Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is one of our favorite times of the year. From our yearly Howl-O-Ween Bashes to pups in costumes, we love the spookiest time of the year. But while our Halloween festivities are dog friendly, Halloween night can be downright terrifying for your pet. Here are our tips for keeping your pet and your trick-o-treaters happy when All Hallows’ Eve rolls around.

Keep Your Pets at Home

Knowing there will be plenty of trick-o-treaters walking the streets and people going to and from parties, being outside on Halloween night is stressful and confusing for pets. Plan your walks earlier in the evening before the festivities start and don’t leave them out in the yard.

Plan For The Worst

Be sure you have your pet’s collar and ID tag on even if you’re not leaving the house. If you pets get spooked they might bolt out the door the next time you open it. Much like the 4th of July, when revelers are out and about and being loud, your pet might try to escape if you’ve also decided to join the party. Make sure it’s easy to identify your pet and have your contact info on their ID tag.

Keep Them Secure

With trick-o-treaters coming to the door so often, pets, especially dogs, get excited or territorial. The best way to prevent your pet from escaping, barking, or getting overexcited during Halloween festivities is to have them crated or secured in a room away from the front door. Keeping them indoors also prevents any pranksters from giving them a fright. Also keep them away from any jack-o-lanterns with lit candles as those pose a burn risk to curious pets.

Don’t Give Them Candy

Never give your pet candy, especially chocolate as it can prove fatal for your pet. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Common artificial sweeteners in candy such as xylitol can be poisonous to dogs causing sudden drops in blood sugar, loss of coordination, and seizures. Once your kids have brought home their Halloween haul, store it in a safe place where your pets won’t have access to them.

Cat Lovers

Keep your cats indoors not just during Halloween night but for a few days before and after. Black cats are especially at risk from pranks or abduction around Halloween. In fact, many shelters won’t allow the adoption of black cats during October as a safety precaution.