Pet Safety Tips for Trick or Treat Night
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products we have used, loved, or would genuinely choose for our family and pets.
Halloween is full of excitement: costumes, candy, decorations, and a steady stream of visitors at the door. While it is a fun night for families, it can be stressful and even dangerous for our pets. Bo and Piper, our two pups, love greeting kids in costumes, but even they get overwhelmed after a while. To keep your furry friends safe this Halloween, here are some key tips every pet parent should follow.
Costume Fit & Comfort
Dressing your dog up can be adorable, but safety comes first. Make sure costumes fit properly. Avoid anything too tight or too loose, or anything that covers eyes, ears, or airways. Always do a trial run before the big night to see how your pet reacts. If Bo and Piper are not comfortable, we skip the costumes and use festive bandanas instead.
Looking for safe and cute costume ideas to pair with the family theme? Check out our roundup of favorites from years past, including Jurassic Bark, Mario and friends, and more.
Costume Alternatives:
Candy Safety
Chocolate, xylitol in sugar free treats, raisins, and hard candy can be toxic to pets. Even the wrappers pose a choking hazard. Keep the candy bowl far out of reach and teach kids not to share their stash with the dogs. If you suspect your pet ate something they should not, call your vet right away.
Nighttime Walk Gear
Halloween means extra traffic, dim lighting, and plenty of distractions. If you are taking your dog along while trick or treating, make sure they are visible and secure. Reflective harnesses, LED collars, and sturdy leashes are a must. Bo wears an LED collar every October. It makes him look festive and keeps him safe.
Calming Anxious Pets
The constant doorbell ringing, strange costumes, and loud noises can trigger anxiety in pets. Create a quiet, safe space indoors where they can relax away from the action. Soft blankets, calming chews, or a white noise machine can help soothe stressed pets. Piper prefers curling up in our bedroom with a white noise machine running when things get a little too spooky.
Happy Halloween!
Halloween is meant to be fun, and with a little preparation, it can be safe for your pets too. By keeping costumes comfy, candy out of reach, walks well lit, and anxious pups calm, you can make the night enjoyable for everyone, two legged and four legged alike.
