Safe & Stress Free… NOT Spooky! Providing a Safe and Stress-free Night for Pets this Halloween
By Carolyn Cockcroft
Masked doorbell ringers, freaky decor, costume parties and, of course, treats—these are all part of the fun of Halloween celebrations. For our pets, however, some traditions during this season can be confusing, or worse, downright frightful. Common sense and some consideration (try thinking like a cat or dog) can keep the evening a safe and calm one.
It Starts with the Doorbell. A constantly ringing doorbell, sudden knocking, and shouts of “Trick or Treat!” may startle an animal not used to abrupt noise or rowdiness. If alarmed, your pet’s impulse may be to dart outside the house and become lost. Even if your pet loves to greet guests and runs to the door as soon as the bell rings, he might, in his excitement, jump onto or nip a child. “We have a plethora of animals that are misplaced at Halloween when there’s all these kids and fluffy costumes coming, “ says Jenny Lindquist, DVM, owner of Lindquist Veterinary Care Center in Kirksville, Missouri. “It’s easier for them to slip out the door.” You may consider disconnecting the doorbell for the evening or keeping your pet in a back room with food, water and toys (See “Safe Space” below). Or, to minimize the noise, consider sitting outside and distributing candy to trick-or-treaters before they can knock on the door or ring the bell.
Keep Candy Hidden from Curious Pets. Chocolate and candy sweetened with xylitol, as well as many other sweets, are toxic to pets. Veterinarian emergency clinics see an increase on Halloween night, due to cats and dogs with swollen tummies, diarrhea, or vomiting. Warn your children or party guests who may be tempted to share food with your feline or canine (this holds true for any human food at a party). The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888-426-4435) is available 24 hours. Call your veterinarian or the Poison Control Center immediately if you suspect your pet has swallowed anything harmful.
Use Caution with Costumes. A human may think it cute to dress a puppy as Yoda and then click a photo to share on social media. Many pets, however, resist being forced into clothing —especially cats. According to cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, “It doesn’t feel good to them, their hair follicle receptors, their whiskers—they’re not meant to deal with that.” A stressed pet may react by tucking a tail, flattening ears, whimpering, growling, or even becoming very still or “frozen” with fear. The costume itself could become a hazard if the animal’s breathing or sight becomes restricted, or if the pet chews or chokes on it. If you insist on bedecking your pet for Halloween, Fear Free Happy Homes, an online educational website for pet advocates, suggests conducting a “dress rehearsal” before October 31, by “letting the pet sniff and investigate the costume before slowly dressing them” and providing treats “to create a positive association with the costume.” On Halloween night, monitor the pet closely for any signs of discomfort or clothing entanglements. Especially avoid any attachments, such as a loose string, dangling bell or other item that could be a choking or strangling hazard. Do not dye your pet’s hair. Not only are dyes potentially toxic if the pet ingests it, but in some jurisdictions, dying pets is illegal.
Keep the Décor in Check. The Humane Society warns that some decorations can pose health risks, such as “lit candles, rubber eyeballs (choking risk), glow sticks and fake blood (possible poisons), fake cobwebs (can choke or entangle pets and wildlife), potpourri (toxic to birds) and strung lights.” Candy wrappers and packaging, also, can be tempting to pets who love to chew on plastic and, if ingested, could result in needing surgery in order to extract the foreign body. House décor that contain spider webs, string, or wires are definite hazards for a curious puppy or kitty who likes to explore. Why not instead decorate your driveway or front porch with creepy displays to amuse your neighbors?
Create a Safe Space. If you know your pet can be spooked by loud noises, strange visitors, unfamiliar smells, create a secluded area, such as a back room with a comfortable blanket, water, favorite toys, some treats and (for a cat) a litter box. This will help them feel at ease. One of the greatest risks at Halloween is having a pet bolt outside when you answer the door. Leashes, crates, or pre-segregation in a room can help prevent a heartbreaking loss.
Make sure your pet is microchipped! In addition to all these safeguards, the most effective deterrence from the despair of losing a frighten or curious pet who darts into the night is to ensure he has been microchipped and the information is current.
Pets are family. “As their human guardian, you need to make decisions that are in their best interests,” reminds Jackson Galaxy. While adults and children alike want to celebrate Halloween with all the rituals and goodies, our pets’ welfare and safety must be as much of a priority during the holidays as it is the rest of the year.
About the Author: A volunteer at King Street Cats, Carolyn is supervised by two indoor cats, Marigold and Butterbean.
Sources:
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/halloween-safety-tips-pets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rB13Bx1Cgc
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/are-black-cats-in-danger-on-halloween/