Halloween can be so much fun for kids and adults alike, but is it fun for your pet? I remember when my kids were little how much I enjoyed coming up with ideas for fun costumes and helping them get dressed up to go trick-or-treating. And answering the door to hand out Candy to all those cute little ghosts and goblins is fun too. But if your dog gets anxious or nervous every time someone rings the doorbell, it can turn into a very stressful night. So here are some ideas for helping you have a pet-safe Halloween.
Ways to Keep Your Dog or Cat Safe
The last thing you want to happen is having your pet bolt out the door as soon as you open it. With all of the commotion going on in the neighborhood on All Hallow’s Eve, you don’t want them getting lost, hit by a car or consuming candy that is bad for them.
The best solution may be keeping your pet shut up in a separate room so there is no chance of escaping. However, if your dog is okay with people coming to the door, another option may be putting a baby in front of the door so that when you open it you can still hand out candy without your dog running out the door. Whatever you choose to do, be sure all of your pets are wearing a collar and ID tags that are up to date.
Create A Safe Haven
If your pet already has a spot in the house where he likes to relax and be comfortable, then this would be the ideal spot to put him in during all of the festivities of Halloween. For my dogs, this is likely going to be the master bedroom where their kennels are set up with comfy beds inside and water to drink.
The Dangers of Candy
Of course you probably already know that chocolate is bad for dogs and cats, and candy in general should be avoided if you don’t want to have a sick pet on your hands. Watch your pet carefully to be sure he’s not eating anything that he shouldn’t be. If you do see him with something suspicious in his mouth try to take it out right away. Be sure you keep the candy bowl where your pets can’t reach it and throw away all candy wrappers, etc. The smell of the wrappers can be enough for a dog or cat to want to eat the paper or cellophane. If you do have any concerns that your pet has ingested something he shouldn’t have, please contact your veterinarian right away.
Trick-or-Treating with Your Pet
You know your pet best and how she will react to being out and about on Halloween. Some dogs may be too anxious or nervous, while others will enjoy all of the attention and would love to accompany you. Dressing them up in a costume and taking them along could be fun, but if you do be sure to take some extra safety precautions.
Be sure to use a strong and secure leash. Retractable leashes are not a good idea because it’s too easy to lose control with a longer leash, and you risk the dangers of you or someone else getting caught up in the leash.
It’s also a good idea for you and your pet to wear reflective gear so that you can be more easily seen in the dark.
Again, be sure that your pet doesn’t consume any candy. Perhaps you can take along some of your pet’s own treats so he doesn’t feel left out when the kids get their candy.
It’s Your Decision
Weigh the pros and cons carefully of how best to handle Halloween with your pet. Can he handle ringing doorbells, shrieking children and lots of activity, or does he need a calm and quiet environment? Ultimately, the decision is yours.
Have you had a good experience with your pet on Halloween? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
