30 Oct 2024
By Humane Society of Ventura County
Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls—Halloween is a time for spooky decorations, fun costumes, and sweet treats, but for our pets, it can also be filled with hazards and stress. As pet owners, it's essential to plan ahead and make sure our little pumpkins stay safe, comfortable, and relaxed amid the festivities. Check out these tips to set your pet up for a positive, safe holiday. Happy Halloween!
Candy: The scariest goblin of them all! Trick-or-treating is for humans, not pets. Many human treats are harmful to cats and dogs, so be sure to keep them out of reach of your animals. Educate children about the dangers of feeding candy to animals. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and seizures. Avoid sugar-free candies with xylitol, which can be fatal for pets. If you suspect your animal got into the candy bowl, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Candles, wires, and cords: Keep your animals away from all candles as they can easily get burned or knock them over and start a fire. Wires and electrical cords can also be quite hazardous. If your pet chews on wires they could get a life-threatening electrical shock! Try using glow sticks or LED candles instead of open flames.
Decorations and human costumes: Keep decorations out of reach of your pets, and avoid using plants like pumpkins and corn, which can cause gastrointestinal issues if eaten in large quantities. Remember that unusual costumes and large inflatable decorations can be stressful for your pet. To ensure a smooth trick-or-treating experience, introduce your costume and decorations gradually. Try on your costume beforehand to help your animal get used to your spooky outfit, using treats to create a positive association. Allow your pet to explore the decorations by sniffing them to become familiar with these new objects.
Costumes: Canine couture or not? Dressing up pets can be fun, but their comfort should come first. Not all pets enjoy costumes, so if you decide to dress your pet for Halloween, keep it simple. Ensure the costume allows for normal movement and doesn't obstruct sight or breathing. Watch for loose parts that could irritate or pose a choking hazard. A festive bandana might be more than enough!
Keep your pets safe indoors: Do not leave your pets in the yard on Halloween! Pranksters have been known to tease animals, leading to injury or worse. To reduce a cauldron of stress from strangers and unfamiliar spooky sounds, create a cozy, secure room for your pet away from the festivities. This safe space can help prevent overwhelming situations and keep your pet calmer during the night. It might just be the best treat you could offer them!
Take extra precautions with your animals, especially black cats: Black cats are especially at risk of injury and abuse during Halloween. We recommend, as a safety precaution, to make sure your cats and dogs are brought indoors several days before and after Halloween.
Ding-dong! Front door dog manners: Halloween is an exciting night when your doorbell will ring often with eager trick-or-treaters. If you insist that your dog join in on the festivities, it’s important to practice beforehand. Have a friend approach your front door so your dog can get accustomed to visitors. The goal is to help your dog remain calm when the parade of ghosts and goblins arrives on that spooky night. Keep some dog treats handy to reward calm behavior.
