Spooky Night for Pets: Keep Them Safe This Halloween
It’s goblin, candy, and party time again. Halloween can be so much fun for kids and adults.
But what does this evening look like to your cat or dog? They see scary, unfamiliar creatures running around screaming. You know that the monster in the scary mask is your neighbor kid, but your pet has no idea. The doorbell rings and rings, which is super confusing for the dog who thinks he needs to bark every time. Glowing jack-o'-lanterns with frightening faces and fire inside not only look scary but also smell strange. Decorations that light up, hang from above, make scary sounds, or are motion-activated can terrify your pets. There is candy everywhere, which smells great, but it’s all out of reach.
Halloween is second only to July 4th for creating stressed-out pets. Before you’re in the midst of all the chaos, take a moment to consider your pet’s safety and sanity.
Unless you have a very rare mellow, unflappable pet, don’t take them trick-or-treating. Wandering around dark streets filled with screaming, running, and crying kids in costumes is super stressful. Rambunctious teens in masks traveling in packs and looking for mischief can make a cat or dog very nervous.
Your pet will be much happier where they feel safe. Make sure your pet has a place to hunker down until normality returns. Try setting up a bed, treats, and soft music or nature sounds in a room at the back of the house. Take measures to ensure that your pet doesn’t escape when the door opens and closes all night to distribute candy or welcome guests. If you’re hosting a party, consider arranging a quiet sleepover for your pet at a friend’s house.
Of course, make sure your pet stays out of the chocolates and candies – as well as chewable but indigestible Halloween decorations. A special, safe treat is a great way to distract them from the multitude of tempting smells of the trick-or-treat bounty.
Finally, we know you’re going to do it. You’ll dress your pet like a hot dog, a pumpkin, a bumble bee, or some other ridiculous (but adorable!) costume. Those are truly some of the cutest photos on Instagram. However, keep it brief, as it’s rare that a pet enjoys being wrangled into an uncomfortable, unfamiliar get-up and forced to smile for the camera.
Most of all, have a Happy Halloween, and keep it pet-safe!
Since 1994, the Animal Resource Center and the Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been dedicated to serving animals in Southwestern Colorado. Our adoption hours are every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are located at 177 County Rd 10, Ridgway, CO. You can view our shelter pets and services online at secondchancehumane.org.