ASK THE VET

‘TRICK or treating’ is thought to originate about 2,000 years ago from the UK and northern Europe.

It was believed that on Halloween the dead returned to Earth.

Some people would disguise themselves in costumes made of animal skins to ‘trick’ the spirits, while others would prepare banquet tables of ‘treats’ to placate unwelcome spirits.

In some areas the ‘trick’ appears to have become a more malicious act of vandalism or crime if a ‘treat’ is not provided. This creates additional risks for any pets left out on Halloween.

The additional fear created by unusual costumes and strange behaviour mean it is safest to try to keep our pets inside over the Halloween period.

‘Trick or treating’ was introduced, adapted and modified in America as a result of UK and Irish immigration, particularly during the potato famine in the 1840s.

The American interpretation of ‘trick or treating’ was reintroduced into the UK during the 1920s.

The chocolate and sweets used as ‘treats’ pose a risk to our pets if consumed. Chocolate can cause heart or kidney problems as well as seizures. Some sweets contain xylitol, which can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure.

Pumpkins and candles are also commonly encountered around Halloween. The naked flame of candles can pose a risk to animals (and people) wearing costumes, which are often flammable.

The unpredictable reactions our pets make to wearing a costume make them more at risk of coming into contact with a naked flame.

Although pumpkins are safe in small quantities for our pets, there are potentially fatal toxins produced by some moulds that grow in pumpkins when they are going off.

Once the pumpkin is past its best, make sure it gets in the bin before your pet decides to try and eat it!