Pet Safety Tips for Halloween

While we humans tend to get excited and go romping out into the neighborhood with our trick-or-treat bags in hand, cats and dogs don’t always enjoy this fun spirit of Halloween. As we frolic through the fallen leaves, ring doorbells and bring home all the rewards of sweet treats, many of our animal companions are finding this time quite stressful. Unlike us, most pets don't know that the costumes and sounds are just make-believe and that the frightfulness behind that frightfully fun attire are just that. So, when you open the door to trick-or-treaters, be prepared that your pet may panic, maybe even when you dress up in your Halloween costume. There are some simple tips to help you take some precautions beforehand to prepare for this fun night.

How to Make Your Agitated Pets Feel Safe

One of the best ways to keep your pet safe (and perhaps also visitors) is to remove your pet from the situation completely, especially if you are having a party in your home, or if you expect a lot of trick-or-treaters to come to your door. You could kennel your animal somewhere else for the night, if necessary, in order to keep them away from all the commotion. Or, if you have a quiet room in your home, you could put him or her in the room with some food, water and perhaps some favorite toys or a treat, and designate the room as "off limits" to guests. This is especially true if you know cat or dog is normally skittish around people.

Not all animals freak out from all the holiday hoopla....some love it just as much, if not more, than we do. So here are some tips to allow your people loving, socialite pet get involved in all the festivities in a safe, sane manner:

Allow them to enjoy your visitors, but from a distance.

You may notice that your pet is not bothered by the Halloween costumes at all. Maybe your puppy or kitty likes to go to the door and welcome your guests. While this is wonderful, some children are frightened of pets. You will also need to be sure that he or she does not dart out the door while you’re handing out treats. Try leashing your dog within a safe distance from the door so they can enjoy the guests while remaining safe inside, and also a safe distance from children who may be frightened of them. (Cat's are usually better off in a quiet room, or in a crate for brief periods of time). Also be sure your pet has a collar with an ID tag on them in case they do make the great escape you will be able to find them easier. And another thing...cats, especially black ones can fall prey to pranksters on Halloween. It is best to keep all cats indoors.

Candy and Pets Do Not Mix

If you have children who will be trick-or-treating, you’ll have to pay careful attention to your pets once you return home for the night with the kids’ treats. While sorting and eating the goodies from trick-or-treating, make sure that all candy, especially chocolate, is out of the cat or dog’s reach. Chocolate, even in the tiniest amounts, can be very deadly to animals. Refrain from letting your little ones dump their trick-or-treat bags and buckets on the floor to sort their candy. Instead, head to the dining room table or a counter to pick through the yummy treats.

Pets and Fire Hazards

Animals are naturally curious creatures, so to keep you and your pet safe, keep your pet away from any flames such as lighted jack O'lanterns or candles. They could get burned, or knock them over in all the excitement and cause a tragic fire. Also take precautions with Halloween decorations that have electrical cords as they could become entangled in them, or decide to chomp on them and get a harmful shock.

Pets and Costumes

Although I think it is best to leave them in their birthday suits, if you do decide to dress your pet, provide a costume that lets them move freely and that it isn't so confining that it limits their movement or their breathing. Perhaps a bandanna, or cute cape would be enough. Also check that the costume doesn't have any parts that could be tripped over or swallowed if they decide to chew on it.

You Know Your Pet Better Than Anyone

As the “parent” to your pet, you know your cat or dog's temperament better than anyone else. If this is your first Halloween with a pet, don’t be surprised if he or she doesn’t think the day is as pleasurable as you and other members of the family do. By keeping these simple, but often overlooked, safety tips in mind, you can ensure everyone in the family and all your guests have some healthy and safe Halloween fun!