13 Halloween Safety Tips All Pet Owners Should Follow

1. Be sure to keep your dog and cat indoors on Halloween, and all but the calmest, most social of dogs should be kept in a separate room, away from the noise of children coming to the door. Take your dog for a walk long before any trick-or-treating begins as many dogs may be startled, confused, or even feel threatened by people in costumes.

2. Your pet should always been current with their vaccinations and wear an up to date identification tag that at least contains information such as your name and phone number. Even when being careful, it’s possible for dogs to accidentally escape on Halloween, running after children, or into the street, both potentially dangerous situations.

Make certain that no one lets the dog or cat out of their safe place during the time people will be coming to your home. Don’t wait until the very last minute to corral your pets, instead put them in a separate room about a half hour before the festivities begin.

3. If possible, play soft music, or leave the television on for your pet, along with their favorite toy or one of your shirts that has your scent on it for extra comfort.

4. If separating or enclosing your dog in another room isn’t possible, consider crating them or at least putting them on a leash. Remember, your dog will have no idea what’s going on, and if they’re fearful of strangers, loud noises, or if they are aggressive in any way, it’s important to prepare for Halloween long ahead of time.

5. If your dog is extremely high strung, consider speaking with your veterinarian about sedation or tranquilizing them for the night.

6. Provide your dog with plenty of chew toys, rawhide bones, or toys filled with chewy treats or peanut butter to occupy them during the evening on Halloween.

7. Keep candles, pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns, and any other Halloween decorations out of your dog or cat’s reach.

8. All Halloween candy, especially chocolates, should also be kept far away from your pet. Chocolate is toxic to dogs so it’s important to diligently monitor them during this time of year.

9. Dogs and cats should only wear Halloween costumes if they absolutely love it, or don’t seem to mind at all. Putting a costume on an animal who doesn’t want to wear it will only cause them undue stress and tension.

10. Make certain your pet’s costume doesn’t restrict their vision or breathing in any way. The costume should fit well, be comfortable, and also not restrict their movement.

11. Pet costumes shouldn’t contain any loose objects or accessories that dangle.

12. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car for any reason, but particularly on Halloween.

13. After Halloween, while walking with your dog, be sure to pay attention to what they’re sniffing and picking up as papers, wrappers, and bits of candy may be littered here and there, tempting your dog to eat them and possibly choke.