Keep Pets Safe and Calm This Halloween

Halloween is a scary and fun time for people, but what about pet friends? Not really. While we’re busy with costumes and candy, pets are experiencing a whole different kind of “howl-o-ween.” Loud noises, strange costumes, and a constant stream of visitors turn this festive night into a fright fest for four-legged companions.

That’s why we’re here to help! This guide is a one-stop shop for Halloween safety tips for pets. This article aims to cover everything from sneaky dangers like candy and decorations to creating a calming oasis for an anxious furball. Hopefully, pet parents become confident in keeping their pets safe and sound this Halloween.

What to Watch Out For

Halloween is full of hidden dangers for pets, much like a scary home. Pay attention to the scary risks listed below.

Candy and Treats

Those tempting bowls of candy are a delight for humans, but they’re a big no-no for pets. All chocolates, especially the dark kind, are toxic to dogs and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. “Theobromine levels in chocolate vary depending on the type, with the minimum toxic level being 100-200mg/kg and the maximum toxic level being 250-500mg/kg,” (Hornfeldt, C., 1987). Xylitol, an artificial sweetener in many candies and gums, is even worse. Even a tiny amount causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. “Xylitol poisoning in dogs is characterized by increased insulin levels, hypoglycemia, and other biochemical changes, providing a biochemical basis for diagnosis and treatment,” (Xia, Z., He, Y., & Yu, J., 2009). 

Store candy in high cabinets, out of paw’s reach, and remind kiddos not to share their loot with furry friends.

Costumes

While a costumed pet is Instagram-worthy, it’s important to prioritize comfort and safety. Costumes that are excessively tight or restrictive restrict mobility and even induce problems with breathing. Dangling accessories or small parts pose a choking hazard, and masks obstruct vision, breathing, and hearing, leading to anxiety and disorientation.

Choose costumes wisely. Opt for simple, comfortable outfits that don’t restrict movement or have small, detachable parts. Always supervise pets while they’re in costume, just in case they decide to stage a “great escape” from their festive attire.

Decorations

From flickering candles to eerie cobwebs, Halloween decorations are a real hazard for curious pets. Candles cause burns or start fires if knocked over, while wires and cords pose a risk of electric shock if chewed on. Fake cobwebs and small decorations cause choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed.

Look for flameless candles, secure wires out of reach, and choose decorations that are too large to be swallowed. Remember, that jack-o’-lantern looks tempting, but rotting pumpkins harbor harmful bacteria.

Anxiety and Stress

For many pets, the biggest scare of Halloween isn’t the costumes or the candy, but the anxiety and stress caused by the constant commotion. The doorbell ringing, strangers at the door, and loud noises trigger fear and anxiety in furry friends. “Canine aggression toward unfamiliar dogs and people is primarily driven by fear and territoriality, with factors such as socialization deficits, hormones, genetic, and neurophysiological components contributing to its development,” (Haug, L., 2008). 

Dogs pace, pant, bark excessively, or try to hide. Whereas, cats retreat, vocalize more, or even have accidents outside the litter box. Recognizing these signs is the first step to helping a pet cope.

Keeping Pets Safe & Calm

Amidst the Halloween hustle and bustle, it’s crucial to create a safe and calming space for pets. Think of it as their own little sanctuary, away from the spooky sights and sounds.

A Room of Their Own

Choose a quiet room, away from the front door and the Halloween action. Make it comfy with their favorite bed, blankets, and toys. Consider adding a calming pheromone diffuser or playing soothing music to create a relaxing atmosphere. “Pheromonotherapy offers a natural, safe approach to treating behavioral disorders and reducing stress in pets, with potential applications in veterinary structures and breeding networks,” (Pageat, P., & Gaultier, E., 2003).

Taming the Doorbell Terror

The constant ding-dong of trick-or-treaters is a real stressor for pets. If possible, sit outside to hand out candy and prevent the doorbell from becoming a trigger. Alternatively, place a bowl of candy outside with a sign inviting trick-or-treaters to help themselves.

Escape prevention is key, with the door constantly opening and closing, Halloween is prime time for pets to slip out. Always keep a close eye on pets, especially when greeting trick-or-treaters, and consider using a baby gate or keeping them in their safe room during peak trick-or-treating hours.

Safety Beyond the Front Door

Halloween still presents some unexpected challenges even if the necessary steps to pet-proof a home have been taken. Explore some extra precautions to ensure furry friends stay safe throughout the spooky season.

Outdoor Adventures

While a moonlit stroll on Halloween night sounds enchanting, it’s best to keep pets indoors. The outdoor environment is particularly hazardous for pets during Halloween, with potential dangers lurking around every corner.

Beware of Decorated Dangers

Many homes go all out with outdoor Halloween decorations, but some of these festive adornments are harmful to pets. Strings of lights cause entanglement or electric shock if chewed on, while fog machines and fake spiderwebs irritate their eyes and respiratory system. Even seemingly harmless decorations like inflatable ghosts or faux tombstones are startling and cause anxiety in pets.

Stranger Danger in Costumes

Costumed trick-or-treaters are confusing and even frightening for pets, especially if they’re not used to seeing people in unusual attire. This leads to fear-based reactions, such as barking, growling, or even attempts to escape.

Nocturnal Wildlife Encounters

Halloween night is also a time when nocturnal wildlife, like raccoons, opossums, and skunks, are more active. Encounters with these creatures are stressful and even dangerous for pets, as they carry diseases or become aggressive if they feel threatened.

Identification is a Must

Even with the best precautions, there’s always a chance that a pet slips out the door during Halloween festivities. In the unfortunate event that a furry friend does escape, proper identification is absolutely crucial for a happy reunion.

Collar and Tags

Ensure a pet is wearing a well-fitting collar with an ID tag that includes their name, the pet parent’s current phone number, and address. This simple step significantly increases the chances of someone contacting parents if they find a lost pet.

A Permanent Safety Net

Microchipping a pet provides a permanent form of identification. It’s a tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, that’s implanted under their skin. This chip contains a unique identification number that is read by a scanner at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, allowing them to quickly identify a pet and contact pet parents.

A Happy Howl-o-ween for All!

By following these Halloween safety tips for pets, pet parents ensure both humans and their furry companions have a fun and fright-free holiday. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in preventing spooky situations. So, grab costumes (pet-friendly, of course!), stock up on treats (for humans only!), and get ready for a Halloween that’s both safe and enjoyable for everyone in the pack.

References 

• Haug, L. (2008). Canine aggression toward unfamiliar people and dogs. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 38 5, 1023-41, vi. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2008.04.005.
• Hornfeldt, C. (1987). Chocolate toxicity in dogs. Modern veterinary practice.
• Pageat, P., & Gaultier, E. (2003). Current research in canine and feline pheromones. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 33 2, 187-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0195-5616(02)00128-6.
• Xia, Z., He, Y., & Yu, J. (2009). Experimental acute toxicity of xylitol in dogs. Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics, 32 5, 465-9. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2885.2009.01065.x.