Halloween is a fun night for families, but from your pet’s perspective, it can be pretty strange. The doorbell keeps ringing, unfamiliar people are showing up in costumes, decorations are moving and flashing, and bowls filled with tempting treats seem to be everywhere. At Critters Pet Shop in South Elgin, we want Halloween to be fun for every member of the family, including the four-legged ones. A little preparation can help keep your dog or cat comfortable and safe throughout the festivities.
Keep Halloween Candy Away from Pets
The candy bowl should always stay out of reach of curious dogs and cats. Chocolate can be dangerous for pets, particularly depending on the type and amount consumed. Some sugar-free candies and gums may contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Candy wrappers can also create problems if swallowed, potentially causing choking or intestinal obstruction. Keep candy in a secure location and make sure children understand that Halloween treats are for people, not pets. Instead, have some pet-friendly treats ready so your dog or cat can safely join the celebration.
Have Emergency Contact Information Ready
Hopefully you’ll never need it, but Halloween is a good time to make sure you know who to call if your pet eats something potentially dangerous or experiences another emergency. Keep the phone number for your regular veterinarian and nearest emergency veterinary hospital saved in your phone and somewhere easily accessible in your home. You can also keep these national poison-control resources handy:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Consultation fees may apply when contacting a pet poison-control service.
If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten chocolate, sugar-free candy containing xylitol, medication, a toxic decoration or another potentially harmful substance, don’t wait for symptoms to appear before seeking professional advice. Contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison-control service promptly. If possible, keep the packaging from whatever your pet consumed. Information about the product, ingredients, amount eaten and your pet’s approximate weight can be helpful when speaking with a veterinary professional.
Make Sure Costumes Are Comfortable
A dog dressed like a pumpkin might make an adorable Halloween photo, but not every pet enjoys wearing costumes.
If you’re dressing up your pet, make sure the costume:
- Fits comfortably
- Doesn’t restrict movement
- Doesn’t interfere with breathing or vision
- Doesn’t contain small pieces that can easily be chewed off
- Doesn’t prevent your pet from walking normally
Watch your pet’s body language. If they’re struggling with the costume, trying to remove it, freezing in place or showing signs of distress, skip the outfit. A festive collar, bandana or Halloween-themed toy may be a better option.
Be Careful with Halloween Decorations
Decorations can transform your home for Halloween, but some can create unexpected hazards. Electrical cords should be kept away from pets that like to chew. Strings, fake spiderwebs and small decorations can become dangerous if swallowed. Candles and jack-o’-lanterns with open flames should also be kept where pets cannot knock them over or get too close. Cats are especially good at reaching places we assume they can’t, so consider flameless candles when decorating areas your pets can access.
Create a Quiet Space During Trick-or-Treating
For some pets, the scariest part of Halloween isn’t a ghost or monster. It’s the doorbell. Trick-or-treating can mean hours of knocking, ringing doorbells, excited children and strangers appearing at the front door. Dogs may bark or become overly excited, while cats may hide or try to escape the activity. Consider setting up a comfortable room away from the front entrance with your pet’s bed, water, favorite toys and other familiar items. Background music or television may also help mask some of the noise coming from the front door.
Watch the Door
With trick-or-treaters coming and going, an open front door can quickly become an escape opportunity. Keep dogs securely away from the doorway and know where your cat is before the evening gets busy. Halloween is also a good time to double-check that your pet is wearing identification with current contact information and that microchip registration information is up to date.Those precautions are important all year, but they’re especially valuable on nights when doors are opening frequently.
Keep Party Guests from Overwhelming Your Pet
If you’re hosting a Halloween party, remember that your pet may not enjoy a house full of people as much as you do. Costumes, masks, loud conversations and unfamiliar guests can make even normally social pets uncomfortable. Let your pet decide how much interaction they want. Never force them to meet guests or pose for photos. If your dog or cat seems stressed, give them access to a quiet, secure area where they can relax.
Give Your Pet Their Own Halloween Treats
Your pet may not be able to share your chocolate bar, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on Halloween altogether. Pick up some dog- or cat-friendly treats, a new toy or another special surprise just for them. Food puzzles and enrichment toys can also give pets something enjoyable to focus on while trick-or-treaters are arriving.
Get Halloween-Ready at Critters Pet Shop in South Elgin
Before the costumes come out and the trick-or-treaters arrive, make sure your pets are ready for Halloween too. Stop by Critters Pet Shop in South Elgin to pick up pet-friendly treats, toys, enrichment products and other pet supplies to help make Halloween more enjoyable for your dog or cat. Our team can help you find something special for your pet so they can safely be part of the celebration without getting into the human candy bowl. And while you’re here, it’s a great opportunity to stock up on your everyday pet essentials before Halloween night gets busy.
Visit Critters Pet Shop in South Elgin and make this Halloween a safe, happy and tail-wagging one for your pets.