It’s that time of the year again when we all will come together to celebrate Halloween! For pet owners, this can be a fun but also tricky time. Pets can get easily spooked by the noise and costumes, so it’s essential to take some precautions to keep them safe.
Halloween can be fun and festive for humans, but it can be a scary and dangerous time for pets. With all the commotion of trick-or-treaters and candy, it’s easy for pets to get lost or injured. Here are a few tips on how to keep your pets safe on Halloween. Let’s get started!
1. Keep your pets indoors
Halloween is a spooky time of year, and here are a few reasons why it is essential to keep your pets indoors on Halloween:
- There are more strangers out and about. Dogs and cats can be skittish around strangers at the best of times, so Halloween, with all its ghouls and goblins, can be particularly daunting for them.
- There is more noise. Fireworks are common on Halloween night, and the loud bangs can scare even the bravest of pets.
- There are more risks. With all the extra people and activity on the streets, there is an increased risk of pets getting lost or injured.
2. Keep candy out of reach
Candy can be dangerous for pets because it often contains chocolate; poisonous to dogs and cats. Even small amounts of chocolate can make your pet sick. So before you indulge in your Halloween candy, ensure your furry friends can’t get their paws on any.
According to American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), another reason to keep candy away from pets is that many types of candy are high in sugar and fat, which can be unhealthy for them. So even if your pet doesn’t eat chocolate, it’s best to keep them away from all kinds of candy this Halloween.
3. Be careful with your Halloween decorations
As Halloween approaches, many people begin decorating their homes with all sorts of spooky and fun decorations. But if you have pets, it’s essential to be careful with your Halloween decorations and ensure they are pet-safe.
Avoid using candles or anything that emits an open flame. Pets can knock over candles and cause a fire. Consider battery-operated candles instead. Be careful with fake cobwebs. Many fake spider webs are made with nylon thread.
4. Protect pets from noise and spooky costumes
As Halloween approaches, many people begin to think about how to protect their pets from the noise and commotion of the holiday. But unfortunately, the sound of strangers knocking on the door or the sight of unusual costumes can be downright scary for some animals.
First, keep your pet away from the door on Halloween night. If possible, confine them to a quiet room where they can’t see or hear the doorbell ringing or people walking outside. This will help reduce their stress levels.
Second, don’t take your dog trick-or-treating with you. The noise and commotion may be too much for them to handle. If you must take them out, ensure they wear a comfortable costume that doesn’t restrict their movement or vision.
5. Put your pet’s Identification tags on them
When it comes to Halloween, the last thing you want is for your pet to get lost. So make sure their identification tags are securely fastened to their collar in case they escape out the door while you’re handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.
If your pet doesn’t have identification tags, now is the time to get them. You can find tags at your local pet store or online. Include your pet’s name and contact information on the tag.
6. Don’t leave your pets unattended
Each year on Halloween, animal shelters see an influx of pets that have been either lost or abandoned. While the holiday can be fun for humans, it can be stressful and dangerous for pets. Dogs and cats may become frightened by the sound of fireworks or the sight of strangers in costumes, which can lead to them running away from home.
For this reason, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your pets during Halloween and ensure they are not left unattended, especially if they are left to run loose around the house. With so much commotion, it’s hard to keep track of their whereabouts.
Happy Halloween!
As you celebrate Halloween with your friends and family, keep your furry friends safe by following these tips. By keeping them inside and away from potential hazards, you can also ensure they have a happy and safe holiday.
Visit our Health Center for other ways to keep your pets safe year round!