Many pet parents like to have a ‘ghoul’ ‘ol time on Halloween with their furry friends. First though, check out these expert Halloween pet safety tips.

A growing number of Aussie pet parents plan to celebrate Halloween with their furry friend in tow. Yet, for many pets, noisy events like Halloween can be super scary and stressful. Think loud screams and laughing, strange costumes and stray lollies — not to mention the constant knocking at the door.

So, if you do plan to go trick or treating this Hallow’s Eve, do your four-pawed pal a favour, and keep pet safety in mind. Here are a few expert Halloween pet safety tips from PETstock trainer Mandi Wright.

Exposure therapy

“As we see Halloween celebrated more widely across the nation, fireworks can make an appearance which can be frightening for most dogs,” says Mandi.

“If you have a puppy, it’s important to create positive associations to different people, sounds and places. Taking your puppy for a walk during the day will exposure them to different surroundings, just ensure that they are microchipped, and the details are updated in case they get spooked and try to run off.

“If you’re planning on dressing up this Halloween, gradually introduce your costume or mask in a familiar place, such as your home, to make them feel comfortable. Rewarding your pet with treats while you’re wearing the mask or costume will help keep them relaxed.”

Whether you’re trying to desensitise your pet to groups of unknown people or the sound of loud noises, take things slowly. The trick is to expose your fur pal to the stimulant while giving him or her positive reinforcement, such as lots of cuddles, belly rubs or a treat.

Create a safe zone

“If your dog is prone to feeling stressed or anxious, create a safe environment for your pet to have some alone time away from trick-or-treaters knocking on the door throughout the day or night,” says Mandi. “So that your dog doesn’t miss out on all the Halloween festivities, adding their favourite Halloween toys to their safe space.

“Giving them a chew toy and creating white noise is a great way to keep your dog distracted from what’s happening outdoors.”

If you do create a quiet place for your pet to hide as part of your Halloween pet safety prep, it’s a good idea to settle your pet in this safe space before trick-or-treaters arrive. Spend some time with your fur pal. You can give them a soothing massage, talk quietly to them, or simply give them a cuddle.

Pet dress-up — the right way!

According to PETstock, 13% of pet owners dress their furry friends in costumes to celebrate special dates, such as Halloween. However, Mandi advises, “Ensure your pet is comfortable when wearing costumes and monitor them for the first few minutes of wearing it to ensure they don’t feel anxious or restricted.”

Sure, some of our canine chums and feline friends love playing dress-up. Yet others are not so keen. It’s important to recognise the signs of anxiety or stress and, if they present, remove the costume from your pet. Common signs of stress in cats and dogs include:

  • Pacing or hiding
  • Excessive licking
  • Aggression
  • Being more vocal than usual (crying or hissing)
  • Trembling

Providing you have pet safety in mind and you keep a close eye on your fur pal, Halloween can be lots of fun for you and your four-legged friend.

 

Happy Halloween!

 

Image source: Paige Cody on Unsplash