Halloween can be a fun time for your furry friends but it can also be hazardous. Learn how to keep your pet safe this Halloween and make this festive holiday a howling good time for everyone!

Costumes for Critters

Finding the right critter costume for animals who love the attention is easier today than it was a few years ago. You can find pet costume ideas at PetSmart or at other local establishments.

Avoid any that hinder your animal’s vision, breathing, or that restrict movement. Watch out for small wardrobe accessories that could be chewed or consumed and create choking hazards or intestinal blockages.

Dreaded Dress Up

Today there are quite a few dress up options available for companion animals, but first and foremost, make sure that you pet actually likes dressing up.

If a pet hangs its head, tries to wiggle out of the outfit, tucks it tail, or gazes up at you with large, sad eyes when costumed, you can almost bet that it doesn’t like it.

If this is the case, don’t fret. A pet doesn’t necessarily need a costume, try a festive collar and leash instead!

Dangerous Decor

Jack O’Lanterns, candles, glow sticks and streamers can be dangerous decorations. Pets get tempted to chew on streamers or glow sticks. Minimize this issue by providing safer, appropriate, chew toys instead.

Be sure to also choose pet friendly decor and non-flammable Halloween candles to prevent both burns and fires. As a general practice, place all decorations out of reach so pets stay safe.

Furry Fun

Trick or Treat experiences can be downright ghoulish for some animals. Find the right type of furry fun at pet specific events. This leaves everyone free to relax and enjoy themselves. Plus, bobbing for hot dogs is likely to be something your pet finds a lot more interesting!

Deadly Sweet

Did you know that those Halloween treats can be deadly sweet? Many people have heard about the risks associated with chocolate but “sugar free” items with xylitol are highly poisonous too. What you might not know is that excessive munching on sweets, the accidental ingestion of candy wrappers, or food items (such as raisins) can all pose serious risk.

Store these temptations out of reach or within a locked cabinet. Don’t forget, in an emergency, call your local emergency veterinary center or try the Veterinary Poison Hotline at (800) 213-6680.

Safe & Secure

Sometimes keeping your pet secure at home, or safety restrained on leash when you are out in public, are the best options. Consider using pet gates that will allow your pet to participate but keep everyone safe.

Finally, don’t forget to take your pet out for an early potty break before all those ghouls and goblins come out to play.

Do you have an additional Halloween pet safety tips? Feel free to share in the comments!

Photo Credits:

• Carved Pumpkin by D Elephant
• Halloween Costume for Cat by Ronnie
• Halloween Glow Sticks by Louise Photography
• Halloween Dog Costume by MB Trauma