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Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets

Written by SimplyIOA | Oct 27, 2022 8:51:12 AM

It’s that spooky time of year again! As you get ready to celebrate Halloween with your family and friends, don’t forget about your furry little monsters at home.

Halloween is a fun time for humans, but it can be a little bit overwhelming for our furry friends. Between the doorbell ringing constantly and the strange costumes, it's no wonder that some pets get stressed out on October 31st.

For pet owners, Halloween can be a bit of a juggling act. On one hand, you want your dog, cat, or other pet to enjoy the holiday as much as possible. But on the other hand, all the commotion that comes along with Halloween — strangers in costumes knocking on your door, constant noise, etc. — can be pretty stressful for pets. So what's a pet owner to do?

Not to worry — there are a few things you can do to help your pet stay comfortable while the Trick or Treaters are out and about. Here are a few tips to help make sure your pet has a happy and safe Halloween!

HOW TO KEEP PETS SAFE ON HALLOWEEN

Above all else, you want to make sure your pets are safe on the spookiest night of the year. By following the simple tips below, you can help your pet have a happy and safe Halloween!

Keep candy out of reach

We all know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs, but did you know that raisins and grapes can also be toxic to them too? Make sure to keep all candy, wrappers and all, out of reach of your pets. And if you suspect your pet has consumed something they shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian immediately.

Ensure your pet has proper identification

Make sure your pet is wearing proper identification in case they get scared and run off. A collar with ID tags is always a good idea, but consider microchipping your pet as well for extra peace of mind.

Avoid open flames

Keep a close eye on any lit candles if you have them around the house. Pets can easily knock them over and start a fire. Consider switching candles to flameless or electronic candles.

Use caution trick-or-treating

If you’re taking your pet out trick-or-treating with you, use caution when opening doors and walking near sidewalks and streets. We also recommend putting reflective tape on their costume so they’re more visible to cars.

HOW TO KEEP PETS COMFORTABLE ON HALLOWEEN

Halloween is supposed to be a fun time for everyone, but it's important to remember that it can be stressful for our pets. With a little bit of preparation, you and your pet can enjoy a stress-free Halloween night!

Keep pets away from the excitement

Pets can get scared easily by all the commotion on Halloween night. If possible, keep them in a quiet room away from the door during trick-or-treating hours. Alternatively, you can put on a pet-friendly Halloween movie for them to watch (we recommend It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown).

Avoid costumes that restrict movement or vision

A costume should never restrict your pet's movement or vision. If a costume is too tight, it could cause difficulty breathing or movement. If it limits vision, your pet could get hurt if they bump into something or someone. Stick to well-fitting costumes or consider leaving the costume off your pet altogether.

Consider making your own dog-friendly treats

If you want to give your dog a special treat this Halloween, consider making some homemade dog biscuits! There are plenty of recipes online that are easy to follow and use ingredients that are safe for dogs.

Keep an eye on open doors

Trick-or-treaters coming to the door can be scary for some pets. Dogs may bark and try to dash out the door, while cats may hide under furniture. Be sure to keep an eye on open doors and make sure your pet doesn't make a break for it!

KEEP TRICK OR TREATERS COMFORTABLE ON HALLOWEEN

Remember that not everyone loves animals as much as you do — if a trick-or-treater appears uncomfortable around your pet, be sure to respect their space and keep your dog, cat, or other animal away.

Halloween can be a fun time for both humans and animals alike, but it can also be pretty stressful for our furry friends. To help make sure your pet enjoys the holiday as much as possible, follow the tips you learned in this post. By doing so, you'll help ensure that both you and your pet have a happy Halloween!

And if you need help finding the best homeowners insurance coverage to protect your pets all year round, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get a homeowners insurance quote online now.