Halloween can be lots of fun for human family members, but it can be a very scary and stressful holiday for the family pets. Here are a few suggestions to make the spooky holiday less stressful:
- If children in costumes are weird looking to us, just imagine how strange they appear to our pets. Consider excluding your pets from the festivities. The chaos that can accompany trick-or-treaters can be daunting for a good natured animal, think how upsetting it could be to the shy or sensitive cat or dog.
- If you must take your dog trick-or-treating, go only during daylight hours and only if your dog enjoys squealing, costumed children. Supervise your dog at all times and watch for signs of stress (panting, showing the whites of the eyes, yawning, and avoiding eye contact ).
- A normally good-natured dog or cat may be very frightened of children in costumes. Do not allow any child to tease, harass, trick or startle your animal companions.
- Don’t leave any of your pets outside and unattended during Halloween.
- Chocolate in all forms and candy containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be dangerous and poisonous to pets. Even the candy wrappers pose a threat. Keep all Halloween goodies well away from your pets.
- Some dogs are very good sports about being dressed up, but others are not so easy-going. Be sensitive to the comfort level of your dog. Be aware of the potential for your dog to overheat in a costume. Never have your dog wear a costume that blocks vision or makes it difficult to walk.
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