Halloween Pet Safety Tips
Halloween is almost here! Halloween festivities are a blast, but sometimes it’s best to keep pets home for their safety. Before you purchase Halloween candy or open your door for trick-or-treaters, please review these Halloween pet safety tips again!
Safely Confine All Pets Indoors
Many pets disappear during Halloween, so it’s best to keep all pets, including cats, safely confined indoors. Think about it: every time your front door opens for trick-or-treaters, it’s an opportunity for your dog or cat to escape. Plus, costumed trick-or-treaters look scary.
It’s best to keep dogs safely in their crates, tucked away in another room, away from all the commotion. Play soft music in the background to drown out loud knocks and doorbell rings. Classical music works best. Crate time doesn’t have to be boring! Give your dog a frozen yogurt stuffed toy while resting in his crate. This way, he can join in on the festivities too. Check out this Halloween frozen treat idea for your dog!
When bringing your dog outside to potty, keep your dog leashed at all times. When pottying your dog in a secured backyard, stay with your dog until he finishes his business and bring him back indoors. Supervision is key during Halloween.
Don’t Force Pet Halloween Costumes
Most pet costumes are uncomfortable and not easy to walk around in. If your dog refuses to walk or seems stressed, it’s best to remove the dog costume. Instead of a Halloween hat, choose a spooky sweater. Or better yet, stick to a Halloween bandana or a candy corn-themed collar with current ID tags.
Keep Halloween Candy Away From Your Pet
While we know dogs and Halloween candy don’t mix, there’s still a steep increase in Pet Poison Control calls around Halloween. Believe it or not, it’s their busiest time of the year. Keep all Halloween candy away from your dog—even non-chocolate varieties.
Also, candy wrappers are a choking hazard and bowel obstruction. When trick-or-treaters are out front, keep your candy high up, such as on the wall shelving next to your front door. During the week of Halloween, keep all candy in your closed pantry preferably on a high shelf.
Just in case, here’s the Pet Poison Helpline number: (855) 764-7661. They charge $49 per call, and offer amazing advice!
Have a safe and happy Halloween!!!
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