 (1).png){kind=spacer}
1 month ago
8
Vets have issued an urgent warning against dressing pets up for Halloween, amid fears it could prove deadly.
Costumes designed for dogs, cats, and even rabbits have been rising in popularity, with people posting photos of their pets dressed as pumpkins, ghouls and ghosts.
While these look cute on social media, they can quickly turn into a nightmare – as one cat found out.
Adorable moggy Isaac was dressed up in a Superman costume when he ventured too close to a festive candle.
Within seconds, his entire cape had caught fire, leaving his owner, Jenny, 'horrified'.
'I grabbed a nearby tea towel and chucked it on the cape and luckily the flames went out,' she told the Daily Mail.
'It was cheap material but thankfully didn't go up super quick, it was quite isolated in the corner of the cape. It singed some hairs on his tail but no real harm done.
'Thankfully, I was right there to put it out straight away, I dread to think what would've happened if I wasn't.'
Adorable moggy Isaac was dressed up in a Superman costume when he ventured too close to a festive candle
Jenny explained that she had placed the candle 'up high', but instantly regretted lighting it all.
'I quickly learned that no height is too great for a determined cat,' she said.
'In one impressive leap, Isaac managed to get onto the shelf, close to the candle, and his little superhero cape caught alight.'
While the owner was thankfully there, she added that she 'dreads to think what would have happened' if she wasn't.
'It was a scary moment that turned out okay, but it reminded me how curious (and agile!) our pets can be,' Jenny added.
'Costumes, candles, and even decorations can pose unexpected risks.'
Aimee Warner, a vet at Waggel, warned that this sadly isn't an isolated incident.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said: 'It's nice to get pets involved in family fun but dressing them up can be more enjoyable for the humans than the pet, and as Isaac's case shows, costumes can sometimes cause more harm than good.'
Restricted breathing or movement, overheating, skin irritation, and obstructed senses are also things to look out for – as well as choking hazards
Flammable fabrics aren't the only issues that pet owners should consider.
Ms Warner says that restricted breathing or movement, overheating, skin irritation, and obstructed senses are also things to look out for – as well as choking hazards.
'Loose buttons, dangling threads, or glitter can be chewed off and swallowed,' she warned.
If you have a pet and want to join in on the Halloween fun, Ms Warner advises keeping it minimal with a festive collar, bandana or lead rather than a full outfit, and making sure you opt for breathable, stretchy fabrics.
'Always prioritise your pet's comfort, research quality items, choose outfits they can tolerate, and never force participation,' she added.
'It's much better to enjoy the celebrations with a happy and comfortable companion than to pressure them into a situation that puts them at risk.'
The dangers of dressing your pet up for Halloween
- Restricted breathing or movement: Ill fitting outfits that are too tight or restrict your pet’s movement can impede breathing or cause stress.
- Overheating: Many costumes available online are made from polyester or fleece which can be too warm, especially when worn indoors.
- Choking hazards: Loose buttons, dangling threads, or glitter can be chewed off and swallowed.
- Allergic reactions or skin irritation: Cheap dyes and synthetic fabrics can lead to rashes, itchiness, or fur loss.
- Obstructed senses: Masks or hoods that cover eyes or ears can disorient pets, leading to panic or injury.
- Flammable fabrics: As Isaac’s case shows, cheap fabrics can be highly flammable – with candles and bonfires rife at this time of year, opt for less flammable fabrics and keep pets away from open flames.
