Pet Halloween Safety Tips: How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Festivities

Halloween is a spooky, spectacular time with costumes, decorations, and treats everywhere you look. But while it’s a favorite holiday for many humans, it can pose some risks for our pets. From unfamiliar visitors to dangerous foods and decorations, Halloween isn’t always stress-free for pet parents.

The team at Animal Hospital of West Woodstock has some essential Halloween pet tips to keep your pawsome pals safe during Halloween. 

1. Keep Treats Out of Reach

One of the biggest dangers to pets during Halloween is candy, especially chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that’s toxic to both dogs and cats. It can lead to serious health issues if your pup or kitty gets a hold of it.

Other candies, like those containing xylitol (a sugar substitute), can also be extremely dangerous. Be sure to keep all candy and sweets well out of reach of your pets.

Make sure the kids in your household know to keep candy away from your cats and dogs, too. They may want to share their bounty with their furry family members, so it’s important they understand the importance of not sharing their Halloween treats.

Instead, get some pet-friendly Halloween biscuits and toys and create a basket just for your pets! The kids in your life will love this safe alternative to sharing their own candy. 

2. Choose Pet-Friendly Costumes

It’s tempting to dress your pet in a cute or spooky costume. We’ve all seen those adorable photos on social media of cats and dogs in the most adorable Halloween getups. 

But not all pets enjoy wearing clothes. So if you do decide to dress up your pet, make sure the costume is comfortable. Avoid anything that’s too tight or has small parts your pet could chew off and swallow.

It’s also a good idea to try the costume on your pet before Halloween to see if they actually like it. If your pet shows signs of stress, skip the costume and choose a Halloween-themed collar instead.

3. Be Careful with Decorations

Halloween decorations can be fun, but they can also be hazardous to pets. Strings of lights, candles, and electrical cords can cause burns or electrocution if your pet starts gnawing on them. 

Plus, small decorations or plastic items can be choking hazards for your four-legged friends. If you’re using candles in pumpkins or other decorations, for example, try using battery-operated candles to avoid the risk of fire.

Keep all decorations out of reach, and be mindful of your pet’s curious nature when you’re setting up your spooktacular displays.

4. Create a Safe Space for Your Pet

All sorts of sights, sounds, and smells abound at Halloween—from the constant doorbell ringing to strangers in costumes coming to the door. Help your pet feel at ease by creating a safe and quiet space away from the commotion. 

This could be a room with your pet’s favorite bed, toys, and some soothing music to help them relax. If your pet is particularly anxious, consider staying with them or keeping them occupied with a treat-dispensing toy during the festivities.

5. Keep Pets Indoors

On Halloween night, it’s a good idea to keep your pets indoors—especially during peak trick-or-treating hours. The loud noises and unfamiliar visitors can be stressful for pets. Like other popular holidays, including the 4th of July, there’s an increased risk of them slipping out the door. If you’re taking your dog out for a walk, make sure they’re on a leash, are microchipped, and have an updated tag—just in case they get spooked and run off. 

With these tips in hand, you can ensure a safe Halloween for all your beloved pets. 

If you have any more questions about keeping your pets safe during our favorite fall holidays, reach out to our caring team at Animal Hospital of West Woodstock. We offer everything from microchipping to preventive care and beyond. 

Contact us today to learn more!