Howl-o-ween is almost here, and it’s time for tricks, treats, and all things spooky! We pawrents love to include our doggos and cattos in the festive fun, but this time of year can hide some sneaky hazards for our beloved furry besties.
Don’t let a Halloween scare turn into a real-life fright! Let’s get those tails wagging safely with these essential tips to ensure a worry-free celebration for everyone.
Keep Them Away from Chocolate and Candy — The Ultimate No-No!
This is probably the biggest rule in the pawrent playbook for Howl-o-ween, but it bears repeating: chocolate and candy are NOT for pets! While it might be a delicious human treat, even a small amount can cause serious trouble for your doggo or catto. Chocolate, especially dark and baking chocolate, contains theobromine, which is toxic to pets and can cause anything from an upset tummy (think barf-o-rama!) to more severe issues like seizures or heart problems. Sugar-free candies often contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s extremely dangerous for dogs, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar.
So, keep those candy bowls high and out of reach! If you suspect your furry bestie has snuck a bite, contact your vet immediately – better safe than sorry!
Planning on Dressing Your Furry Bestie? Here Are Some Things to Watch Out For! (Safe Pet Costumes)
Who doesn’t love a doggo in a hot dog costume or a catto sporting tiny witch’s hat? Dressing up your furry bestie for Howl-o-ween photos is part of the fun, but pet safety always comes first.
- Proper Fit is Key: A costume should fit snugly but not tightly. It shouldn’t restrict movement, breathing, or your pet’s ability to “do their business.” Avoid anything that could choke them or get tangled.
- Breathable Fabrics, Please: Choose lightweight, breathable materials. Heat exhaustion is no fun for anyone, especially our furry pals in the tropical Philippine climate.
- Vision and Hearing Unobscured: Make sure the costume doesn’t cover your pet’s eyes or ears. They need to see, hear, and navigate their surroundings comfortably to avoid stress or accidents.
- No Dangling Bits: Avoid costumes with small, detachable parts (like buttons, bells, or ribbons) that could easily be chewed off and swallowed. These are major choking hazards!
- Comfort Over Cuteness: If your pet shows any signs of discomfort—flattened ears, tail tucked, trying to chew the costume off, or generally looking unhappy—take it off! A happy, stress-free doggo or catto is always the cutest.
- Supervise, Supervise, Supervise: Never leave your pet unattended in a costume, even for a moment.
Pet-Proof Your Halloween Decorations (Beware of Spooky Traps!)
Your home might be decked out for a hauntingly good time, but some decorations can be silent hazards for your curious doggos and cattos.
- Beware of Open Flames: Candles, especially Halloween-themed ones, are a big no-no around pets. A wagging tail or a curious catto jumping can easily knock them over, leading to burns or house fires. Opt for battery-operated LED candles instead – all the ambiance, none of the danger!
- Tuck Away Power Cords: Those glowing ghosts and string lights are fun, but exposed electrical cords can be tempting chew toys for curious pets. Biting into a live wire can cause severe burns, electric shock, or worse. Securely tape down or hide all cords.
- Keep Small, Shiny, & Chokeable Items: Decorations like plastic spiders, fake cobwebs, glow sticks, and small festive trinkets can look like toys to our pets. If ingested, they can cause choking or intestinal blockages, which means an emergency vet visit! Keep these out of paw’s reach.
- Raise Pumpkins & Gourds: While generally safe, moldy pumpkins can cause digestive upset if nibbled. If you’re carving, place them where only human hands can reach!
Bonus Tip: Designated Chill Zone for Anxious Pets!
Halloween can be overwhelming for some pets. The constant doorbell ringing, strange costumed visitors, and extra noise can be very stressful. Create a safe, quiet “chill zone” for your doggo or catto in a back room with their favorite bed, toys, and a full bowl of Maxime to munch on. Playing calming music can also help!
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure a purr-fectly safe and fun Howl-o-ween for you and your beloved furry bestie! Happy haunting!
REFERENCES
9 Toxic Halloween Treats to Keep Away From Your Dog
Risks of Halloween Treats for Pets – Guides | Big Dog Pet Foods
Halloween Pet Costume Safety Guide | Pet Safety Tips
Seven tips for safe pet costumes
9 Tips to Keep Your Anxious Dog Calm on Halloween Night Groomers | Blog
