Trick or Treat? Today is Halloween, one of the most festive days of the year and a day full of costumes and candy. It’s also a day where we will see tons of photos of our four legged friends wearing cute halloween costumes.
Despite the fun-filled day, pet parents should be aware of some of the dangers that could cause Halloween to be a truly frightening experience for your pet.
Online pet food retailer Chewy, along with US-based veterinarian Bethany Howe of Hawkins Animal Hospital and Wellness Center, have put together a list of six Halloween pet safety tips to keep the day from becoming too scary.
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Keep an eye on the candiesÂ
When it comes to Halloween pet safety, keeping all that Halloween candy out of reach of dog and cat counter-surfers is absolutely essential. While your pet really should not be eating any of it, there are some types of Halloween candy that are particularly toxic to pets, including:
- Chocolate
- Raisins and chocolate-covered raisins
- Sugar-free candy
- Caramel apples
- Candy corn
- Macadamia nuts
Remember to keep all Halloween candy away from your pet. Consider storing it in a locked or high cabinet that even the most athletic of pets won’t be able to access.
If your suspect your pet has eaten anything toxic, call your vet or local animal poison control center.
Instead of candies, why not make your pet a delicious homemade Halloween treat that they will love? There’s tons online including these peanut butter cup dog treats.
2. Choose a comfortable costume
There are so many cute costumes out there for pets of all kinds, from large pups to cats to even guinea pigs. But while there may be, in theory, a costume for every pet, not every pet wants to dress up, and that’s absolutely fine!
Follow these tips when dressing up your pet:
- Choose a comfortable costume that fits properly, doesn’t restrict movement and doesn’t hinder your pet’s ability to breathe. (Pay special attention to those Chewy size guides!)
- If your pet displays any signs of stress or discomfort which, according to Dr. Howe, can include pacing, hiding or refusing to move, take it off. (No cute photo op is worth your pet’s discomfort.)
- Check the costume before the big night to make sure there are no loose buttons or embellishments that your pet could tear off and swallow.
- Ensure their Halloween fashion show is brief. Your pet might be game for a quick Instagram photo session in their costume, but they may become uncomfortable if left in their outfit for a longer period of time.
- Never leave your pet alone when they’re dressed in their costume. You need to keep an eye on them in case of a costume malfunction, like if their costume gets caught on something.
3. Beware of decoration dangers
Some Halloween decorations can also pose a Halloween pet safety risk, including:
- Electrical cords: Pets can easily chew on them and get an electric shock or get tangled up. Opt for decorations that run on batteries, rather than electrical cords.
- Fog machines: You don’t want them to consume the possibly toxic solution. Keep these away from pets or pass on them period.
- Glow sticks: Some pets may mistake these for chew toys. Similar to fog machines, you don’t want them to consume the possibly toxic solution.
- Candles: Candles on their own or in jack-o-lanterns are seasonal favorites, but dogs and cats can easily knock them over or burn themselves. Opt for faux candles or keep them in an area your pet can’t reach them.
- Small decorations or decorations with small baubles: These can be a choking hazard. Consider skipping these types of decorations.
4. Keep them away from the Trick or Treat action
It’s quite scary when one of your pets gets loose. No spooky story or horror movie can compare to that scary scenario. With the front door opening and closing so often on Halloween night, it’s best to keep pets away from the door and all the action to prevent them from slipping out.
During trick-or-treating hours or if you’re having friends over for a Halloween get-together, the best course of action is to keep your pets safely crated and out of sight of the front door or in a secure, quiet room, Howe advises. Be sure you add some creature comforts to their secured space, such as their bed, water, food, your cat’s litter box and a favorite toy.
5. Be sure to keep your pet tagged during Halloween
Should your pet slip out of the house, proper identification can help get them home safe and sound and quickly, too. Double check that their collar and ID tag are all secure and up to date.
If your pet is microchipped, ensure that your contact information is correct in the microchip company’s database. If your pet isn’t already microchipped, talk to your vet about the simple procedure to provide future peace of mind.
6. Keep them in calm spirits
Although this year’s Halloween season may look a little different, it’s still important for pet parents to prepare for a rise in neighborhood activity and the anxiety it may bring your beloved animals.
Trick-or-treaters ringing the doorbell throughout the night, encountering people in costumes during your evening walk, and scary sound machines set up outside houses can stir up stress in pets.
Watch for signs of stress and anxiety, including:
- Panting
- Hiding
- Excessive barking
- Pacing are all signs of anxiety
- Going to the bathroom in the house (or, for cats, outside of the litter box)
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet to rule out any medical problems and, if none exist, consider using calming techniques, calming treats or supplements or calming apparel to help ease their symptoms on potentially stressful days, such as Halloween night.
Caring for your pet during Halloween doesn’t have to be a spooky endeavor and while it can present a number of challenges, following these tips can help your pet and your family enjoy Halloween.
