Halloween Safety for Dogs & Cats

Halloween is so much fun for us that we forget it isn’t a great time for our pets. Among the reasons pets dislike this scary holiday are:

• strangers at the door



• wild, flapping costumes



• firecrackers and loud noises



• candy bowls and chocolate bars



• burning candles



• doorbells.

To keep pets safe

• Close all the windows so pets can’t become frightened and jump out.



• Put collars with ID tags on all pets.



• Confine pets in a room with a closed door when opening the front door



• Have pets on a leash when the door opens.



• Use lights rather than burning candles.



• Put all candy and chocolate in sealed containers.



• Don’t put way-cool costumes on pets unless they like dressing up.



• Let everyone know if they’re caught feeding candy to the pet, they will brush its teeth, and they will give up all rights to handling candy.



• Have a calming pheromone diffuser in the living room.



• Put a sign on the door that says, “Thanks for being kind and not scaring our pets.”

To help pets love Halloween

• Take a long walk so pets are tired and want to sleep during the evening.



• Keep tiny dog treats by the door and let each costumed kid feed one to your pets.



• Reward your pets for sitting during the visit by giving them a treat when the visitors have gone and the door is safely shut.



• Have your pets stay with friends who live in an area that doesn’t get Halloween visitors.