Pet Safety on Halloween

While Halloween is a fun fall celebration we all look forward to every year, the festivities and activities surrounding the holiday can sometimes be stressful for your pet. From decorations and treats to doorbells and costumes, it is imperative that pet owners take precautions to ensure the safety of their pets during this “spooky” season. We have rounded up some of our favorite pet safety tips to keep you and your pet happy and healthy this Halloween.

Keep decorations out of reach from your pet.
Some pets may also view decorations as a threat to their safety. Lit candles, rubber eyeballs, and fake cobwebs are a few examples of fire hazards and choking risks that could be detrimental to your pet’s health. Creating a safe and decoration-free room is a great solution for making your pet feel safe at home.

Do not feed your dog candy and chocolate.
Chocolate, gum, and candy are just some of the many foods that can cause serious harm to your pets. In the event that your dog eats hazardous food, be sure to contact your veterinarian or the American Poison Control Center hotline immediately.

Choose comfortable costumes and test them before Halloween.
Should you choose to dress your pet in a Halloween costume, be sure your pet is comfortable and can move freely while dressed up. Remove the costume immediately if your pet shows signs of discomfort. These signs can include folded down ears, eyes rolling back or looking sideways, a tucked tail or hunching over.

Create a safe space away from loud noise.
Whether it’s a child dressed as a sweet Disney character or a teenager dressed as a scary zombie, it is common for pets to be spooked by trick-or-treaters. Making a safe space in a crate with a comfortable bed and a treat-filled toy can help alleviate your pet’s anxiety while the doorbell rings. Playing soft music during trick-or-treating hours is also a great solution for keeping your pet calm on Halloween.

Keep your pet on a leash when outdoors.
If you choose to sit outside and hand out candy on Halloween or take your dog along for trick-or-treating, be sure your dog is on a leash.

To learn more about how to keep your pets as safe as possible during Halloween, please visit The Humane Society of the United States.