Halloween can be as much fun for pets as it is for children. It can also be equally dangerous if you don’t take the right precautions to protect your furry friends. Here are a few Halloween pet safety tips to keep in mind.
1 – Keep Away From Candy
The crinkly sound of those candy wrappers will make your dogs think that you have a bunch of dog treats. Every dog owner knows to keep their pets away from chocolate, but other candy can be dangerous too. They are a chocking hazard and can make your dogs very sick. Be sure to keep your candy out-of-reach.
2 – Choose Costumes Carefully
Dressing your dog up makes Halloween extra fun. Make sure you select something that is comfortable for your dog. Otherwise, it could increase their stress level, which is never healthy. Also, beware of any small parts that they can bite off and swallow.
3 – Keep Tags On
Whether you’re taking your dogs out trick-or-treating or keeping them at home, dogs are more likely to get lost during this holiday. They could run off while you’re out or escape through an open door while you’re passing out candy. Having a tag on your dog with a current phone number will increase the chances of reuniting with your dogs if they get lost.
4 – Add Reflective Clothing
On busy nights like Halloween, it can be difficult for drivers to see your dogs, especially if they accidentally run off. Add reflective elements to costumes to make them more visible. It’s a good idea for you to also carry flashlights, in case you need to look for your lost pet.
5 – Consider Your Pets’ Temperament
How much you include your dogs in Halloween festivities should depend on their temperament. If your dogs get anxiety from strangers, it may be best to leave them at home. If they are aggressive with strangers, that is another reason not to take them out trick-or-treating. Even at home, it may be a good idea to keep your pets in a separate room, away from the constant knocking at your door.
Summary of Halloween Pet Safety Tips
The above are just a few Halloween pet safety tips and considerations. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what is best for your dogs. Make your dogs part of the Halloween fun if you think they will enjoy it and if they and others around them will be safe. Happy Halloween!
Halloween Candy Safety Tips
