We’ve officially entered the start of the spooky season. While you may not be a die-hard fan who starts decorating promptly on September 1, Halloween pet safety needs to start well before All Hallows Eve and is an important consideration. From ghouls and goblins to sweet treats, there are plenty of potential hazards for pets that can put a big damper on your holiday celebrations. This guide will help you and your furry friend avoid all the tricks so you can truly enjoy the season:
Watch for Treats
While a big part of the holiday is devoted to collecting treats, many of them can be very harmful for your pets. Be sure to keep the following far away from your pet:
- Candy: Most candy can contain ingredients like chocolate, nuts, or xylitol, which can all be toxic for pets.
- Raisins: While they might seem like a healthy snack, raisins can lead to kidney failure.
- Gum: Gum is another treat that often contains xylitol.
- Wrappers: Be careful when disposing of candy wrappers. A curious pet might try to eat one to get a sweet taste and end up with an intestinal blockage.
Keep all treats and trash at a safe distance from your pets. We all know that candy bags are opened well before the big night. For Halloween pet safety, kids in the house need to understand the importance of watching over their candy. If you suspect that your cat or dog has gotten into something they shouldn’t call your vet right away.
Use Caution with Pet Costumes
There’s almost nothing cuter than a pet in a costume, but certain costumes can create stress for our furry friends. If you are going to dress up your pet this Halloween, be sure to find a costume that fits properly. You don’t want anything that is too snug or makes it difficult to breathe or to move. Try to avoid any costumes that have potential choking hazards. Get your pet used to the costume in short spurts before expecting him to wear it for long periods of time. If a full costume is too much for your pet, you can always find a festive bandana or collar.
Create a Safe Space for Your Pet
Halloween comes with a lot of activity. From parties to trick-or-treaters, there is a lot that can make your pet feel anxious and unsure. To increase Halloween pet safety, here are a few ways you can help your pet feel calm during the festivities:
- Create a safe space where your pet can relax. Be sure to have a comfortable place for sleeping, a favorite toy, and some food and water nearby. It will be even more effective if you can play some soft music or a television show that can cover up some of the noise.
- If your house will see a lot of trick-or-treaters, consider handing out candy on the porch or driveway to avoid people ringing your doorbell all night.
- If you are bringing your pet trick-or-treating or to a party, be sure he or she is safely secured and under your watchful eye.
- Make sure your pet’s microchip is up-to-date just in case he or she gets spooked and runs away.
Be Careful with Decorations
A lot of Halloween decorations have moving parts or wires that can be dangerous for your pets. If you like to go all out with your decorations, think about how they can affect your pet before you set them up. Halloween pet safety means steering clear of candles and other fire hazards, and being sure to avoid decorations with potential choking hazards.
The team at Union Lake Pet Services wants you and your pets to have a happy and safe Halloween season. From training services to boarding options, we make it easy to get the resources you need. To learn more, please call (248) 363-6262.