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Halloween is a blast for people of all ages, but it is also somewhat unpleasant for many pets. The costumes, the constant knocking at your door, the many masked strangers walking the streets, etc., present a panic-inducing time for your animals.
Frightened pets can respond in one of two ways: flee or pursue. Panicked dogs are wildly unpredictable. The last thing you want to happen this Halloween is to have your furry friend bite a trick-or-treater.
There are several things you can do to prevent any harm to your pets or costumed strangers. It is crucial to take time to prepare for the upcoming season and ensure your pets remain happy and healthy. After all, they should have a fun holiday as well.
Facing Costume Fear Head On
Costumes usually present the most significant challenge for your pet because masks make everyone look like strangers and monsters. Your dog or cat does not understand that monsters aren't real; to them, you or your neighbors really are ghouls and goblins.
Your pet wants to protect you and your family against any perceived threat. Dogs may quickly become aggressive if they think their pack is in danger. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent this instinctual behavior on Halloween.
While you cannot explain the purpose of Halloween, you can help your pets get used to the idea of dress-up. As the owner, you can buy a mask or costume. Take the mask home and let your animals sniff it and live with it for a couple of days. It is best to fully form the mask, so it looks like it does when you wear it.
After your pet has time to get accustomed to the mask, you can try wearing it. Do not approach or try to play with them because they may not realize it is you inside the mask; just wear it and do nothing with them. Your pet can get the sense that the mask is not a threat.
Also, by leaving the mask out, your pet can make the connection between real and fake. However, some pets never make the connection. If your pet seems scared or agitated with the mask, it may be best to remove it and hide it from their site. For pets that struggle with costumes, there are ways to protect them from becoming traumatized.
Reducing Halloween Anxiety
Halloween is a human concept. Your pets do not understand it, and they cannot predict it. You can help them cope with the season by acting normally. Attempting to cuddle them or reassure them may only make matters worse.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your pets is to remove them from the environment. If your dog or cat is extremely fearful of Halloween and costumed strangers, it is best to take them out of the environment. You can kennel or board your pet for the holiday.
If you want your pet at home, consider keeping them in a room away from all the celebratory activities. Many people have finished basements that do a decent job of blocking the sounds of doorbells and calling strangers.
In the nights leading up to Halloween, take your pet into whatever room you choose and stay with them for a few hours. The routine becomes predictable, so your pet thinks nothing strange is happening on Halloween.
For extremely anxious pets that you want to keep home, you might talk to your veterinarian about sedatives. Your pet's vet can tell you if a sedative is a good option for your pet or instruct you on other potential solutions.
Hiding Halloween Treats
Besides costumes, most people love Halloween because it gives them an excuse to devour mounds of candy. While people love the sweet, sugary concoctions, the treats are not good for your pets.
While many people know that chocolate is poisonous to dogs, they do not realize the dangers of other treats, especially sugar-free candy. Most sugar-free treats contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol, which is also toxic for pets. The artificial sweetener can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar that is only remedied through medical intervention.
Aside from candy being potentially hazardous to your pet, candy wrappers also present a significant threat. The foil and plastic wrappers on candy can wad up in the stomach or intestines and cause blockages. Depending on the severity of the blockage, your furry friend may need surgery to resolve the issue.
If you want to allow your pet to partake in the treat sharing at Halloween, then purchase healthy snacks and treats that are pet-specific. Some of the best treat options include:
• Fruitables Dog Treats - Pumpkin and Banana
• The Lazy Dog Spooktacular Snacks
• Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix - Pumpkin
• Blue Buffalo Health Bars - Pumpkin and Cinnamon
• Grandma Lucy's Organic Oven Baked Dog Treats - Pumpkin
Keeping Strangers Safe
Even the most loving dogs and cats will become aggressive if they are afraid or cornered. You do not want people celebrating the holiday to suffer an injury. The best way to keep strangers safe is to keep your pets indoors on Halloween. If you must take your pet out of the house, remember to use a leash. Leashes ensure you, your pet, and strangers stay safe.
Halloween is a fun and exciting time for humans, but it can create a lot of anxiety and fear for your pets. Focus on implementing the above strategies to enjoy a healthy and happy Halloween for everyone.
