In a few days, there may be a few Zombies and other Halloween related characters wandering the streets. It can be such a fun time of year, getting dressed up, all the decorations. trick or treating and parties. It’s one of my fave parts of winter. That and Christmas then summer. Ha but is it just as much fun for your pets as it is for you? Assuming you like Halloween also!

I’ve got 10 top tips to prevent real zombies spawning so read on…

Here’s a few things to consider:

• Lot’s of strangers knocking at the door might evoke feelings of anxiety or excitement in your dog or cat

• This is worse if they are dressed up in outfits that make them look strange, or even frightening - we know its for fun but our pets don’t have this concept

• Then lot’s of excitement is created by the appearance of sweet smelling foods, that we hand to the strangers and the ensuing squeals of delight coupled with us pretending to be scared or wowed by these strangers on the doorstep

• We might be unlucky and get a lot of loud bangs, and things thudding against the house, or subjected to fireworks, your neighbours may have a party with a lot of strange sounds and aromas.

• You might be planning a party with lots of strange sounds, people and aromas!

• As you wander the neighbourhood with your pet, they may experience something they haven’t seen, heard or felt before like people jumping out of bushes pretending to be Zombie’s, pumpkins, ghouls, flashing lights and floating decorations and this might cause them to react with barking, hissing if they’re a cat or trying to avoid them and may be reluctant to walk that way in future

There’s a lot to think about, but with some forward planning and remembering they have no idea what us humans are doing or why and can’t go Google it, we can make it a bit easier for them to manage.

Zombie Apocalypse top 10 tips for survival:

1. Introduce decorations into the home and outside, gradually. The inflatable ones can be especially scary to some pets, due to their unpredictable movements and the sound of the generator - play scent games as you go using yummy stinky treats or your pet’s fave game so they have positive associations

2. Buddy up. Sometimes having calm friends to walk in the ‘hood with can have a positive influence on your dog (if they don’t have con-specific friends then perhaps go as a social group of people instead)

3. Keep decorations out of reach, they have parts that choke them if swallowed or be toxic to them

4. Keep sweets, chocolate and other non-pet safe foods out of their reach also, especially if your attention is likely to be diverted by zombies

5. Avoid dressing up your pets for your entertainment, some will go with it but some might not be. Maintain that trust bond with them by allowing them the choice to participate in dressing up and if they do not consent then respect this and give them a treat

6. Check gardens and paths for discarded costumes, candy and fireworks and distract your pet if you feel they might try and eat them

7. If your pet is likely to be overwhelmed by your party, a night with trusted family, friends or sitters might be better. Your vets may also be to advise you if they are likely to be scared or anxious by parties and the associated noises and smells.

8. Trick or treat? Is this likely to over stimulate your dog or worry your cat? If yes, then either pop a bowl of treats outside the door with a note asking NO KNOCKS or keep your dog or cat away in their core areas. Ensure their needs have been met first and provide extra litter trays for your cat.

9. If you plan on taking your dog trick or treating, monitor their body language and keep them warm and always follow any unusual sounds, smells, and sights with yummy dog safe treats

10. If zombies attack for real, turn and run home, lock your doors and close your blinds - they can’t eat your brains if they can’t get in

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Katie ABTC - CAB