October is full of beautiful autumn leaves, cooler temperatures, pumpkin patches, treats, and, of course, the spooky celebration of Halloween! While we may love all the things Halloween has to offer, our pets may not share the same sentiment. Costumes, masks, lights, decorations, and the steady stream of strangers trick-or-treating can cause some pets a lot of stress and anxiety.
While some pets may enjoy the hustle and bustle of Halloween, here are some tips on keeping all your furry companions safe and happy during fright night!
1. Make sure all candy is out of reach of your pets. It’s a good idea to keep the sweets stashed up high in secure cabinets. Same goes for your kid’s loot from trick-or-treating. Dogs have a keen sense of smell and are good at sniffing out even the most cleverly hidden treasures. Chocolate in all forms- especially dark or baking chocolate- can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, along with sugar-free candies containing the sweetener xylitol.
2. Party time may mean quiet time for pets. If your pets are sensitive to all the sights and sounds of Halloween, it may be best to set them up in a spare room in your house. If your pet is likely to bolt out of the front door, they may be more comfortable in their crate enjoying a treat-filled toy (such as frozen peanut butter in a Kong), listening to soft music playing in the background, for example. When going out trick-or-treating, it’s best to leave your dog at home. Dogs can be easily excited by all the Halloween commotion and spooky costumes, and a bite or lost dog will quickly end the fun festivities. Cats do best indoors on Halloween.
3. Steer pets away from dangerous Halloween decorations. Changes to your home, inside and out, can make your pets, especially cats, nervous or frightened. Some hazards are obvious like lit candles, but others you may not think about. Flameless candles are a great substitute! Pets are sneaky and may try to eat/destroy the decorations such as fake spiders, rubber eyeballs, cobweb material, glow sticks, costume plastics, fake blood, and so on.
4. Be careful with pet costumes. If you choose a costume for your pet, consider your pet’s personality in terms of what they may tolerate and for how long. Hats and masks that fit around the face may be tolerated for a quick picture, but may pose a danger and make your pet feel uncomfortable. The more comfortable and minimal the better when it comes to pet costumes. You want to make sure they can move freely, and that any chewable parts or objects are removed to avoid choking hazards and consumption.
5. Keep pets easily identifiable. Make sure your pets are wearing tags with current ID info just in case they get spooked and bolt out of the house. Make sure your microchip is registered with the most up-to-date contact information. If your dog is joining the family while trick-or-treating after dark, reflective gear is always helpful and making sure they are securely leashed.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween
from all of us here at Animal Works Veterinary Surgery!
Fort Collins, CO 970-694-2625