How To Keep Your Pet Safe On Halloween
Whether your pet has seen a few Halloweens come and go, or this is your buddy’s first experience with goblins and ghouls, the approach to their safety should be the same. Constantly planning for the worst possible outcome isn’t necessarily ideal or sustainable, and yet this mentality can provide pet owners with peace of mind. Amberglen Pet Care offers our Halloween pet safety tips, so you and your pet can meet the challenges of Halloween and maybe even enjoy the holiday.
Never Really Know
Most of us don’t fully know exactly how a pet will react to certain stimuli until, well, it happens. Some pets who previously demonstrated neutrality regarding a skeleton display, for example, may suddenly become provoked during the next encounter. In other words, it’s not always possible to fully gauge how they may react on any given day, for any reason.
Consequently, pet owners must keep their guard up constantly this time of year. When you try to anticipate their mood or state of mind, and see their environment through their perspective, you can prevent a lot of unnecessary experiences with potentially long-lasting effects.
The Importance of Trust
Some pets go lost or missing this time of year because they adventurously bolt out through the front door during trick-or-treating, or they respond to their instincts to flee a potentially threatening situation. Pet owners should take extra care to secure their pets in the days leading up and directly following Halloween.
- Check their ID tags and collar for signs of wear and tear, and update if necessary.
- Ensure that your pet’s microchip is up-to-date with your current contact information.
- Do an inspection of your gates and fences to see if there are weak spots.
- Keep windows and doors closed and locked.
- If your pet typically has the freedom to enjoy their fenced-in backyard, go with them or keep them leashed this time of year.
Keep Up the Routine
If your pet’s daily routine involves early morning or evening walks, be sure to outfit them with flashing lights or reflective accessories. Not only are the nights getting longer, but dawn and dusk visibility can make it harder for drivers to see you and your pet.
Regarding the heightened energy around Halloween, keep in mind that pets respond to our feelings and moods. If we are anxious and stressed about the holiday (and all it entails), our pets will pick up on that and react in kind. Be sure that your pet always has a quiet, semi-private area to relax in. During the peak hours of trick-or-treating, invite them to stay in their favorite space with treats, fresh water, toys, clean bedding, and snuggles.
Candy, Decor, and Costumes
Halloween pet safety must involve a strong focus on the following:
- Candy storage, especially chocolate and sugar-free varieties containing Xylitol, is essential. Never allow your pet to have easy access to candy bowls, trick-or-treating bags, discarded candy wrappers, or trash bins.
- Pet costumes add to the revelry but should only be worn when pets demonstrate ease of movement and comfort.
- Halloween decorations, including ornamental corn, animatronic displays, candles, and more should only be used in areas not frequented by pets.
If you have any questions about Halloween pet safety, please reach out to us (503) 498-8506. From our family to yours, Happy Halloween!