Celebrating Halloween with Your Pet

October 19, 2021 – Happy Howl-o-ween! It’s that time of the year for ghosts, goblins, and pet costumes, oh my!

Read on for more tips on how to make sure your pet stays happy and healthy while enjoying this year’s festivities with you:

PAWS OFF THE CANDY

No tricks, just treats! Pet-friendly treats that is.

Time to indulge in chocolates and sweets galore! Unfortunately, many Halloween treats are toxic to animals, including all forms of chocolate and sugar-free foods that contain xylitol. So be sure your candy stash or baked goods are stored someplace where your pet can’t get to them.

What about those pumpkins you’ve got sitting around? Pumpkin can actually be good for dogs and cats, but too much can cause digestion issues. Old and rotting pumpkins contain dangerous bacteria that can be harmful to your pet if consumed. So keep your pet safe by discarding those old jack-o-lanterns.

FIND THE PURR-FECT COSTUME

Everyone loves a great costume, but make sure your pet is comfortable and can move around freely in theirs. Continue to check in on your pet to ensure they’re not overheating or showing signs of distress. Also, check the costume to make sure there aren’t dangling pieces that could be a choking hazard.

IT’S A SPOOKY SEASON FOR YOU AND YOUR PET

With all the Halloween hype, our pets can get easily spooked. If you plan to have trick-or-treaters, help minimize your pet’s stress by putting them in a quiet room with some of their favorite things to help make them feel safe.

Oftentimes, masks and costumes change those sights and smells that were once familiar for pets, and can frighten them. So make sure they are in a secure, quiet, and calming space when Halloween guests are around.

DON’T MASK YOUR PET’S IDENTITY

Pets might run out the door or try to escape your home if they get spooked. One of the best ways to ensure your lost pet gets back home to you is getting them microchipped. If your pet is found and taken to a local shelter or veterinary clinic, it’ll be scanned for a microchip and your contact information will be immediately available.

Not microchipped? The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County offers low-cost pet microchips to the public for just $25, which includes national registration. No appointment is necessary. The procedure takes only a minute and can be done anytime from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, seven days a week.

Source: The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County