Halloween is a time of spooky fun, costumes, and delicious treats for humans, but it can be a downright nightmare for our furry friends. Many hidden dangers, from candy hazards to frightening decorations, can threaten our pets. This year, let’s ensure a safe and happy Halloween with these safety tips for pets.
Take a Spooky Walk: If your dog enjoys walks, take them for a Halloween-themed stroll in your neighborhood. It’s an excellent opportunity for them to experience the sights and sounds of the holiday in a controlled environment. Please bring lots of treats to help them form a positive association with the various sights and sounds from Halloween decorations.
Choose Pet-Friendly Decorations: Decorations like fake cobwebs, glow sticks, and lit pumpkins may seem harmless, but they can pique your pet’s curiosity. Cats might see stringy decorations as toys and dogs may chew on them. Ensure all decorations are pet-safe. Some decorations, like glow sticks, can be toxic if ingested by pets. Please keep them out of reach, and be careful where you place them.
Safe Candy Storage: If swallowed, candy wrappers, chocolate, and lollipop sticks can be hazardous. Make sure to dispose of these items safely and securely. And remember to keep that bowl of candy out of your pet’s reach!
Pet-Safe Treats: Consider making or buying pet-safe treats. Many recipes available online cater to your pet’s dietary needs.
Soundproofing: The constant doorbell ringing and noisy trick-or-treaters can stress your pet out. Create a safe and quiet space for them with soothing music or a white noise machine to drown out the commotion.