Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s one of the most exciting times of the year. With costumes, candy, and spooky decorations, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun. But as a pet owner, it’s essential to ensure your furry family members have a safe and enjoyable Halloween too.

Costume Considerations

Let’s be real, dressing your pet up for Halloween can be one of the best parts of the holiday! However, it’s important to consider your pet’s comfort level with a costume – some of them love it and some hate it! If you still want to dress your pet up but they tend to be on the less comfortable side, here are a few costume ideas:

  • A lion – you can buy a mane online that will just go over their head, less invasive than a larger costume.
  • A beanie baby – you can make the legendary beanie baby tag and attach it to their collar.
  • A festive bandana!
There are a lot of strong opinions out there about pets in Halloween costumes, but we’re here to say if your pet is comfortable with it, do it! Some of them genuinely enjoy it!

Chocolate and Other Sweets

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth reiterating — chocolate is toxic to dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous, but any form of chocolate can be harmful. Keep Halloween candy well out of your pet’s reach and remind your guests not to share their treats with your furry friends.

And let’s not forget about xylitol – it’s a sugar substitute often found in sugar-free gum and candies. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause severe reactions in dogs, including a drop in blood sugar and potential liver failure. Double-check all candy wrappers and treats to ensure they are xylitol-free.

Anxiety and Loud Noises

Halloween can be noisy and unsettling, especially with new people coming to the door and noisy trick-or-treaters. If your pet is anxious around loud noises, consider creating a safe and quiet space for them to retreat to, like a bedroom with some soft music or a white noise machine to help drown out the noise.

Decorations

Pets can be curious about Halloween decorations. Keep an eye on things like candles, electric cords, and small decorations that could be ingested. Ensure all decorations are securely placed, and wires are out of reach.

Keeping Them Safe from Escaping

If you’re in a busy area for trick-or-treaters, it’s important to keep your pets safe from escaping. It’s worth considering crating or shutting escape-prone pets in a room so that they don’t have access to the outside door. In case your pet escapes during the Halloween festivities, make sure they are microchipped and wearing an ID tag. This will increase the chances of a safe return if they get lost.

In conclusion, Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday, but it can present potential hazards for our beloved pets. By following these Halloween pet safety tips, you can ensure that your furry friends enjoy the holiday as much as you do. Keep them safe, comfortable, and away from harmful treats to make this Halloween a delightful experience for everyone.

To hear more about Halloween pet safety, listen to our Paws and Listen radio show with Cara President Peter Brown and Mercer Island Veterinary Hospital’s Dr. Katie Love.