With creepy creatures of the night coming to your door and an urge to scare in the air, Halloween can be a stressful holiday for our furry friends. Here are some ways to involve them in the festivities without getting hurt.
No Candy: Feeding Halloween candy to pets is a big no-no, especially since chocolate and xylitol—a common sugar substitute found in candy and gum—can be toxic. But pumpkin is a safe seasonal treat! Dogs especially love the taste of it, and it can also help regulate their digestion! (Stick to plain canned pumpkin.)
Watch for Decorations: Candles and jack-o’-lanterns are obvious fire hazards that can burn pets’ whiskers and tails. Plastic pumpkins and inflatable ghosts can quickly become choking hazards or obstructions if they are used as a chew toy.
Well-Fit Costumes: If you plan to dress up your dog or cat, make sure their costume fits comfortably and doesn’t have any pieces they can easily chew or swallow. Also make sure their getup doesn’t interfere with their sight, hearing, breathing or moving. Take some pre-trick-or-treating time to get them accustomed to wearing the costume.
Proper ID: If you’re taking them trick-or-treating with you or not keeping a close eye on your furry friends when ghoulish guests come to your door, they may run away. Make sure your pet is properly identified with a registered microchip, collar and ID tag.
Comfortable Environment: If the Halloween festivities are overwhelming your pet, maybe keep them in a quiet room away from all the activity. Tuck them under a weighted blanket. Turn on a livestream of nature footage to distract them.
If your pet has a Halloween emergency, seek treatment immediately. Contact your veterinary hospital.
