Halloween is many people’s favorite holiday of the year. The weather is changing and children (and adults) await dressing up is
costumes and collecting candy. From creative costumes to caramel apples, it’s a special time of year, but it can also be very dangerous for our pets.
Most pets don’t enjoy wearing a costume and become uncomfortable, unpredictable, and strange to other pets and animals when dressed up. Instead, if you’d like to help them get into the fun, consider a Halloween bandana for them. For some pets, when they’ve been desensitized and positively reinforced, they may like being dressed up. I don’t mean tolerate, but actually enjoy it. In these cases, make sure the costume doesn’t interfere with their ability to move, breathe, see, hear or bark.
*Berlin does not like being dressed up, as seen in the Wonder Woman picture on this page, which was taken at my husband’s office. Unfortunately, his boss insisted that all the office dogs were put in costume for a photo. It bothers me greatly she was forced to do this for the internet’s amusement. Don’t be that person.
Whether you’re going out or staying in, keep pets in a safe, enclosed room, preferably one without windows. If you’re having guests, keep pets in a room that’s off-limits to them and play some ambient noises or turn on the TV. It should go without saying, but don’t tease your pets when in costume.
Also, microchip your pets. They should not only be microchipped, but licensed and always wearing a collar with tags that include your current address & phone number.
Both chocolate and the sweetener xylitol are very toxic to your pet, even in small quantities, which means a large bag of sweets and collection of candy can be lethal for them. Keep these treats, along with any wrappers and lollipop sitcks, out of your pets reach, both in your home and while outside on your walks on and after Halloween, where they could quickly snatch up all the dangerously dropped treats!
If you suspect your pet has consumed something toxic, call your veterinarian or call ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435
Dogs and other pets do not understand all the lights, decorations, and sounds that some homes put out at this time of year. To help reduce and eliminate their fear, the second they see something strange (to them), and while still calm, tell them “Good” and give them a treat. Encourage but don’t force your dog to walk closer to the unsettling activity, rewarding their courage and good behavior along the way. If they ever begin to back away, go with them, or if they become reactive, briskly walk away to a far enough distance that they can focus on you and not the upsetting stimulus. Continue to move away and try again the next day at a further distance.
A) Keep Pets Away From The Door. Not only could your pet dash out the door and run away, but they may be frightened by the ghost or goblin that’s on your porch, or even you in your mask and costume. They may hurt someone because they are scared. Err on the side of caution by keeping your pets in a separate room when trick or treaters come by or guests are over.
B) Microchip your Pet(s). Pets should be with microchipped, licensed, and always wear a collar with tags that include your current address & phone number.
These types of accessories are a lot of fun for humans, and although the liquid is not toxic to pets, it makes them excessively salivate and act strangely.
Pets might think Jewelry and other accessories are toys, when really they are a severe choking hazard.
There are a lot of dangerous things that can happen on a daily basis when you leave your pet outdoors unsupervised, This is especially true during the Halloween season when many people commit pranks, including many against pets. Black cats are particularly at risk. Keep them safe, keep them inside.
It’s a lot of fun to carve a pumpkin, and properly prepared ones are a healthy treat for your dog, but don’t let your pets near a lit pumpkin or candle. They could knock them over and start a fire.
Even though you may take every precaution, accidents happen. If your pet becomes lost, hang posters, post on ‘Lost Pet’ forums, look at your local shelters, and bike and/or drive around your neighbor.
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