Spooky season is just around the corner and unlike the ghosts and ghouls that lurk in the shadows, many of the Halloween dangers for our beloved pets are hiding in plain sight! Here’s a few things you should be mindful of this Halloween. 

Keeping an eye on your pets dis-paw-sition   

With flurries of unfamiliar people knocking on doors and circling the streets in odd costumes, even the most well-behaved pets can become overwhelmed. To avoid unnecessary stress on your pets, it’s a great idea to bring them indoors for the night and provide them with a safe and calm environment. 

Keep an eye on their behavior and body language, especially if your pet is prone to noise-related anxiety. Excessive whining, barking, hiding, pacing and changes in body posture can all be obvious signs of stress to look out for. Keep your pets away from the front door and make sure they are equipped with a collar or some kind of identification in case they decide to make a sneaky break for it. 

Don’t turn dress up into stress up! 

Some of us love getting dressed up for the occasion and snapping a few spooky photos with our furry friends, however before you decide to dress your pet up it is important to consider how they feel. A lot of pets are uncomfortable with dress up so keep an eye out for signs of stress.

If you do decide on a costume of some kind, it’s a good idea to stick to the following guidelines.

• Ensure the costume fits properly and is comfortable to avoid any accidents or tripping.
• Ensure that there are no pieces that can be chewed off and become a choking hazard.
• Ensure that it does not block their hearing, sight, movement, mouth or breathing.
• Ensure the costume does not contain any sharp items, such as safety pins, that can cause accidental injury.  

It’s important not to leave a dressed-up pet unsupervised and if they’re trying to remove or bite the costume, this is a sure sign they hate it. A great, and less stressful idea is to consider a simple touch like a themed collar or bandana, and you can take spooky pics next to some Halloween props.

Decorating diligently

Halloween decorations can be very intriguing for our pets so it's important to be mindful of what is put up, and what is in reach.

Small plastic decorations, including spiders, insects, dolls and webs are a choking hazard when consumed by animals.

Tinsel, and anything bright, including open flames or lamps, can be tempting for cats especially, even when placed out of reach. Cats are known to be innovative and creative in navigating tricky spaces and are certainly not shy of taking risky jumps and manoeuvre, so it's best to avoid these pieces altogether.

Low hanging string lights are also appealing to those looking to have a little nibble, such as dogs and rabbits, so be mindful of these. Lights and wires, when chewed on, can cause mouth burns.

Fake spider webs can pose dangers to your pets and to local wildlife. Birds, bats and small animals can become ensnared in the webs which can lead to injuries and could even be fatal. If it blows away, it can end up in local waterways and contribute to pollution, harming wildlife further.

Many types of fake blood contain ingredients that are toxic to pets, so beware of their access and consider not using fake blood while around the house. Additionally, while pumpkins are not considered to be toxic, they can cause stomach pain if eaten in excess.

As well, watch out with elements of your costume while around the house with your pet! Be wary of tassles and other choking hazards that may fall off during the night.

Hiding the Halloween treats

While it’s OK for us humans to indulge in a few Halloween treats, a lot of the foods we enjoy can be toxic to our beloved pets. All forms of chocolate are a no-go as they can be severely toxic, so ensure that the candy bowl is far from any paw’s reach. It’s also important to be mindful of any plastic wrappers that may be lying around as you want to avoid this choking hazard. There are, however, so many pet-friendly treats that you can make or buy to ensure that your furry friend doesn’t feel left out this Halloween.