The arrival of the Christmas brochures into shops can only mean one thing - Halloween is very close.
Yes, we're less than a week away from the holiday which stems from Samhain and marks the end of the harvest season, with millions of Irish people once again predicted to take part in the festivities.
Bobbing for apples, Halloween parties involving dressing up and of course trick-or-treating are all beloved traditions for October 31, which falls next Monday.
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Another is fireworks - sparklers, bangers, screamers, fountains rockets, the whole lot.
They are visually spectacular and light up the skies, while bonfires do the work on the ground.
However, an unwanted side effect of the lights and the noises are that it frightens animals - particularly pets kept at home like dogs and cats.
Irish pet retailer and experts Petmania are highlighting the importance of keeping pets safe throughout the Halloween season.
- Bring your pet to a quiet room and create a safety den, away from the main noise sources such as the front door, doorbell and fireworks. Provide a covered crate and comfortable bed and keep them company.
- Keep chocolate out of reach - sweet treats can be fatal for pets.
- A treat puzzle is a fantastic distraction to get pets through loud or stressful periods.
- Costumes are optional – make sure that any pet costume is comfy and if your pet looks unhappy, don’t persist.
- Stay indoors – the safest place for your pet is indoors, in a quiet, calm, space away from the visiting covens of trick or treaters.
- Karma wraps are stress relieving coats that hug dogs tight to help calm and relax them. They are suitable for all dog breeds.
- Candles & lanterns can easily get knocked over by an excited pet. Keep them out of reach or use a battery operated version instead.
- Wear reflective accessories - stay visible outdoors with reflective collars, leads and coats.
- Pheromone diffusers and natural calming tools such as Pet Remedy, Adaptil or Feliway ranges.
- Check ID Tags - to make sure that they are secure and the details correct. If your pet gets spooked and runs away, it will be easier to get him/her home safely.
Emily Miller of Petmania says: "Halloween is a time where we need to take extra care of our pets. A safety den is a brilliant tool to keep pets at ease. The most important advice we can give is to keep pets indoors for their safety.”
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