Halloween is one of our favorite times of the year; costumes, fall festivals and, of course, CANDY. But for your pet, Halloween can be an overwhelming and even dangerous holiday if you don’t know all the proper precautions to take before the trick-or-treaters come knocking. Don’t worry! We have you covered with these safety tips so you and your pets can have a fun-filled Halloween.
1. Keep Halloween Decorations Out of Reach
Yes, we know decorating your porch and yard is a highlight of celebrating Halloween. It’s a sign to trick-or-treaters that you’ve got the holiday spirit and the candy. But did you know pumpkins, corn, and even some fall plants can be a nightmare for your pet’s GI system? Corn and pumpkins can be okay for dogs in small amounts, but when they are uncooked, moldy, or ingested in large amounts, problems can occur.
Protecting your pets from these threats is super simple. Here are some steps:
- Put pumpkins, corn, and fall plants in an out-of-reach place for your pet.
- Spray the outside of corn and pumpkins with No Chew Dog Spray.
- Put plants on hangers to keep them off the ground.
2. Leave Pets Inside and Contained for Everyone’s Safety
Even the most friendly and agreeable pets can become uneasy by costumed strangers approaching their home. This can be even more alarming for outside pets because of their natural instinct to protect the yard. For everyone’s safety, it’s best to keep your pet inside and in a contained environment where they can feel safe. Pets can become spooked and even try to escape in a panic. This would really ruin your holiday fun and potentially put your pet’s life in danger. Dogs can sometimes become aggressive unexpectedly when their environment changes, so keeping them back away from the door also ensures your guests are safe.
Protect your pet from outside stressors with these tips:
- Let your dog take it easy in your room with a chew toy or treats to keep them occupied.
- Leave the candy bowl outside and spend the night cuddled up with your pooch.
- Make sure to have a collar and ID tags on your pets just in case.
3. Costumes Aren’t Always a Hit with Cats and Canines
For many people, dressing up for Halloween is the true highlight of their year. However, this might not be the case for your fur friends. Especially for pets who are not used to wearing sweaters or outfits, surprising them with a complicated Halloween costume can be stressful. Even dogs used to wearing some of these garments may still be uncomfortable with unfamiliar costume styles. The fewer bells & whistles, the better, but the most important thing is sizing. If you’re ordering a costume online, check their size chart thoroughly.
Most people probably already know their pooch, but we always suggest giving the costume a trial run before the big day for those of you with puppies or new fur family members. If your pet enjoys the festivity, just remember to always leave their collar and ID tags with their Halloween costume.
Tips for costuming your pet and making sure they are happy:
- Try costumes on your pet a few days before Halloween to gauge their response.
- Make sure you choose the correct size costume for your dog to avoid rubbing or irritation.
- If your pet isn’t thrilled about the costume, adjust plans accordingly. You can even dress up as a couple with your dog where they already fit the description of their character. (Example: Dorothy & Toto)
4. Glow Sticks and Candles Can Be a Hazard Waiting to Happen
It probably goes without saying that you don’t want your dog or cat next to an open flame. But the candle inside your perfectly carved pumpkin can give off a sweet-smelling pumpkin aroma that might just entice your furry friend. Electric tea lights are a great option to keep your pet safe while keeping your spooky pumpkin lit up for all your costumed visitors.
Glow sticks have become increasingly popular as a safety tool among trick-or-treaters to help keep them visible while walking through neighborhoods and on roadways. While the liquid inside glow sticks has been manufactured now with non-toxic ingredients, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still try to avoid any taste tests.
Keeping glow sticks and candles away from pets is easy with these tips:
- Use electric tea lights in your pumpkins and other decorations.
- Post a friendly sign letting people know you have a pet and to please make sure they don’t leave glow sticks behind.
- Check your yard the day after Halloween to ensure no glow sticks were left behind.
5: Candy Is for Kids (and Parents)
Just because you can eat it, doesn’t mean your pet can. This is especially true when it comes to candy. Chocolate is especially dangerous for dogs and cats, and, in large amounts, can be lethal. Consuming chocolate can cause vomiting, increased heart rate, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and seizures. Chocolate is one of the most commonly discussed “no-no’s” for your pet, but did you know Halloween candy that contains artificial sweetener (xylitol) can be just as dangerous? Xylitol, even in very small amounts, can cause a drop in your pet’s blood sugar that could result in seizures. You may think your buddy wants in on the candy action, but just remember even small amounts can be dangerous. Your best bet is just to give them treats of their own.
Not succumbing to the puppy-dog eyes can be easy with these tips:
- Only allow your children to eat their Halloween treats in designated areas away from your pet.
- Teach your kids the dangers of giving your family pet candy.
- Buy your pet a fun new toy to let them feel like they are a part of the fun.
6: Stick to Your Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, so try to keep their schedule as normal as possible during Halloween. As much as possible, maintain regular feeding times, walks, and playtime to help reduce anxiety. Familiar routines can provide a sense of stability, making your dog feel more secure amidst the chaos of the holiday. However, for some particularly anxious or reactive dogs, make minor adjustments in the days or weeks leading up to the holiday festivities to ensure the best experience possible.
Things to consider as Halloween approaches:
- If your pet gets scared of objects or decorations, you may need to adjust your walking route ahead of the holiday to avoid stress-inducing encounters.
- Depending on your usual feeding time, you may need to feed your pet slightly earlier so they aren’t disrupted when the Trick-Or-Treaters come knocking.
- Dogs’ behavior often mimics our demeanor. When visitors arrive, try to keep interactions low-key to avoid anxious reactions from your pet.
Prep Your Pantry Now
Start stocking up on treats and toys from FarmVet before Halloween is here! Or, shop all our products at FarmVet 24/7. You can also call one of our friendly Sales Associates at 1-888-837-3626 or email your order to [email protected].
Learn More
Once Halloween has passed, we know the winter and cold weather is on its way. It is important to take the necessary precautions and make proper adjustments to ensure our pets’ well-being all year round. Check out these tips for pet care in the cold weather.