Halloween is a fun evening for kids and adults. It is not always pet friendly, but with a little forethought, you can make sure that your pet has a safe and fun time too.
DO
Consider your pet’s personality. If you have a shy, fearful dog or cat, they might not enjoy all the crowds. They may be happier given an option to hide in a safe place with low music to drown out the sound of visitors.
Include your dog. Most dogs love to be a part of festivities. If you have an outgoing and friendly dog, consider finding a comfy and durable costume for them to wear to make people notice and speak to them. A glowing orange collar may be all that they need to be seen inside and out.
Keep decorations and candy out of reach. Do not forget that your dog will be eye level with the things that are below yours. Halloween decorations and candy can pose a risk to a curious or hungry dog. Chocolate is a common culprit. Many vets see dogs vomiting brown, sweet smelling vomit with wrappers still present in the days surrounding Halloween. Sugar free treats can be ever more of a danger. Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many sugar free candies and gum is very toxic to pets. A good rule of thumb is to keep all things that are not specifically labeled for dogs out of reach. cats can be a little more savvy about stealing and eating items that are not safe, but either way, keeping stuff out of readh is a great idea!
DON’T
Don’t get distracted by the festivities and forget that your pet is around. It is easy for a dog or cat to slip out of the door being opened so often. Curious dogs will wonder why happy children are walking around, smelling of candy. Cats can become overwhelmed with all the activity and seek escape. Make sure that your pet is correctly identified and even microchipped in case they do slip away.
Don’t forget to survey the area for hazards. Things besides the candy can be dangerous for pets. Empty candy bags and shopping bags can become a suffocation hazard. Other overlooked Halloween dangers can include glow sticks or dry ice. Glow sticks are non-toxic, but the liquid tastes very foul and will cause excessive drooling which can be alarming. Dry ice can cause frost bite on contact with bare skin (or a curious tongue).
Don’t leave pets unattended. Pets can knock over candles creating a fire hazard. Halloween is a festive time that ushers in the fall. Everyone enjoys the tricks and treats, but the spooks are not as fun for some animals. Take a moment to consider how this all seems to him and make some accommodations to keep him safe and happy.