Halloween can be a fun-filled time for people, but it can be downright spooky for pets! Costumes, loud noises, and colorful decorations can trigger pet anxiety on Halloween and pose Halloween hazards for pets.

Our team at Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center wants all of your furry little goblins to have a fright-free Halloween this year, so we’ve put together some of our favorite Halloween pet safety tips and tricks to keep your dogs and cats calm and safe.

Calming Pets During Halloween 

Taming pet anxiety on Halloween doesn’t have to be tricky. Simple precautions can  make the night less stressful for your pet: 

• Distribute candy in your driveway or front yard to keep the constant doorbell ringing from startling your pet,. 
• If you’re hosting a Halloween gathering, keep your pet in a quiet room with a bed, food, water, and a litter box (for cats). 
• A new puzzle toy (or interactive toy) is helpful for calming pets during Halloween.
• Leave your pet safe at home when trick or treating.
• Take off your mask (and ask guests to do the same) before interacting with your dog or cat.
• Even a calm pet can be startled by strange costumes and sounds and bolt through an open door. Make sure your pet’s ID tag is current, and have your pet microchipped if you haven’t already.  

Pet-Friendly Halloween Treats
Sweet treats like candy corn, chocolate bars, and raisins are strictly off-limits for cats and dogs, but your pets can join in the fun with these pet-friendly Halloween treats:

• Many pet food companies offer special edition Halloween treats in fun flavors and shapes.
• Search online for DIY treat recipes made with pumpkin, apple, and peanut butter.
• Dogs will enjoy apple chunks, which provide vitamins A and C as well as dietary fiber.
• When making your own treats, avoid using any sugar-free ingredients that could contain the sugar substitute xylitol, which is toxic to pets.

Safe Halloween Decorations for Pets

Lit candles are perfect for eerie atmospheres but present one of the most serious Halloween hazards for pets. Curious pets can be attracted to the flame or scent and burn themselves or topple the candle over and start a fire. Choose battery-powered décor when possible. If you must use electric-powered lights, keep cords tucked away and light strands where your pet can’t reach them. Remember that some fall plants like chrysanthemums (mums) are toxic to pets. 

Halloween Costume Ideas for Pets
If dressing pets for Halloween is in the plans, select a costume that doesn’t inhibit your pet’s ability to move, see, or breathe. Play dress-up before the big night to make sure your pet is comfortable. Consider simple accessories instead, such as a Halloween-themed bandana or cape. Avoid costumes with small pieces that your pet could ingest. 

Halloween Pet Safety Matters

A Halloween with more fun than frights is possible with a little pre planning to protect your pet. If you’d like more Halloween pet safety tips, please contact our team at (530) 673-4744.

The post Preparing Your Pet for Halloween: Tips and Tricks appeared first on Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center.

By the time summer lets go and autumn moves in, pets and their people may be relieved that heat stroke and dehydration are in the rear view. That doesn’t mean, however, that the approaching weeks aren’t full of their own threats to pet safety. On the contrary, Halloween can be highly dangerous to the pets in our care. With special attention and thorough preparation, our team can help you prevent illness, injury, loss, and other consequences associated with Halloween. 

How to Know

Many pets are perfectly happy to go with the flow, regardless of the time, event, or stimuli. Others may be highly sensitive to crowds, costumes, and the associated sights and sounds. It’s a good idea to carefully consider where your pet resides on this spectrum. 

Even if you have a good idea how they might react to squealing kids or scary noises, your pet could surprise you. A normally relaxed pet may be triggered by something. Reacting to your pet’s needs and quickly providing for them is at the center of Halloween pet safety. 

A Place to Wait It Out

Sometimes, the constant doorbell ringing or knocking can rattle a pet’s nerves. You can promote pet safety and well-being by setting up a back room just for them. Dim lighting, white noise, snacks, and plenty of water can soothe any anxiety related to Halloween. Spend time with them after you turn off the porch light, and give them the attention they deserve.

To prevent accidental loss or separation, be sure that your pet is either safely contained or leashed the entire evening. Check their collar and ID tags, and update their microchip if contact information has recently changed. 

Safe Inside

Cats, especially black cats, should stay indoors prior to and during Halloween events. If you and your pet typically walk at night, be sure to wear reflective clothing and lights. 

Halloween Candy and Pet Safety

Prevent a pet emergency caused by Halloween candy in these ways:

• Never allow your pet to get their paws on chocolate candy, nuts, raisins, or goodies sweetened with xylitol. This includes artificially sweetened mints or gum, and baked goods. 
• Eliminate their exposure to alcohol, marijuana products, and caffeinated beverages, (including energy drinks). 

• Keep unsafe items on high surfaces they cannot access
• Pick up any discarded wrappers or packaging
• Store backpacks, purses, or bags behind closed doors. 

Other Dangers

Halloween pet safety requires a cautious approach to the following:

• Candles (always used battery-operated lights in jack o’lanterns, but be sure your pet can’t eat them).
• Halloween decor and festive displays, including string lights, animatronic displays, webbing, and even scarecrows.
• Costumes can be fun for a quick picture, but unless your pet is completely relaxed wearing a costume please remove it before they become distressed. Remove any attachments or embellishments that could endanger their health. 

Pet Safety and Comfort

Your pet’s health is our number one priority. Please call us at (530) 673-4744 with any questions or concerns. Our veterinary team is always here for you at Adobe Animal Hospital and Laser Surgery Center.

The post Halloween Pet Safety Tips appeared first on Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center.