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Halloween Tip #18 – Considering Your Pet at Halloween

We need to remember and understand that just because we want to dress up our dog for Halloween our friendly little pet may not be so keen on this idea. The same goes for the noises, the goodies, and everything else concerned with the special day. We need to respect and consider our pals at Halloween.

If your pet stays outside most of the time then s/he may know where to go to “hide” for the evening or at least where to go to feel safe. If your pet is a little nervous or becomes easily upset then putting him/her in the garage for part of the night would help comfort your dog or cat.

If your animal is an inside family member you might consider getting the pets’ water, some food, and put him/her in a guest bedroom or another room where the pet will feel comfortable. If the pet is out amongst the crowd be careful s/he doesn’t run out the front door when the next group of trick-or-treaters arrive.

So you want to put that cute little mask on your pit bull. Hmmm, does your pit bull really want to wear it? Remember, if you must put it on that your dog needs peripherally vision. Make certain the eye holes are large enough to allow for this. It’s better to put on a costume before Halloween to see how your pet will react. Don’t be surprised if your animal is opposed to wearing the outfit you have selected. Forcing your pet to wear a costume can cause discomfort as well as stress while others may wear it and seem to enjoy having it on.

Be careful with tin foil, candy wrappers, and so forth. If your pet decides to inhale the chocolate stuck to the wrapper it can cause digestive tract problems that can even lead to death.

It’s not wise to share your Halloween candy with your pets. Chocolate, for example, can actually be deadly to your pet. Why not pick up a box of dog or cat treats to give to your pet on this special night?

Just remember – we are celebrating Halloween. Your pet does not understand this special day; therefore, your pet does not understand all of the different activities s/he sees and hears.