Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

As we gear up for spooky season, it’s important to remember some Halloween safety tips. Read on for some pointers to keep the frights away and how to have a happy, fun and safe Halloween!

(Not So) Secret Identity

Whether your pet is dolled up in a costume or not, having clear and proper identification is vital! This is the case all-year round, but is especially important during holidays. We often have visitors coming in and out of the house during the holidays, which makes it more likely that your pet may slip out the door and get loose. There are a lot of people out and about during Halloween, so the crowds combined with strange costumes and smells could spook your pet (and not in the fun way!) and they may bolt.

It's important to be sure their tags and microchips are up to date. A reflective collar and secure leash are also great ways to keep your pet safe.

Stash the Treat Stash

Generally, people food isn’t good for pets, but it’s especially important to be mindful of during a holiday that’s centered around candy. Many common Halloween treats are toxic to dogs, such as raisins, chocolate, xylitol (commonly used as a sugar substitute).

Be sure to safely stash any and all trick-or-treat treasures – even the ones kids may try hiding around the house from the parents. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can track down any loose treats, even ones that may not be safe or healthy for them.

Spooky Scaredy Cats (and Dogs!)

Halloween festivities can be great fun, but it’s important to take a look at everything from your pet’s perspective. The hustle and bustle, masked strangers and visitors can be incredibly scary and stressful for animals. Even the “people-person” pets should still be taken into consideration and have a separate, quiet and comfortable space away from the flurry of activity as a sanctuary hideaway.

Not only do we want to minimize anxiety and stress in our pets, planning ahead for this holiday may also reduce the chance that your pet may get scared, bolt and get lost.

Be Cautious with Costumes

We won’t lie, pets in costumes can be pretty cute. But many pets don’t like wearing costumes and doing so can cause unnecessary stress. While the cute factor may be pretty high, it’s important to put our pets’ comfort and safety first!

If your pet is comfortable dressing up, be sure that costume doesn’t obstruct their sight, ability to breathe or movement. Any easy-to-chew parts should be removed since these small decorations could possibly become a choking hazard.

When it comes down to it, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Something simple like a fall-themed bandana or new spooky dog toy could be great low-key accessories to keep your pup happy and safe while they participate in the holiday.

Dangerous Decorations

Not only can Halloween costumes can be frightening and unfamiliar to pets, but spooky décor can also cause issues. Not to worry, there are smart and safe ways to decorate for the holiday while keeping your pet safe.

Changes to the home, even just some extra festive furnishings, can be unsettling to pets. Slowly introduce your pets to any decorations in a safe space and avoid any possible hazards (fake spiders, rubber eyeballs, fake cobwebs, glowstick etc.).

Some pet friendly holiday décor includes battery-operated candles instead of open flames, real pumpkins instead of artificial, non-toxic window decals… You can even use Halloween-themed pet toys as decoration!

Remember these Halloween guidelines to ensure a safe and spooky holiday for the whole family! In case of emergency, always have your veterinarian’s number and information on hand, along with information on your local pet ER.