Tag Archives: halloween pet safety

Is your favorite canine sporting a pet-sized superhero cape this year? And what about your precious feline—is she ready to meow-roar in her new identity as a lion? Even the bravest of pets will need some protection from the occasional hazards of Halloween. Here are several tips for keeping pets safe during this happy (and just-a-little haunted) time of year.

1. If your pet will be wearing a costume this year, test it on him ahead of time. Look for signs of discomfort or constriction. Make sure your pet can move freely, and check that his costume won’t cause him to stumble. Even that Taco Cat costume isn’t worth it if Whiskers feels miserable.

2. Reconsider a mask—your pet’s adorable face will get plenty of attention on its own! Common sense dictates that a pet should be able to breathe, bark, or meow normally.

3. Avoid pet costumes with small parts that could be chewed off or any accessories that would present a choking hazard.

4. Keep Fido in mind, and opt for LED candles instead of real ones. You can get the same spooky effect with flameless candles, and you won’t have to worry about injury or damage due to a fire.

5. Let your pet play with his own toys, and keep him away from decorations like fake cobwebs, light strands, plastic spiders, and strings.

6. Make sure your pet’s identification tags and microchip information are up to date.

7. Leave candy duty to the adults. Even though you might like to have your furry pal at your side, it’s a good idea to keep your pet away from the front door (especially if there’s a chance he’ll become territorial or frightened and run outdoors).

8. If that sweet face seems to say “trick or treat,” let him have a pet-safe treat, as long as it isn’t out of your loot. Items on the no-list include raisins, chocolate/candy, and treats with artificial sweeteners. (And keep those candy wrappers away too.) Before Fright Night, check out these dangerous foods for dogs at Halloween, compiled by PetMD.

Halloween might look a little different this year, but one thing’s for certain—there will still be treats! As tempting as it is to include Fluffy or Fido in the mix, remember that most human treats are best left to humans.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, the top food-related hazards to pets at Halloween are chocolate, candy, grapes/raisins, and candy wrappers. Foods with the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs (and are not recommended for cats either) according to PetMD.

So, how can you treat your pet this Halloween? 🎃

1. Homemade dog “ice cream”

Mix up some canine-friendly ice cream using recipes from PetMD. Here’s one to try (as long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant): one half can of your dog’s canned food with a quarter cup of plain yogurt and a quarter cup of plain applesauce. Blend using a mixer or a blender, then pour it into a Tupperware container and pop it in the freezer.

2. Wet cat food

If your cat typically receives dry food, consider treating her to her favorite canned food. The first ingredient should be meat, says PetMD, and the food should not contain fillers like rice or corn.

3. Quality time
Will Halloween be a low-key holiday this year? All the better for your pet! Set aside some time to brush your pet, play together, or show him affection.

4. New pet toy
Stimulate your pet’s mind and discourage boredom with a new toy. The Humane Society of the United States and Paws.org have compiled guidelines for choosing safe pet toys; read them here and here.

5. Activity/exercise
Have a game of tug of war, or play indoor fetch with your dog. Let your kitty explore a cat tree or empty cardboard boxes. Remember to keep pet activities in a separate room and away from the front door if you are expecting Halloween visitors this October.