Tips for Making Halloween Less Spooky for Pets
Ahh, Halloween! A fun filled day for children and adults alike. But pets? Not so much. Strange costumes, constant outdoor commotion, and an abundance of dangerous candy in the house can make Halloween a stressful night for our four-legged friends.
“A dog’s natural instinct is to protect their home or to alert you that a stranger has arrived,” reminds Amy Nichols, Vice President of Companion Animals and Equine Protection at the Humane Society of the United States. “And cats typically prefer a quiet environment with their family. Trick-or-treaters continually knocking on the door or ringing the bell can be very stressful to both dogs and cats.”
Best practices for a pet-friendly Halloween night:
Avoid doorbell drama and pass out candy on your driveway. This is also a fun way to get to know your neighbors better! Grab a lawn chair, play spooky music, and enjoy the evening.
Double check that all backyard gates are locked and fences are tightly secured. The comings and goings of people walking past your property is enough to make even the most tame dog go a little bit bananas and try to escape. This is also a good opportunity to make sure your pet is wearing current ID tags and that its microchip information is up to date.
Secure your pet in a safe location within your home. Consider putting on some background music, give them their favorite toy, or a few of their favorite treats. If you’re having a Halloween party in your home, make sure guests are aware that this room is off-limits.
Don’t bring them with you while trick or treating. It sounds fun in theory, but the unpredictability of the night may cause unnecessary drama that may not end in your pet’s favor.
Keep candy up and far away from your pet’s reach and be aware of counter jumpers! Of course chocolate is an absolute no-no, but so is xylitol (an artificial sweetener) and chewing gum. Make sure young children are aware of the dangers candy poses to their furry friends.
IMPORTANT: Keep the 24-hour ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline handy if you suspect your pet has ingested candy: 888-426-4435.
Always supervise a pet who is wearing any type of costume. Be mindful of accidental strangulation and choking hazards. Know when enough is enough, snap your picture, and remove the costume if your pet appears uncomfortable (folded down ears, eyes rolling back or looking sideways, a tucked tail or hunching over).
Similar to costumes, some Halloween decor can pose a threat. Small toys, fake spiders and cobwebs, and open flames are all novel stimulants that may interest your pet but can also cause unintended harm.
Cheers to a safe and spook-tacular Halloween!
Written By:
Alison Huntley
Pet Photographer
www.AlisonHuntleyPetPhotography.com
