As Halloween approaches and you start decorating your home with jack-o’-lanterns and spooky decorations, it’s important to consider how this festive season might affect our furry friends.
While you may know to keep candy out of paw’s reach, there are many other less apparent considerations for pet safety during Halloween.
The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine has compiled a list of tips to help ensure your pets have a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience. From tech-savvy solutions to creative treat ideas, these suggestions go beyond the usual advice to address the specific needs of your four-legged family members during this exciting time.
Unique Halloween Pet Safety Tips
Glow stick caution: Beware of glow sticks around your pets — especially cats. These glowing tubes may seem like enticing toys, but if chewed, they can cause irritation and excessive drooling. Keep glow sticks out of reach, and if your pet does manage to bite into one, rinse their mouth thoroughly with water and offer a tasty treat to help remove the bad taste.
Costume dress rehearsals: Planning to dress up? Don’t surprise your pet on Halloween night. Hold a “costume rehearsal” where you slowly introduce your Halloween outfits to your pets. Offer treats and praise to create positive associations. Watch for signs of stress, like ears pinned back or tail tucking, and make a quiet, safe space where your pet can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
Doorbells and smart alternatives: Is your pet stressed by constant doorbell ringing? In the weeks leading up to Halloween, try desensitizing them by ringing the bell at random times and offering treats. Alternatively, consider using a smart doorbell or motion sensor that alerts you without ringing, allowing you to participate in trick-or-treating without stressing your pet.
Pet-friendly Halloween decor: As you deck out your home for Halloween, consider your furry friends’ safety and comfort. Opt for battery-operated flameless candles instead of real ones to prevent burns or fire hazards. When choosing decorations, avoid small or easily breakable items that curious pets might swallow. Steer clear of fake cobwebs – pets can easily become entangled in them, leading to stress or injury. Instead, try pet-safe alternatives like paper chains in Halloween colors or cardboard cutouts secured out of reach. If you’re crafty, create a pet-friendly “haunted house” using cardboard boxes – it can serve as both a Halloween decoration and a fun hideout for your pet!
Animated decorations: If you plan to use animated or automated decorations that are activated by a motion sensor, expose your pet to the decoration in a controlled setting, so they can become familiar with the object’s movements and sounds. Otherwise, try to ensure the motion sensor is at a level where the pet won’t be likely to activate the device.
Pumpkin treats for pets: Did you know that plain pumpkin can be a healthy treat for many pets? For a long-lasting, soothing snack, try freezing pumpkin puree in ice cube trays. These frozen ‘pum-popsicles’ can help calm pets stressed by Halloween activities. Remember to keep your pet away from carved pumpkins with candles, and discard jack-o’-lanterns before they become moldy.
Wrapper danger awareness: While being vigilant about keeping chocolate away from your pets, remember the wrappers! Candy wrappers can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Store and dispose of candy wrappers securely outside your pet’s reach.
Halloween plant precautions: Decorating with seasonal plants? Be aware that some, like chrysanthemums, can be toxic to pets. Research any plants you bring into your home and keep them out of reach if they pose a risk to your furry friends.
Post-Halloween pet blues: Ever noticed your pet seems a bit down after the Halloween excitement dies down? The sudden decrease in activity and visitors can affect some pets. Maintain regular playtimes and consider new toys or activities to keep your pet stimulated after the holiday rush.
Haunted house pet considerations: If you’re turning your home into a haunted house, remember that fog machines, strobe lights, and spooky sounds can be distressing for pets. Create a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can relax away from the chaos, and consider using pet-safe, battery-operated candles instead of real flames.
Scent-sational safety: Love the smell of pumpkin spice or other Halloween scents? Be mindful that scented candles, diffusers, or fog machines can irritate your pet’s sensitive nose. Opt for pet-safe alternatives to create a spooky atmosphere without risking your furry friend’s comfort.
By keeping these unique Halloween pet safety tips in mind, you can ensure that both you and your furry companions have a howling good time this season. Remember, every pet is different, so always pay attention to your animal’s behavior and consult with your veterinarian if you have specific concerns.
All of us at the veterinary college wish you and your pets a safe, fun, and genuinely spooktacular Halloween!
Margaret Ashburn for Virginia Tech