Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin? Our Guide To Dogs At Halloween
Nothing says Halloween like a freshly carved pumpkin lit up, by people’s doors and windows. If you happen to be taking part in this tradition this year, be mindful of your furry friend lurking by whilst you carve away your colourful squash. It goes without saying to keep all sharp and dangerous objects out of the way of your canine, but what about the pumpkin itself?
In short, yes your dog can eat pumpkin flesh. Pumpkins are actually found in a lot of dog food, and may even be an ingredient in the food or treats they already eat! You may need to be careful with which part of the pumpkin they eat however, here’s our guide to if dogs can eat pumpkin!
Can Dogs Eat Raw Pumpkin?
It’s always good to check with your vet before offering your dog a new food, but often pumpkin flesh is ok for your dog to eat and you may find they enjoy it. Try to avoid the prickly stalk from the pumpkin as this could cause irritation in your dog’s mouth and may be harmful when ingested. It’s also advised to remove the skin of the pumpkin as it can act as a choking hazard and if ingested there’s a serious risk of gut obstruction.
If you do decide to feed your dog pumpkin flesh, do bake it first, or offer a pumpkin puree – unsweetened. Feeding raw pumpkin can be very hard to swallow and digest.
Dogs At Halloween
As we draw closer to Halloween, it’s good to know what activities your dog can and can’t partake in, especially as there’s a lot more activity we do around this time! Pumpkin carving and trick or treating sound fun and inviting for us humans, but what about our dogs?
Trick or Treating is fun for the little people in our life, and gets us out of the house often for a walk around neighbouring houses and streets. Try taking your dog along with you if you can. It’s likely you will have visitors knocking on your door, destressing your dog whilst you’re out, so taking your pooch along with you also means it’s likely they’ll enjoy the walk and escape the anxiety of lots of doorbell ringing where nobody is home to answer!
You could even dress your dog up in fancy dress or add something to their lead to celebrate the season with you. We have a fun range of Halloween costumes this year which you should definitely check out if you're looking to dress your dog up this Halloween! Be mindful some dogs do not like being dressed up and be wary of adding anything that makes a noise which could scare or irritate your dog.
You can find our best Halloween treats & toys here, so even if you don’t leave your home, your dog can join in on the festivities safely and anxiety free for you, knowing all the toys and treats you provide as dog safe and dog friendly.
Dog Trick Or Treat
Don’t forget to keep your colourful and sweet trick or treat sweets out of reach of your dog as often these treats to us, are poisonous to our dogs. Why not make some dog treats or bake your own doggy cakes so your pup gets an extra special treat too! There may even be events around your area where you can take your dog to dog friendly ‘trick or treat’ events, where the dogs sniff out their very own treats! This may be something you adopt in your own home, or simply provide them with a snuffle mat they can enjoy!
However you’re spending this Halloween, we hope it’s filled with fun and lots of doggy safe adventures!
Nothing says Halloween like a freshly carved pumpkin lit up, by people’s doors and windows. If you happen to be taking part in this tradition this year, be mindful of your furry friend lurking by whilst you carve away your colourful squash. It goes without saying to keep all sharp and dangerous objects out of the way of your canine, but what about the pumpkin itself?
In short, yes your dog can eat pumpkin flesh. Pumpkins are actually found in a lot of dog food, and may even be an ingredient in the food or treats they already eat! You may need to be careful with which part of the pumpkin they eat however, here’s our guide to if dogs can eat pumpkin!
Can Dogs Eat Raw Pumpkin?
It’s always good to check with your vet before offering your dog a new food, but often pumpkin flesh is ok for your dog to eat and you may find they enjoy it. Try to avoid the prickly stalk from the pumpkin as this could cause irritation in your dog’s mouth and may be harmful when ingested. It’s also advised to remove the skin of the pumpkin as it can act as a choking hazard and if ingested there’s a serious risk of gut obstruction.
If you do decide to feed your dog pumpkin flesh, do bake it first, or offer a pumpkin puree – unsweetened. Feeding raw pumpkin can be very hard to swallow and digest.
Dogs At Halloween
As we draw closer to Halloween, it’s good to know what activities your dog can and can’t partake in, especially as there’s a lot more activity we do around this time! Pumpkin carving and trick or treating sound fun and inviting for us humans, but what about our dogs?
Trick or Treating is fun for the little people in our life, and gets us out of the house often for a walk around neighbouring houses and streets. Try taking your dog along with you if you can. It’s likely you will have visitors knocking on your door, destressing your dog whilst you’re out, so taking your pooch along with you also means it’s likely they’ll enjoy the walk and escape the anxiety of lots of doorbell ringing where nobody is home to answer!
You could even dress your dog up in fancy dress or add something to their lead to celebrate the season with you. We have a fun range of Halloween costumes this year which you should definitely check out if you're looking to dress your dog up this Halloween! Be mindful some dogs do not like being dressed up and be wary of adding anything that makes a noise which could scare or irritate your dog.
You can find our best Halloween treats & toys here, so even if you don’t leave your home, your dog can join in on the festivities safely and anxiety free for you, knowing all the toys and treats you provide as dog safe and dog friendly.
Dog Trick Or Treat
Don’t forget to keep your colourful and sweet trick or treat sweets out of reach of your dog as often these treats to us, are poisonous to our dogs. Why not make some dog treats or bake your own doggy cakes so your pup gets an extra special treat too! There may even be events around your area where you can take your dog to dog friendly ‘trick or treat’ events, where the dogs sniff out their very own treats! This may be something you adopt in your own home, or simply provide them with a snuffle mat they can enjoy!
However you’re spending this Halloween, we hope it’s filled with fun and lots of doggy safe adventures!
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Winter’s really starting to set in - the clocks have gone back, resulting in darker nights and we’ve all rushed to get the heating on. But once Jack Frost has made his appearance, you may start wondering whether it’s too cold to walk your dog. You might be all set with a coat, hat, gloves and scarf, however your dog is less protected from the elements than you are. Their fur helps to keep them warm to a degree, and you can always put them in a winter coat or woolly jumper to protect them from the cold even more. But at which temperature do you decide that it’s too cold to walk them?
Should You Walk Your Dog In Winter?
You absolutely should walk your dog in winter. Walking is an excellent source of exercise for your dog, but also a way for them to experience the wonderful smells of the world around them. They get to socialise with other dogs, have some bonding time with their owner and wear themselves out ready for a cosy night by the fire.
However, before you take your dog out, you should take a look at what the weather’s doing before making a decision. If it’s a beautiful, crisp sunny day, for example, with very little breeze, a walk would be welcome. But if it’s looking a bit windy and stormy, you may decide that it’s best not to go. The walk should be enjoyable, and it’s likely that neither of you will enjoy it if it’s like this. You may also want to assess whether it’s safe to take your beloved pet out. Low fog or mist and hail can be dangerous, for example, so in these conditions it may be safer to skip the trip out.
If you do decide to venture out in the rain or snow, be sure to take a route that’s well paved and well lit.
Can Dogs Be Walked In The Cold?
Dogs definitely can be walked in the cold, and you shouldn’t let the dropping temperatures be a reason to stop giving them their daily exercise. A walk is likely one of the highlights of your dog’s day (besides dinner time) so if they’re happy to go out in the cold, you should be happy to take them.
There are some things that you may want to take into consideration before you leave the house, though.
First, you should try to walk during the day - it will be much colder early in the morning and in the evening, so stick to mid-morning or early afternoon, between 10 and 2 is ideal. Plus if salt has been put on the pavements and roads, it’s more likely to have been pushed off the surfaces by other people that have come and gone over the course of the day. Salt can cause irritation of the skin on the paw’s underside and can become painful for your dog.
You should go prepared with a coat for your dog that is sized correctly, making it comfortable for them and easy to walk in. Check out our best winter dog coats blog to see our favourites this winter. As already mentioned, you should stick to well-lit paths or routes that you and your dog know well. If they get anxious about the rain or cold weather, knowing where they are going could help them to feel a bit more at ease.
At what temperature does a dog need a coat?
This will vary from dog to dog, typically smaller dogs, short haired breeds and puppies will get colder easier than their larger & long haired counter parts. There isn't an exact temperature that your dog will need a coat, but we recommend watching your dog's behaviour and judging from that, remember you know them best! If they don't like wearing a coat don't force them, the stress isn't worth it for you or them!
Even with all these things in place, your dog may not be that keen to go out. Always be sure to listen to what your best friend is telling you. If they’re refusing to walk, shivering, standing in a hunched position or whining, then you should take them home.
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If your dog doesn't fancy a walk but still has lots of energy to burn, why not try some indoor enrichment activities with them? 15 minutes of sniffing is equivalent to an hour's dog walk, so snuffle mats will be your best friends when your dog doesn't fancy a wintery walk. Alternatively, the Nina Ottosson interactive dog toys are great for keeping your dog's mind busy.
What Temperature Is Too Cold For A Dog To Walk Outside?
Now we’ve discussed certain weather conditions and how to prepare for a chilly walk. But how do you know when it’s time to skip walkies altogether? and what temperature should you not walk your dog? Use our table below to work it out!
Dog Walking Temperature Chart
As you can see, small dogs are more vulnerable in the cold, whereas bigger dogs can withstand lower temperatures. Do keep this in mind when taking your furry friend for a walk, and avoid walking any dog when temperatures drop below -10℃, even if they’re wearing a coat.
For puppies and older dogs, it’s better to exercise a little bit more caution, as they could be more vulnerable to the cold too. If you’re at all unsure, it’s probably best to keep them in.
Can I walk my dog in -4℃?
As you can see from the chart above -4℃ is either potentially unsafe or dangerous depending on what size dog you have. If you have a small or medium sized dog, or a puppy we recommend staying home and using enrichment activities to keep them busy. However, if you have a large dog, walk them with caution or stay home. If you do decide to walk a larger dog, we recommend keeping their walk shorter and properly dry them off once you're home.
How Long Should You Walk Your Dog In Cold Weather?
Generally, it’s best to cut your walks short when it’s really cold outside. The longer your pup is outside, the lower their body temperature will go, so it’s best to give them a few shorter walks instead of giving them one long walk.
For temperatures above -4℃, medium to large dogs can walk for around half an hour, whereas smaller dogs should be limited to around 20 minutes. However, do keep in mind that other factors can make it feel colder outside than it actually is. For instance, a strong wind can take a relatively mild day to a freezing cold one. Walking in the snow can be fun too, when it’s a lovely sunny day, but if you’re walking in wet sleet or through sludgy snow, your dog’s body temperature can drop quite quickly, even when they’re moving. You should stop your dog from eating snow, as this can bring their temperature down too.
You should be able to walk your dog in winter, when it’s perfectly sunny or when it’s a little bit rainy. Just do take into account other weather factors and how long you’re outside for.
Do Dog's Paws Get Cold?
Just like our hands and feet, your dog's paws can get cold too! However, over time their paws have adapted to help them from freezing. Their arteries bring warm blood from their body to their paws and back up their legs, rather than loosing the heat through their skin, this is known as a countercurrent heat exchange. To help keep your dog's paws warm, make sure to dry in between their paw pads after a walk and wash off any salt and grit they may have walked through. You can even use some paw balm after to help stop their paw pads from cracking.
If you’re anything like us, you will love this time of year. There’s nothing better than getting in the Christmas spirit by watching holiday movies, eating festive treats and preparing for Christmas Day with present wrapping and writing cards. But you might be wondering how you can get your pets involved with Christmas. Our dogs and cats are just as much a part of the family as our human relatives, so it’s important to keep them involved too. Here we suggest some fun things to do with your pets at Christmas.
Go For A Festive Dog Walk
Going outside for a walk might sound like something you do all the time, but there’s no reason you can’t mix things up a little during the festive period and put a Christmassy spin on your dog walks. You could try a different route to your usual one and see how many Christmas decorations and lights you can see. Or why not take a trip to the woods and see if you can find any pine cones - great for making your own Christmas decorations. Your dog will enjoy the adventure and it’ll be fun to see what you can find to add to your table centrepiece or wreath!
Take Christmas Pictures of your Pets
The festive season is a great time for making memories and for keeping them on film. Why not get your dog dressed up in a novelty jumper and bring your cat over for a cuddle too, then take some family photos together. They could be silly snaps or more formal ones, but whatever the set-up, have fun! They could make a great little addition to Christmas cards - why not take them on an instant camera if you have one and pop them inside the cards you send to relatives and friends. A really easy way to send something personal this Christmas.
Have a Movie Night in on The Sofa
One thing we love to do with our pets is just chill out on the sofa. When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and your pets by your side whilst you all watch a Christmas movie together. We talked about some of our favourite dog themed Christmas movies in a previous blog post; the perfect read for some festive film inspiration. We’d suggest getting some Christmas treats together - that means doggy popcorn and biscuits for the fur babies and a bottle of something bubbly for you! - and snuggling under a blanket for the perfect night in.
Buy Them Some Christmas Presents
This is probably a given for most pet parents, but if you haven’t already considered it, think about buying your cat or dog some presents. It’s a tradition in most households to buy loved ones a gift at Christmas, so why not include your pets in the list and wrap them a present or two as well. You can include them in the gift opening on Christmas morning - they won’t only love the gift inside the paper, but will probably enjoy the fun of trying to unwrap it too!
Give Them a Christmas Themed Dinner
Christmas dinner is an integral part of the holiday season. Spending quality time with loved ones around the dinner table is one of the things we look forward to the most. Whilst your pets shouldn’t really eat our human food, we stock a number of Christmas foods that are made especially for your pet, so they can share in the festivities on Christmas Day. There are some rather fancy Christmas themed treats that you can give them if they’ve been especially good this year!
Make Some Homemade Pet Treats
Whilst we have a huge variety of Christmas treats for pets in our shop that are suitable to be served straight from the packet, you could also make some fresh pet treats of your own. There are a number of places to find recipes for Homemade Christmas Pet Treats online, so you can bake them something extra special. We rather like the look of the Peanut butter Biscuit Dog treats by The Cookie Rookie. Whichever recipe you decide to try, we’d suggest buying some Christmas shaped cookie cutters and making the treats look extra festive!
Have an Indoor Christmas Playdate
Playtimes can easily be scuppered by winter weather but that shouldn’t mean that playtime should be stopped altogether. Why not bring the fun indoors and concoct some indoor activities for your pets. You could have some interactive fun with some stuff-able toys - pop some dog or cat treats inside their favourite toy and watch them have fun digging them out. We have a whole Elves’ Workshop full of Christmas goodies for cats and dogs which will add a festive twist to your pet’s toy box.
Whatever you choose to do this year, we hope you have fun. This year has been a tough time for everyone and we hope you all manage to make Christmas as special as possible.
The run up to Christmas is generally a fun time for all. Christmas markets, cream topped hot chocolate, perhaps a mulled wine, festive films, gift wrapping; there is a lot to enjoy during the festive period. But what about our pets? Whilst we are all for letting them join in the Christmas cheer (have you perused our Christmas Grotto yet?!), we also know it is important to be aware of the possible dangers posed to pets at this time of year. We’ve created this article to make sure you’re aware of the hazards your pets might face this Christmas.
Christmas Chocolate and Treats
There are a number of human foods that are toxic to cats and dogs. The best thing is to keep all human food away from your pet and make sure your guests know not to “treat” your pet with anything from their dinner plate or the chocolate box - what may seem like a kind offering may just be toxic to your cat or dog. Buy in some festive themed cat or dog treats so your pet can join in the Christmas feast safely
Some foods that are toxic to pets include raisins, onions, chocolate and grapes. You should also be cautious of sweets and turkey which have both been known to cause illness and even death in pets.
Christmas Treats for Pets - Why not buy some festive themed dog or cat treats for your furry friends so they can enjoy the festivities without tucking in to your human foods. We have a wonderful selection of pet safe treats with a christmassy twist so your four legged family members can join in the feast!
Flowers and Plants
We’ve talked about toxic plants and flowers in the blog posts and it’s particularly important to be conscious of potential floral dangers to your pets at this time of year. Plants are a popular choice of gift at Christmas and many of us decorate around the home with a festive floral display to two. If you have pets it’s important to make sure they can’t come in to contact with a nothing toxic, such as lilies, mistletoe or holly) If you’re going to decorate with these, either keep them in a room that your pet isn’t allowed in or keep them out of reach. The last thing anyone needs is a poisoned pet at Christmas.
Some of the popular festive plants to be cautious of include holly, poinsettia, amaryllis and pine.
Christmas Tree
If you have a cat or a particularly inquisitive dog (puppies especially), be thoughtful of your tree; where you place and how you decorate it. Tinsel might not be the best idea if you have cats - the glistening reflections could well find your cat launching at the tree! The same goes for low lying baubles and lights. You know your pet best, so place the tree with your pet in mind. Be wary of glass baubles and any small ornaments - these pose a risk of injury and if ingested can cause internal bleeding.
If you have a real tree be careful of adding certain plant foods when you water it - just in case your thirsty pet decides to take a sip.
Lit Candles
This seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget you have a candle burning in the corner. Keep candles out of reach pf pets - we don’t want to see any singed whiskers this Christmas! Not only can they burn your cat or dog, but if they get knocked of a shelf or other surface can cause a fire.
Quiet Time
Lots of visitors and celebrations can be overwhelming for our pets. Make sure there is a quiet room or area that they can retreat to when all the celebrations get a little bit too much. Even sociable pets can get worn out - giving them a peaceful area away from visitors will allow them to rest when they want and not get agitated or stressed. This is especially important for cats who tend be more independent creatures.
Make Christmas Special for Your Pets
Take into account the potential hazards, but don't focus on them. There's no reason Christmas can't be super special for humans and animals alike. If you haven't already perused the virtual shelves of our Christmas Grotto you should definitely head over there now. We've hand selected some darling items that are perfect for all your loveable pets. Whether it's a festive treat or something to wear, there is something for every Christmas-loving pet. Don't miss our hampers that are filled with all kinds of goodies - we have versions for both cats and dogs!
As the festive season approaches, many of us are busy selecting the perfect gifts for our loved ones. But amidst the hustle and bustle, have you considered what to get your feline friend? Cats may not understand the concept of Christmas, but they certainly appreciate new toys, treats, and cosy accessories. This year, make your cat part of the festivities with some thoughtful cat Christmas presents from our Festive Feline collection that will keep them purring with delight.
The Joy of Gifting Your Cat
Cats bring endless joy and companionship into our lives. They greet us after a long day, entertain us with their playful antics, and offer comfort when we need it most. Christmas presents for your cat are more than just material items; they're a way to enrich their environment, stimulate their minds, and strengthen the bond you share.
Top Christmas Present Ideas for Cats
1. Interactive Toys
Interactive toys are excellent Christmas present ideas for cats who love to play and explore. Consider toys that mimic prey, such as feather wands or laser pointers, to tap into their natural hunting instincts. We have lots of fun Christmas toys for you to choose from for your cat, from festive mice themed toys to cute reindeers and Christmas trees.
Puzzle toys that dispense treats can also provide mental stimulation and keep your cat engaged for hours, the Catit Senses 2.0 food tree is a great food dispensing toy that will appeal to your cat’s natural hunting instincts.
2. Cosy Beds and Blankets
With winter's chill in the air, a plush bed or warm blanket makes a good cat Christmas present. Look for beds with high sides or hooded tops to create a secure, den-like environment. Our high wall beds for cats make the perfect den for them to snuggle in, the plush high walls are the cosiest for your cat to snuggle their head into. Heated pads or self-warming materials are perfect for older cats or those who love to bask in warmth.
3. Scratching Posts and Climbing Trees
Get your cat their own tree this Christmas with one of our luxury cat trees. Cats need to scratch and climb—it's in their DNA. A new scratching post or climbing tree not only saves your furniture but also offers a place for exercise and relaxation. Opt for multi-level towers with perches, hammocks, and hiding spots for the ultimate Christmas present for the cat who loves to explore vertical spaces. Shop our range of cat trees and wall climbers to make your cat’s Christmas dreams come true.
4. Gourmet Treats and Premium Food
Indulge your cat's taste buds with gourmet treats or a high-quality food upgrade. Natural, grain-free options or treats infused with catnip can be both delicious and beneficial for their health. Want to get some fun Christmas themed cat treats? Shop our Christmas dinner for cats collection to get the tastiest Christmas themed treats for your favourite festive feline.
5. Litter Robot 4
If you really want to spoil your cat this Christmas look no further than the Litter Robot 4. This is not only a present for your cat but a present for you too! You’ll never have to scoop your cat’s litter again. This is not just a litter tray, it’s a smart self-cleaning cat litter box that neutralises odours in real-time and reduces litter tracking. Designed for cats of all sizes, its unique technology guarantees a clean bed of litter with each use. It has app compatibility and an easy-to-access step make this a must-have for any cat owner. Now all there is to do is to pick which colour to get.
Including Your Dog in the Festivities
If you're a multi-pet household, you might be looking for dog and cat Christmas presents that both animals can enjoy. Shared toys, dual pet beds, or interactive feeders that encourage cooperative play can enhance the harmony between your furry companions.
DIY Christmas Presents
For a personal touch, consider making your own Christmas presents for your cat. DIY toys like yarn balls, cardboard box castles, or homemade treats allow you to customise gifts to your cat's preferences. Plus, crafting can be a fun holiday activity for the whole family.
Safety Tips for Cat Gifts
While shopping for good Christmas presents for cats, keep safety in mind:
Avoid Small Parts: Ensure toys don't have small pieces that could be swallowed.
Choose Non-Toxic Materials: Opt for items made from pet-safe materials.
Supervise Playtime: Especially with new toys, supervise your cat to prevent accidents.
Check for Allergies: Be cautious with new foods or treats if your cat has dietary sensitivities.
Making Christmas Special for Your Cat
Beyond gifts, there are other ways to make the holiday season special:
Include Them in Traditions: Let your cat be part of the decorating (supervised, of course) or family photos.
Create a Safe Space: With guests coming and going, ensure your cat has a quiet place to retreat.
Maintain Routine: Stick to regular feeding and playtimes to reduce stress.
Final thoughts on what to get your cat for christmas
This holiday season, don't forget to place something under the tree for your whiskered companion. Whether it's an engaging toy, a cozy bed, or a delicious treat, the right Christmas present for your cat can make the festivities brighter for both of you. After all, the joy of Christmas is amplified when shared with those we love—furry friends included.
So, what are you getting your cat for Christmas? With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect gift that says "Thank you for being part of my life."At Lords & Labradors, we offer a curated selection of premium pet products that make ideal Christmas presents. Explore our range to find the perfect gift for your cat and make this holiday season truly memorable.
