Scare of the dogs
AVOIDING DRESS STRESS
PREPARE to be scared silly – dogs ogs are getting in on the trick-or-treating g action for Halloween.
Crazy costumes are being snapped up by owners rs ahead of Thursday’s spooky festivities, including spider legs, egs, creepy coats, clown wigs and clip-on bat wings.
Half of owners rs plan on taking their pooch ch trick or treating, and Claire ire North, of North K9 Dog g Training, has some advice e to make sure they have a real scream.
Trainer Claire, e, who worked with Pets At Home, which is selling Halloween ween costumes, said: “Introducing your r pets to unusual outfits or accessories should b be built up to gradually, it’s not something you can always jump straight into.
Clowns
“Try making the experience a positive one. Only let them wear outfits for a few minutes at a time and give them treats to create a positive association.”
But while three quarters plan to dress pets up for Halloween, many think it is mean, according to a study by insurers boughtbymany.com.
The RSPCA says to be careful covering tails, ears or whiskers as pets rely on subtle body language cues to communicate.
And cats are rarely fans of dressing up.
Blue Cross says to take care trick or treating as dogs can become anxious around new people – especially if they are dressed as killer clowns.
OUR vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 22 years of experience and is a freelancer working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page f acebook. c om/
Petplanuk.
MY dog is 13 and has had most of her teeth removed. I fear she will not chew her food. Can she have normal dog food or should I liquidise it first?
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