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Get your furry friends ready for Halloween
Published on October 27th 2021
The costumes are sewn, the candy is purchased and the decorations are up. The whole family is ready for Halloween! Are you sure? Have you thought about your furry friends?
Halloween, as fun and enjoyable as it can be for young and old, can be stressful for our pets, especially if they are already anxious by nature.
Here are some tips to make your Halloween celebrations as happy and safe as possible!
1. Have your pet's current identification on hand
One of the natural and instinctive reactions to fear is to run away, especially in animals. Every year, many animals get lost after fleeing from a frightening surprise. Put the odds in your favor by making sure your pet is wearing its collar and tag, and that its contact information is up to date.
2. Decorate for the whole family
Some decorations can not only scare your furry friend, but can also be dangerous for him. For example, your pet could choke on a fake spider web or burn his paws or whiskers on candles placed in your pumpkins! When deciding on Halloween decorations, try to think about the possible impacts to your pets and prefer those that are safe.
3. Be careful when dressing up your pet
A costumed pet is sure to turn heads! But to avoid an unpleasant incident, prefer a costume without accessories or elements that your pet could choke on. Also, make sure that the costume does not restrict his movements and does not hinder his breathing. Most of all, be on the lookout for any signs of stress or discomfort: not all pets like to dress up, even if it makes them look cute!
4. Keep candy out of reach
Just like young children, our pets tend to love anything that isn't meant for them! This includes Halloween candy, whose colorful wrappers can look like toys. Keep them out of your pets' reach and remember that chocolate is toxic to dogs!
5. Prepare for an eventful evening
Having a game plan in mind before Halloween is always a good idea. Ideally, you want to reduce the sources of stress and anxiety in your pet, whether it's by preparing a room away from distractions and filled with his favorite toys, or arranging a space with soothing music that will drown out outside noises. The arrival of little monsters of any kind at your door can be unsettling to your pets, so it's best to keep them away from the door when handing out treats. And for all you black cat guardians out there, consider keeping your kitty inside for the evening so your companion doesn't get caught up in the evil plans of little neighborhood terrors!
With a little planning and vigilance, you can ensure that your Halloween celebrations are enjoyed by everyone in your family, including your furry friends.
Happy Halloween and feel free to share your Halloween stories with your furry friends - on social media, tag us at @spcaoutaouais!
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