How to Keep Your Pet Safe on Halloween Night

By Taquera Woodson, Social Media Intern and Deniza Marcinkevica, Manager Business Development, Skytails.com

Halloween is a time for fun, costumes, candy, and trick-o-treaters. It’s good fun for people, but pets may experience the night differently. Halloween may feel unfamiliar with all the loud noises, scents, doorbell ringing and people in costumes. Your pet can feel overwhelmed, anxious, or tempted by something that can cause them harm like chocolate or flashing lights from a jack-o-lantern. With the right preparation you can prepare your pet for Halloween to ensure their safety and awareness of what’s going on around them. 

Keep Candy Out of Reach

Halloween treats are dangerous to pets like chocolate, xylitol, raisins, and certain nuts are toxic to cats and dogs even in small amounts. 

• Store candy in sealed containers out of paw’s reach

• Keep candy bowls off low tables and avoid leaving wrappers lying around

• Remind kids and guests not to share treats with pets

• If you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful, call your vet or an emergency hotline

Select the Best Costume for Your Pet

Pets costumes are cute, but not all pets enjoy wearing them. It can make some pets feel anxious, restricted and scared. 

• Try on costumes in advance to see how your pet will react

• Make sure it doesn’t restrict breathing, movement, vision, or hearing

• Avoid costumes with small, chewable parts, loose strings that can cause a choking hazard

• If your pet is uncomfortable it is best to not put them on a costume

Limit Doorbell Anxiety and Visitor Stress

Some pets get started by loud sounds and unfamiliar visitors. The sound of a doorbell ringing constantly and seeing strangers can overwhelm them.

• Create a quiet, secure space away from the door

• Use white noise or sound machine to drown out doorbell sounds

• If your pet has anxiety, talk to your vet about calming treats, sprays, or supplements

• Consider sitting outside to greet trick-o-treaters so the doorbell doesn’t ring as much  

Prevent Escapes at the Door

With so many people coming and going, Halloween is the most common night for pets to escape. 

• Ensure your pet is microchipped and wearing up-to-date ID tags

• Keeping them leashed or contained in a secure room during peak trick-or-treating 

• Watching doors closely if you are hosting or handing out candy

Watch Out for Decor Hazards

Halloween decoration may seem harmless, but there can be hidden risks to pets that are curious. 

• Candles and jack-o-lanterns that can be knocked over should be avoided

• Glow sticks can be toxic if chewed open

• Fake spiderwebs or tinsel can be a choking hazard and cause digestive issues

• Battery-powered items might attract chewers

Conclusion 

Halloween can be fun for everyone including your pet if you consider a few precautions. By keeping candy out of reach, watching out for costume discomfort, and minimizing anxiety triggers you can create a safe environment for your pet. 

SkyTails Connection

Our pets give us everything, loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love. One of the best ways to show gratitude to your pet is ensuring you are keeping them safe and healthy. SkyTails is a dedicated pet savings account designed for pet parents. You are prepared for emergencies, and unexpected care without financial stress. Saying thank you to your pet doesn’t need to be loud, sometimes it is as simple as planning ahead.

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