Halloween can be one of the most dangerous times of the year for your pet. The door may be opening frequently and there are people on every street. Additionally, there is a surplus of candy, sounds, and stimulation. Whether your pet is scared of noises and people or not, Halloween will interrupt their normal routine, which makes any pet uncomfortable. Taking the proper precautions will help your pets stay safe.
Use a Leash
If you bring your dog trick-or-treating with your family, it is important to keep them on a leash. Even if your dog is well-trained and comes when you call, the extra stimulation may cause them to spook or to run away. Additionally, be sure that whoever has hold of the dog is strong enough to restrain them. You don’t want your child to lose their grip on the leash if the dog pulls suddenly.
Keep them Contained
The door will open and shut frequently throughout the night as trick-or-treaters come to the door. You may want to keep them crated or in a separate room. You may also use a gate to keep them away from the door.
Updated ID Tags
Ensure that your pet’s ID tags are up to date before Halloween. Check that their ID tags are securely fastened, contain your address, and contain your contact information.
Keep Candy Out of Reach
All kinds of chocolate are toxic to dogs. Other kinds of candy, like xylitol sweeteners, can also result in health issues. It is important to keep all candy away from your pets. Teach your children not to share their haul with the pets in your home.
Keep them Inside
Certain groups of pranksters are known to steal, tease, injure, or even kill pets on Halloween. You should keep your pet inside on Halloween. Black cats are particularly at risk. In fact, many shelters refuse to adopt out black cats during the month of October. Keeping your pets inside will help keep them safe.
Halloween is an exciting time of the year, but stressing about the safety of your loved ones can put a damper on your enjoyment of the holiday. Take the necessary steps to ensure that your pets stay safe over Halloween. Have a Happy Halloween!
