With the start of October, means Halloween is fast approaching and that can be difficult for our furry companions with the trick or treaters and fireworks outside. Here are some tips from Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind to keep your dog safe and comfortable on the lead up to Halloween:
• Create a safe den by setting up a comfortable hideaway in a quiet, inner living room with their favourite bedding and toys.
• Block out sights and sounds by closing your curtains to hide flashing lights and turning up the TV or radio to muffle loud bangs.
• Remain matter of fact and act normally if your dog seems scared, as they can feed off your energy.
• Walk your dog before dark and give them an early toilet break before trick or treaters and fireworks start.
• Make sure to hide human especially chocolate, raisins and sweet wrappers as these can be toxic to dogs.
• Secure your decorations by keeping lit pumpkins, candles and fake cobwebs away from sniffing noses and wagging tails.
We also have a number of upcoming events such as the Skerries Farmer Market on October 17th from 10am – 2pm, come along and say hello. On the same date, there is also a gala dinner in honour of 50 years of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in Clontarf Castle. You can find out more information on this from our social media pages.
On Friday 6th and Saturday November 7th our Branch will be in SuperValu, Balbriggan from 10am to 6pm with our merchandise stand which will include raffle tickets to win a car, Christmas cards and cuddly Guide Dog teddys. If you miss us then, you can also find us in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan on both Friday and Saturday the 20th and 21st November from 10am to 6pm.
Make sure you are following our social medias to stay up to date with events. We wish you a happy and safe Halloween from the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs.
You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 0876489479, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.