Skip the Scares for Your Pet This Halloween
October 14, 2024
Pet Safety Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe & Sound
Spooky season is here, and people love it! About 60% of Americans celebrate Halloween. But 0% of pets enjoy being frightened, so let’s review some safety tips.
Candy is Never Good for Pets
For the health and safety of your cat or dog, keep all candy away from them. Chocolate candy or sugar-free candy are toxic, while sticky candies can become stuck in teeth or digestive tracts. Here are some tips to help your pet avoid the candy:
- Make sure your kids understand that sharing candy with pets is dangerous
- Put the trick-or-treat bowl out of reach of your pet
- Store bags of candy in a cabinet your pet can’t reach
- If you have your leashed dog at a Halloween event, watch the ground for dropped candy
Costumes Aren’t for Every Pet
We love seeing dressed up dogs and cats as much as anyone– they are just so cute in costumes! But not every pet wants to join in the fun. If your pet resists wearing a costume, don’t force it. Here are more costume guidelines:
- Don’t put a mask on your pet for any length of time, even if your pet doesn’t seem to mind. Just long enough to snap a cute pic.
- Choose a comfortable costume that isn’t too tight and allows normal movement (walking, sitting, lying down).
- If your pet shows any discomfort or irritation, remove the costume right away
Home is the Safest Place
Halloween celebrations often happen at night, with large crowds. This experience isn’t for most pets, who are safest and happiest indoors at home. If you’re welcoming trick-or-treaters or going to a party, create a safe space in your home where your pet won’t come face-to-face with strangers.
For more Halloween safety tips, check out these articles:
Wishing you and your pet a happy and safe Halloween!
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Top 7 Halloween Pet Safety Tips
October 4, 2022
Save the Creepy, Spooky Scares for People: Help Your Pet Have a Happy Halloween
Like many holidays, Halloween celebrations are fun for people, but sometimes stressful for pets. Imagine it from an animal’s perspective: Being wrangled into a costume while a bunch of strangers come to your door for candy you want but aren’t allowed to have.
Not much fun, right?
While Halloween is probably not any pet’s favorite holiday, here are the top seven tips to follow to make it safe and comfortable:
- Keep candy away from your pet. All candy is bad for your pet, and some kinds are toxic.
- Choose comfortable pet costumes. Check out these ideas: Halloween Dogs of Instagram and Halloween Cats of Instagram.
- Beware dangerous decorations like jack-o-lanterns with lit candles inside or dry ice.
- Stay visible while outside. If you take your dog on a walk during Halloween night, wear reflective clothing or strips, and carry a lantern or flashlight.
- Help your pet to stay relaxed. Trick-or-treaters coming to the door can be scary for pets. Ways to calm your pet are to give them their favorite treats and toys, provide a safe space away from the front door, and give them plenty of affection.
- Put a collar with ID tags on your pet and consider microchipping. With opening doors and outdoor fun, it can be easier for your pet to get lost.
- Keep cats indoors. During trick-or-treating, consider giving your cat their own space in a closed-off room. If you sit outside on your porch or driveway with candy for the kids, you can avoid opening the door altogether.
Halloween Fun for Your Pet
In 2022, 78% of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween. It’s an undoubtedly popular holiday! And it’s natural to want to share the celebration with your pet.
- Cuddle on the couch to watch a scary movie. Don’t worry, your pet won’t be spooked, but they will be there to comfort you!
- Get a new Halloween-themed toy for your cat or dog.
- Play Hide-n-Go-Treat. No tricks, just treats! Hide your pet’s favorite treat and see how long it takes for them to sniff it out.
- Include your dog on your family’s outing to the pumpkin patch. Just call ahead to make sure a leashed pet is OK.
Halloween starts the fall and winter holiday season. Check out our Holiday Pet Safety resources for guidance on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
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