Treats healthy for people, such as raisins, can also harm pets, especially dogs, since they are toxic to the kidneys. Even the candy wrappers can be dangerous since if ingested can cause intestinal blockages. Decorations are also a concern. Animals are naturally curious so keep pets away from burning candles or lit jack-o-lanterns since noses can get burned and tails can catch on fire.
Halloween is the second most common holiday for pets to get lost right, behind July 4th. With a parade of trick-or-treaters coming and going there are many opportunities for pets to escape out the front door. Pets who are usually placid homebodies may get spooked and run away when seeing strangers dressed in scary attire. Even friendly dogs may bark ferociously or lunge at or even bite trick-or-treaters, so keep dogs leashed or in another room and don’t take them trick-or-treating.
Some animals get stressed easily, and the constant flow of people in strange costumes, the sounds, lights and decorations can cause a lot of anxiety so find a quiet room in the house, give the pet water, toys and a comfortable bed, and perhaps put on some soothing music or “white noise” to keep nervous pets calm.
When it comes to dressing up your pet for Halloween, first determine whether or not the animal is amenable to wearing a costume. If they don’t seem to mind, be sure the costume you choose
- Doesn’t constrict, confine or overheat your pet or interfere with hearing and breathing
- Allows for an unobstructed field of vision
- Is free of decorative items that pets can chew or swallow or trip over
Get your pet used to the outfit before the holiday so they become accustomed to it. On Halloween put on the costume, take a picture and then take it off. And if they refuse to wear it- don’t force the issue- not every pet is a diva.
