Halloween has become highly celebrated. From neighborhood trick or treating, to parades and festivals, Halloween has become a mainstream holiday. While children are excited to don costumes and get candy, your pet, especially your dog, might find this time of year confusing and stressful. Ringing doorbells, scary costumes, loud noises and large crowds of people can make your furry family member anxious and nervous. Here are some practical tips to help reduce stress for your pets and keep them safe during Halloween festivities.
1. Create a Safe Space
Trick or Treat!!!! While these words cause delight and are the highlight of many children’s Halloween celebrations, your pet might benefit from a safe, quiet space away from the action.
• Choose a space where your pet will feel comfortable and can be away from the loud noise and hustle and bustle of events.
• Bring in items that will comfort and soothe them such as their bed or blanket and favorite toys or a special bone. Adding in ambient noise from a TV or some soothing music will help create a calm space.
• Close the curtains or blinds to keep the outside distractions from invading the safe space you have created.
2. Limit Exposure to the Doorbell
Most people’s doorbells aren’t rung very often anymore, so when they do get rung, it can either signal excitement or alarm and danger.
• Consider sitting outside on the porch to handout candy so you can avoid the ringing doorbell.
• Temporarily disable the doorbell and place a sign asking trick-or-treaters to knock instead or keep your door open so you can see them coming.
• Place a bowl of candy on your front porch and place a sign asking trick-or-treaters to take one.
3. Costume Safety for Pets
Who doesn’t love a dog in costume? While most pets will tolerate, and some dogs will even love, dressing in costume, you will want to make sure they are comfortable and safe.
• Check the fit: Make sure the costume fits properly and allows your pet to move freely and doesn’t block their eyes, or ears and allows them to breathe and pee freely. Avoid costumes that are too tight, too loose, or have pieces that could cause choking or obstruction.
• No small parts: Avoid costumes with small, dangling pieces or accessories that can be chewed on or swallowed.
• Trial run: Let your pet try on the costume before Halloween night to ensure they’re comfortable wearing it. If your pet seemed stressed out or unhappy with their costume, it’s probably best to skip it.
4. Keep Treats Out of Reach
While Butterfingers, Snickers and KitKat bars are Halloween favorites, they can be toxic to pets, so it’s best not to share. And remember that raisins can cause your pet’s kidneys to fail, so save them for human consumption only.
• Store candy securely: Candy should be stored out of reach of pets. Be sure to throw out those wrappers since the foil and plastic can cause blockages if eaten.
• Educate family members: Remind children and guests not to share candy or treats with pets, no matter how much your pet begs.
• Be Prepared: Keep the number for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) in a handy spot just in case you need it. You can call the hotline any hour of the day or night and any day of the year including weekends and holidays. If you think your pet has eaten something dangerous, contact your vet immediately.
5. Decorations
Decorating for Halloween can be creative and fun. There are lots of DIY projects that make your space look spooky and festive, however they can pose risks to your pets.
• Chewing Hazards: Glow sticks are entertaining and are popular for nighttime trick or treating. While chewing one may seem like fun, the chemicals inside taste really bad and can cause excessive drooling and/or irritate your pet’s stomach. Electrical cords and batteries can also pose chewing hazards, so keep them away from your pets.
• Open Flames: Candles can add a spooky glow to your Halloween decorations. Wagging tails can knock them over and create a fire hazard. Battery operated candles are a safe option to use as decorations and in your pumpkins.
• Sensitive to Sounds: Dogs have a heightened sense of hearing and can pick up on sounds we may barely notice. Sudden sounds, spooky effects or loud noises can be especially stressful. Keep the environment calm and consider playing soft, familiar music to help ease their anxiety.
6. Exercise Before the Excitement
As the saying goes, a tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Make sure your pet gets some exercise and has time to bond with you before your Halloween festivities begin.
• A long walk, run, or play session can help burn off excess energy.
• Just like humans, dogs benefit from physical activity which can help reduce anxiety and make them less stressed out.
7. Collars, Tags, and Microchips
Every pet owner knows the panic that comes with realizing your pet has slipped outside without you noticing. It can happen so easily when there is lots of commotion with doors being opened frequently. Having your pet correctly identified will help you be reunited with your missing loved one.
• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date tags, and check that their microchip information is current.
• ID tags should include your phone number and any relevant contact information.
8. Watch for Stress Signals
Pets react differently to stress. It’s important for you to watch for the signals that your pet gives you so you can make appropriate accommodations and changes to their environment. Here are some common signs that your pet may be stressed out.
• Panting
• Pacing
• Whining
• Yawning
• Excessive licking
• Excessive drinking of water.
• Flattened ears, tail tucked, hair raised
• Aggressive behaviors
If you notice any strange or uncommon behavior going on with your pet, give them a timeout in a calm, safe space, and offer lots of compassion, kindness and loving affection. Consult your vet if the behaviors persist or becomes a pattern.
9. Reduce Outdoor Walks During Peak Hours
While giving your dog some exercise can reduce stress, taking a walk during your neighborhood trick or treat may not be a good idea. This tradition brings out many children in colorful costumes, loud noises, lots of cars and plenty of other dogs. If you need to take your dog for a walk, follow these tips.
• Plan ahead and time your walk before the neighborhood fun starts. Trick or treat is a great excuse to have outdoor fires and parties, so people may be out and about well ahead of the planned trick or treat times.
• Plan on taking a quieter walking route or pack up your pup and head to a local park for some new smells and quiet adventures.
• Consider nixing the walk all together and settle for some indoor fun instead.
10. Offer Comfort and Reassurance
Comfort and reassurance can make a big difference when your pet is stressed. Pets can sense when their owners and families are feeling anxious, so it’s important that you stay calm and relaxed. Offering praise and treats to reward good behavior helps too!
Following these few suggestions will make everyone’s Halloween safe and fun for humans and pets alike. At Be Green Pro, we believe in protecting all members of the family. Whether you’re looking to maintain a pet-friendly lawn or have questions about keeping your pets safe around your landscape, we’re here to help!
Whether it’s your lawn, trees, shrubs, or pest issues – we’re ready to help you with Eco-friendly solutions. No matter what season.