Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween is just around the corner! While you’re putting together your costume, stocking up on candy and transforming your yard into a spooky graveyard, remember that holidays like Halloween can be stressful times for your pets. Animals don’t understand why their best two-legged friends are wearing scary disguises or why the doorbell keeps ringing all night long.

To keep Halloween fun and safe for everyone in the family, consider the following pet safety tips ...

Sniff Test

If you or your children are going to dress up for Halloween, allow your pet to smell the costume before putting it on.

Beat the Sweets

Keep candy – especially chocolate and gum – away from your pets. Certain candies, wrappers and ingredients can be poisonous and even fatal for pets if ingested.

Leave Fido at Home

Don’t bring your dog (or other pets) trick or treating! The costumes, noise, music, bright lights and decorations could be overwhelming for them. Try finding a quiet room where your pets can curl up with their favorite scary movie instead.

Don’t Over-Decorate

Be careful when decorating your home. Festive items like corncobs, cornstalks, cobwebs, glow sticks and small plastic decorations can cause a choking hazard. Also, don’t forget to cover or hide all electrical cords.

Trick or Treat

If you’re expecting trick or treaters, you’ll want to keep your pets clear of the front door. An open door can be very inviting and the constant ringing of the doorbell by the little ghosts and ghouls could scare your pets and cause them to run.

Dress for Success

Costumes for your pets can be fun (and adorable!) but they should fit well enough to allow them to breathe normally. And, be cautious of any loose or hanging parts like fringe, stuffing or buttons that could pose a choking hazard.

Halloween should be a fun time for everyone, including your pets. And, by following these tips, you can make sure that it’s safe too!