Preparing Your Pet for Halloween: Tips and Tricks
Halloween can be a fun-filled time for people, but it can be downright spooky for pets! Costumes, loud noises, and colorful decorations can trigger pet anxiety on Halloween and pose Halloween hazards for pets.
Our team at Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center wants all of your furry little goblins to have a fright-free Halloween this year, so we’ve put together some of our favorite Halloween pet safety tips and tricks to keep your dogs and cats calm and safe.
Calming Pets During Halloween
Taming pet anxiety on Halloween doesn’t have to be tricky. Simple precautions can make the night less stressful for your pet:
- Distribute candy in your driveway or front yard to keep the constant doorbell ringing from startling your pet,.
- If you’re hosting a Halloween gathering, keep your pet in a quiet room with a bed, food, water, and a litter box (for cats).
- A new puzzle toy (or interactive toy) is helpful for calming pets during Halloween.
- Leave your pet safe at home when trick or treating.
- Take off your mask (and ask guests to do the same) before interacting with your dog or cat.
- Even a calm pet can be startled by strange costumes and sounds and bolt through an open door. Make sure your pet’s ID tag is current, and have your pet microchipped if you haven’t already.
Pet-Friendly Halloween Treats
Sweet treats like candy corn, chocolate bars, and raisins are strictly off-limits for cats and dogs, but your pets can join in the fun with these pet-friendly Halloween treats:
- Many pet food companies offer special edition Halloween treats in fun flavors and shapes.
- Search online for DIY treat recipes made with pumpkin, apple, and peanut butter.
- Dogs will enjoy apple chunks, which provide vitamins A and C as well as dietary fiber.
- When making your own treats, avoid using any sugar-free ingredients that could contain the sugar substitute xylitol, which is toxic to pets.
Safe Halloween Decorations for Pets
Lit candles are perfect for eerie atmospheres but present one of the most serious Halloween hazards for pets. Curious pets can be attracted to the flame or scent and burn themselves or topple the candle over and start a fire. Choose battery-powered décor when possible. If you must use electric-powered lights, keep cords tucked away and light strands where your pet can’t reach them. Remember that some fall plants like chrysanthemums (mums) are toxic to pets.
Halloween Costume Ideas for Pets
If dressing pets for Halloween is in the plans, select a costume that doesn’t inhibit your pet’s ability to move, see, or breathe. Play dress-up before the big night to make sure your pet is comfortable. Consider simple accessories instead, such as a Halloween-themed bandana or cape. Avoid costumes with small pieces that your pet could ingest.
Halloween Pet Safety Matters
A Halloween with more fun than frights is possible with a little pre planning to protect your pet. If you’d like more Halloween pet safety tips, please contact our team at (530) 673-4744.