Halloween is now days away! We put some tips together to keep your pup safe this holiday.
Stash the Treats
The candy bowl is for hooman trick-or-treaters only.
Most Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate, in all forms, can be very dangerous for cats and dogs. Sugar-free candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol can cause serious problems in pets too. Keep an eye on your pet to keep them out of harms way.
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Keep Decorations Out of Reach
While a carved jack-o-lantern certainly is festive, pets can easily knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered relatively nontoxic, but can produce stomach discomfort in pets who nibble on them, keep it out of your pet’s reach.
Beware of glow sticks.
Often children carry glow sticks through the darkening streets to stay safe as they trick-or-treat. When they are brought inside, pets find them to be a lot of fun. Though the liquid inside is labeled non-toxic it is extremely bitter and a pet may become hyper and race around the house while drooling.
Careful with Costumes
For some pets, wearing a costume may cause unneeded stress. If you do dress up your pet for Halloween, make sure the costume does not limit his or her movement, sight or ability to breathe, bark or meow. They must also love it! Check the costume carefully for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard. Ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.
Be sure to have your pet try on the costume before the big night. If he or she seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting your pet wear his or her “birthday suit” or rock a festive bandana instead.
Keep Pets Calm and Easily Identifiable
Halloween brings a flurry of activity with visitors arriving at the door, and too many strangers can often be scary and stressful for pets. Even the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. While opening the door for guests, be sure that your dog or cat doesn’t dart outside. And always make sure your pet it wearing proper identification—if for any reason he or she does escape, a collar with ID tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver for a lost pet.
Before the party starts, make sure your dog has had plenty of physical activity.
The first step in preparing your dog for a relaxed Halloween evening is to exercise with him earlier that day. Be sure your fluffy buddy gets plenty of healthy movement in any dog-friendly activity, such as walking, running, hiking, or playing. Getting your furry friend tired will eventually also make him more relaxed. This way, when the trick-or-treaters visit, your dog will tend to be more laid back and less likely to jump on the new guests.
Don’t forget: Many people dress up in costumes already in the morning. So be aware of strangers in costumers also when you walk your dog before “the storm”. It would be good to keep a firm grip on the leash in case you meet people in costumes.
Let your dog know it’s you behind the costume.
You’re wearing a costume and your dog doesn’t seem to recognize you? Don’t be surprised! He might even be frightened, when you suddenly change your form and figure. A helpful idea would be to allow your dog to watch you put on your costume. This way, it’s easier for him to get used to the transformation. During the evening, you should take of your mask (or parts of the costume) to show your pup that it’s still you underneath the clothes.
Spook-tacular Ways To Spend Halloween With Your Pooch
A Spooky Toy
Using our newly released Solid Colored Tugs in Halloween Colors such as orange, purple, black, or green and double them! After all, a doubled tug is double the fun... Especially when it's spooky.
Carve a Puppy Pumpkin
To take it a step further, you can decorate your pumpkin in honor of your pet! There are plenty of pet pumpkin carving patterns available online, whether you are a novice or professional pumpkin carver. Want to freestyle? Have a picture of your pet handy so you can carve based on a consistent image.
Be sure your pet doesn't ingest any of the pumpkin to prevent an upset stomach.
Tricks for Halloween Pet Treats
Tricks and treats don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Fall is a great time of year to brush up on your pet’s repertoire and a great time of year to incorporate some new tricks and treats into the mix! There are dozens of Halloween-themed pet treats you can make for your dog or cat, including recipes that can use some of the pumpkin left over from carving. From fall flavors to adorable cookie cutouts, you can give your pet a special treat for their new tricks.
Trick or Treat with Your Pet
Outgoing pets may want to tag along on your family’s trick-or-treat outing or help you give candy to neighborhood trick-or-treaters. If your pet plans to tag along, make sure they are well behaved and not easily spooked. Halloween events can be unpredictable with kids in costumes and strange sounds and decorations.
Watch a Scary Movie with Your Pet
For those cats and dogs who prefer to snuggle up and avoid the Halloween festivities, a scary movie is a great option. There’s nothing like the presence of your dog or cat to make you feel safe, even when watching the scariest movie. Pop some popcorn, pick a snuggly spot for your pet, and get scared!