weekend.
Try and avoid pet costumes
They may look cute, but many pets don’t enjoy being dressed up as a wicked witch! Some costumes are also constricting and uncomfortable. Dressing up is fun for pet owners, less so for our furry friends.
Microchip your pet
Make sure your pet is microchipped. If they get spooked and run off then there is more chance that you will be reunited with your much-loved family member.
GALLERY: See the best celebrity Halloween costumes
Halloween celeb inspiration
1 of 21Perrie Edwards
Perrie is totally unrecognisable in her Ursula the Sea Witch costume. She posted a video of herself doing an Ursula impression and we were instantly transported back to being terrified while watching The Little Mermaid. Those poor unfortunate souuuuls!
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2 of 21Holly Willoughby
Good Morning may be celebrating 30 years on television, but presenter Holly Willoughby never fails to surprise us with her amazing style.
3 of 21Holly Willoughby
Holly paired her white fluffy ensemble with a silver glitter horn and a bushy rainbow coloured tail. This is a unicorn with some serious sass.
4 of 21Olivia and Alex Bowen
Ah, loved up newly-weds, Olivia and Alex looking… frightening. The Love Island duo swapped wedding whites for gory makeup last Halloween.
5 of 21Gemma Collins
No Halloween costume is complete without a candelabra in hand as the GC demonstrates in this candid spooky snap – but keep those candles away from your hairspray next time, Gemma.
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6 of 21Gemma Collins
Gemma Collins gives us a close up of her glam make-up, consisting of a daring red lip, gold glitter and Halloween-style contouring.
7 of 21Marnie Simpson
Matching her cute cheerleader outfit with scary white contact lenses, Marnie is one team-mate we wouldn't want to bump into.
8 of 21Marnie Simpson
Inspired by Mexican holiday Day of the Dead Marnie Simpson dons skeletal makeup and red roses in this halloween costume.
9 of 21Stacey Soloman
It looks like Holly Willoughby isn't the only fan of unicorn dress-up, as Loose Women panelist Stacey Soloman shared a similar mystical look last year.
10 of 21Billie Faiers
Pals Ferne McCann and Billie Faiers shared this Halloween selfie in 2017, showing fans their puurr-fect makeup. Will Sam Faiers put her feud with Ferne to the side, and join the besties this year?
11 of 21Ferne McCann
Ferne's complete look consisted of spooky makeup and a simple black off-the-shoulder dress. This year will mark Ferne's first Halloween with her daughter, Sunday.
12 of 21Kim Kardashian
Sister-act, Kim and Kourtney dressed up as pop legends Michael Jackson and Madonna circa 1991 for last year's Halloween makeover.
13 of 21Kim Kardashian
Is there anything Kim Kardashian can't do? If she's not donning Madonna's glamour, she's mirroring the beautiful CHER – oh, and Jonathan looks great as Sonny, too.
14 of 21Gaby Allen
Ex-Love Island and CBB star Gabby Allen looks so glamorous in her glitzy hat, perfect makeup and black, skull jacket.
15 of 21Emma Willis
TV presenter Emma Willis shows fans her funny side, as she dresses up with husband, Matt Willis. The pair transformed themselves into 'Deadward' for Halloween 2017.
16 of 21Lydia Bright
Lydia Bright whips up a storm in her latex and lace outfit. Donning a long auburn wig and black lipstick, Lydia shows her dark side in this sultry snap.
17 of 21Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid had a playful Halloween last year. Swapping her usual chic look for a thick blonde wig and shiny leggings, the U.S celeb even danced around with Spiderman.
18 of 21Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding, is that you? The popstar worked 9-5 on this outfit, and the effort has paid off. We hope to hear a Dolly Parton inspired album to match her 2017 costume.
19 of 21Rita Ora
Rita opted for a classic halloween costume in 2014 - the one and only Barbie. Donning a bright pink outfit and matching pink tiara, Rita pulled off the girly look.
20 of 21Nicole Scherzinger
Swapping judging panels and yoghurt adverts for a night dressed as Cleopatra, Nicole Scherzinger looks seriously glam in her pic shared with fans last year.
21 of 21Laura Whitmore
Laura Whitmore and Alexandra Maurer prove they're not totally clueless when it comes to fancy dress. The celebs mixed 90s fashion with blood and gore for this Halloween look.
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Do you have any other tips on how to keeps pets safe on Bonfire Night and throughout Halloween week? Let us know over on Facebook or Twitter****.