Halloween is a fun holiday for everyone in the family, but it can require some extra precautions for your four-legged friends. After all, bizarre strangers are going to be at their door all night! They may not fully understand what’s going on, and confusion often leads to stress. Follow these tips, and your whole family will stay safe and have fun!
Keep Pets Inside
Everyone has heard about the stories of tricks gone a little too far, and some poor pet ends up paying the price. Some of the tales can get grisly so, we will spare you the details. They may be fiction or exaggerated, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Even pets in their yards might become the victim of a mean prank.
Be aware that while having your pet in the car with you may seem like the best compromise, that might make them more stressed. It can be scary for them when they see strange “creatures” walking by the car. They might lash out at strangers, or worse, take off in a new and foreign neighborhood. It’s safer to leave them at home where you know they are comfortable and fear-free.
Keep Pets Away From the Front Door
You’re going to be opening the door a LOT on Halloween. Both your regular doorbell and your furry one will be going off over and over. There’s going to be much more noise than usual, and even a calm pet can get spooked this time of year and take off through the open door. So, if possible, keep them in their kennel or safe in another room.
Be Careful With Candles
Caution with an open flame is always a good rule of thumb, and Halloween is no exception. Curious kitties, in particular, will seek out any bright light, and it’s not easy finding a place that’s out of reach for a cat! Wagging tails have also knocked many things over, which only spells trouble. Both the hot wax and the fire itself can be safety risks, so be sure to pay close attention. Maybe trade them out for electric ones and check this off your list of concerns!
No Candy for Pets
Pets get super excited when they see treats and will gobble them up, including the wrapper! As many of you know, chocolate is toxic for your pets, but it is not the only treat that can cause issues for your pet. There are lots of other tricks to watch out for on Halloween; plastic packaging and foil wrappers can cause choking, blockages, or cut up the inside of your pet if swallowed. No matter how much they beg, don’t share sugary goodies with your four-legged friends!
Costume Concerns
Sure your pet looks cute in their costume, but sometimes we enjoy it a lot more than our pets do! If you choose to dress up your pet, make sure that their costume isn’t restricting movement or breathing. Be sure to avoid costumes that have small pieces that they could swallow. Take special care to make sure their vision isn’t impaired – pets can get very agitated if they can’t see.
Glow Sticks
Pets love to chew on glow sticks. Their sharp teeth can puncture that plastic, though. 70% of the calls the Pet Poison Helpline receives on this topic involve zealous kitties, so watch out for your curious cats. Luckily, this isn’t usually life-threatening, but it can still cause irritation and foaming at the mouth.
So, stay on your toes and be alert to keep your four-legged family members just as safe as your two-legged ones this holiday! Go out there and enjoy this spooky fun holiday – safely!