Insurance provider urges dog owners in Sussex and beyond to watch out for four ‘nightmarish’ Halloween hazards
An insurance provider is urging dog owners in Sussex and beyond to watch out for four little-known dangers that could put their pets at risk this Halloween.
New research from Protectivity shows that 39 per cent of pet insurance claims relate to dog walking.
Seeing as 36 per cent of UK households own a dog, Protectivity wants to highlight how common and costly seasonal hazards can be.
Visit www.protectivity.com/product/dog-walking-insurance to find out more.
The company said it has partnered with certified canine experts to share some practical advice for keeping dogs safe during the spooky season.
Chris Trotman, Underwriting Manager at Protectivity said: “Although making sure your dog is getting regular exercise at all times of the year is incredibly important, our claims research reveals the risks associated with dog walking in the lead up and aftermath of Halloween and Bonfire Night. For both owners and professional dog walkers, making sure you have the right insurance in place to cover unexpected emergencies is crucial.
“Whilst having insurance as a professional dog walker isn’t a legal requirement in the UK, it is strongly recommended. It can provide financial protection against unforeseen incidents, including in cases of accidents and injuries where medical expenses and legal fees can be exponential.”
Protectivity’s list of four Halloween risks for dogs is as follows:
1. Halloween sweets and chocolate
Chocolate is a toxin for dogs and sweets can be hazardous too. Even small amounts can cause severe illness and vet treatment can be more than £1,000.
Sadie Geoghegan-Dann, Canine Welfare Expert and Dog Trainer at Nervous Rex, said: “Make sure all kids (and adults) in the home know to keep chocolate and sweets well out of reach of your dog.
“Should the worst happen, try your best to work out exactly how much your dog has consumed, so you can tell your vet. Depending on your dog’s weight and the amount they ate, your vet may want to induce vomiting, which I can categorically say is not a pleasant experience for anyone involved, so that should be enough of a deterrent in itself.”
2. Glow stick and glow jewellery
Sian Lawley-Rudd, Certified Dog Trainer at Lavender Garden Animal Services, said: “Dogs love the crunch when they bite them, but the liquid inside a glow stick can cause drooling and stomach upset.”
Sadie said: “If you notice your dog suddenly drooling excessively and there’ve been any glow sticks around, check for damage and seek advice from your vet immediately.”
3. Pumpkins and decorative squash
Plain pumpkins are generally safe for dogs to eat, but decorative pumpkins left outside rot quickly, which produces mould that can be dangerous for dogs to consume.
Sadie said: “It doesn’t take long for Halloween pumpkins left outside peoples houses to start turning bad and, although the smell might be tempting for dogs, the resulting stomach upsets won’t be. If you don’t know how long pumpkins have been lying around, it’s best to just avoid them entirely.”
4. Bonfire night debris
Used fireworks and sparklers are often left in parks.
Sian said: “To us it looks like rubbish, but to dogs it smells interesting, and chewing on it can cause burns or poisoning.”