10 Halloween Safety Tips for Pet Owners

Halloween is fast approaching, and we all want to avoid the scare of a sick or lost pet! How can you keep your dog safe but still make sure everyone has a great time? We have ten tips for keeping your pet safe and happy while you enjoy the upcoming festivities. 

1. ID your pet. This is a perfect time to ensure your pets collar fits well and their ID tags are up to date. If your pet is microchipped, double check that your information is updated. With so much activity going on, your pet can easily become excited and accidentally wander off. 
2. Only use appropriate costumes for your pet. With any clothing or accessories for your pet, you need to ensure they fit properly. If a costume is too small, it could cause discomfort or even rub a sore spot on your dog. A large costume may cause them to trip, or rip it. Be sure you do not leave your pup unattended in their costume, they may become bored and chew pieces off that could be choking hazards. 
3. Keep pets away from the front door. If you have trick or treaters coming to your door, it is best to put your dog in a bedroom or in their crate. At the very lease, put them on a leash so they do not dart out the door when you open it. Even if your dog is good about staying inside, they can easily become distracted if there are a lot of people outside. Another option that many pet owners do is to just sit outside on your driveway or by the sidewalk to hand out candy. This can help keep your pet calm by not having people continuously knocking on your door or ringing the doorbell. 
4. Do not leave pets unattended outside. Unfortunately, Halloween can bring out the worst in some people. It is best to keep your pet inside unless you are able to supervise them. Whether it’s teenagers opening gates as a prank, or worse..it is best to err on the side of caution and keep a close eye on your dogs or cats while they are outside.
5. Keep food and candy out of reach. The smell of candy or other Halloween treats will definitely catch your pup’s attention. It is best to keep these out of reach since the treats and their wrappers can be dangerous to your dog. 
6. Keep unsafe decorations outside or away from your curious pet. As with food or treats, remember to keep certain Halloween decorations away from your dog. This can include pumpkins, straw, or other decor that they may mistake for a toy or something to chew on. 
7. Don’t keep jack-o-lanterns unattended. Your dog may accidentally knock over a jack-o-lantern or drop a toy too close and could spill hot wax. This could also be a fire hazard. Be sure to extinguish any candles before you leave to go trick or treating! 
8. Keep pets calm. If you live in a neighborhood, there is sure to be more activity outside your home. Most dogs get worked up when they see people walking by or if people are coming up to your door. We recommend keeping your pet in a back bedroom or crated during the evening of Halloween. It might help to turn on a fan or play some music for them that will help distract them from other noises. Your veterinarian or local pet store can also help you find calming aids for your pet. 
9. Provide dog (or cat) friendly treats. As mentioned before, make sure to keep food and candy out of reach of your dog. Be sure to spoil them with pet-friendly treats! Whether it is a new dental bone, chews, or a bite-sized treat, be sure to give your dog some attention on this holiday as well! 
10. Wear bright colors and/or reflective tape when outside with your dog. If you are out walking your dog, be sure to wear bright colors or reflective tape. There will be many more cars out than normal, and it is best to keep you and your dog safe!

We hope you and your fur-babies have a safe and happy Halloween! Is your pup dressing up this Halloween? If so, we would love to see photos!

Halloween is fast approaching, and we all want to avoid the scare of a sick or lost pet! How can you keep your dog safe but still make sure everyone has a great time? We have ten tips for keeping your pet safe and happy while you enjoy the upcoming festivities.  ID your pet. This…