Tricks and Treats – Get your pets Halloween Ready!

   

Halloween can be a fun time for humans and pets alike, but between the doorbell constantly ringing with trick-or-treaters, scary costumes, and spooky decorations, it can also be a bit overwhelming for our pets. Here are some tips and tricks to best prepare your entire family for Halloween.

1. Keep Candy and Sweets Out of Reach

Many popular Halloween treats contain ingredients that can be toxic to cats and dogs, such as chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute), and raisins. To keep your pet safe:

  • Store Candy in a Secure Place: Make sure candy is out of reach from curious paws. Pets can easily sniff out candy bags left on countertops or tables.
  • Educate Kids and Guests: Let your family and visitors know not to share any of their Halloween treats with your pets. Even small amounts of toxic ingredients can cause harm.
  • Keep Wrappers Away: Ingesting candy wrappers, whether plastic or foil, can cause gastrointestinal issues or blockages. Clean up wrappers immediately after indulging in your Halloween stash.
  • Offer Pet-Friendly Treats Instead: If you want your pet to join in the fun, buy some pet-friendly treats. Bocce’s Bakery has Halloween themed treats for cats and dogs. There are also plenty of safe, delicious recipes for homemade dog biscuits or catnip-infused snacks to ensure your pets feel included in the celebration. Check out this recipe for homemade pumpkin and peanut butter treats.

2. Make a Trick-or-Treating Plan

The constant doorbell ringing, loud knocks, and strange costumes can be stressful for pets. Here are some ways to make sure Halloween night goes smoothly:

  • Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your pet can relax away from the door. Play calming music, dim the lights, and provide their favorite blanket or toy. This will help them stay calm amidst all the activity.
  • Use a Baby Gate or Closed Door: If your pet is curious and might try to dash out when you open the door for trick-or-treaters, use a baby gate or keep them in a separate room. This prevents accidents and gives you peace of mind.
  • Leash or Crate for Extra Caution: For pets who are prone to anxiety or tend to be escape artists, consider keeping them on a leash or in their crate during the busiest trick-or-treating hours.
  • Calming Aids: If your pet gets overly anxious, consider using calming sprays, treats, or a pressure wrap (like a Thundershirt) to help ease their stress. These can help to make the evening a little less scary for them.

3. Low-Effort Costume Ideas

Want your pet to join in on the fun? Some pets love the spotlight and will happily prance around in elaborate costumes. Others, not so much. If your pet isn’t fond of wearing clothes, there are still some simple and comfortable costume ideas that won’t stress them out.

  • Festive Bandana: A Halloween-themed bandana is a cute, low-effort option that won’t bother your pet. Just tie it loosely around their neck for a touch of festivity.
  • Halloween-Themed Collar or Leash: Swap your pet’s regular collar or leash with a fun, Halloween-themed one. You can find options with cute designs like jack-o’-lanterns or skeletons!
  • Clip-On Accessories: Consider attaching small, lightweight accessories to your pet’s collar, like a bowtie, bat wings, or a Beanie Baby tag. These can add some Halloween flair without the hassle of a full outfit.

Remember to give your pet lots of treats and praise while putting on and wearing their festive accessories!

 

Wishing you and your pets a spooky, happy, and safe Halloween! 🎃🐾