TRICK-FOR-TREAT GIVEAWAY!
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Halloween candies are not treats for pets
Keep the goodies out of reach of pets.
Chocolate – especially dark chocolate – can be dangerous, even lethal for cats and dogs.
Xylitol – an artificial sweetener found in some candies can also be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause blood sugar levels to drop, followed by loss of coordination and seizures. Xylitol ingestion has also been linked to liver failure in dogs!
Bring pets indoors
Evil seems to escalate on Halloween. Sadly, there are vicious individuals who create terror for pets and their people. They tease, injure, poison, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Disgusting, I know. Preventable nonetheless. Black cats, in particular, are a target. Please bring pets indoors on Halloween.
Keep pets away from the door that opens to greet Trick-or-Treaters
Depending on where you live, that door may be opening and closing constantly. The doorbell and spookily clad visitors may cause severe anxiety for your pets. They may react fearfully and try to escape. Or, they could become aggressive towards that little unicorn. Better safe than sorry. Securing pets in a crate or separate room away from the front door will reduce stress and prevent them from darting outside on Halloween night – a night of chaos.
Consider Setting a Calm Environment before the arrival of monsters
Rescue Remedy and Feliway spray are just a couple of suggestions of natural de-stressing agents available to help keep your pets comfortable on this crazy night. Calming wraps are another, non-digestible option.
Practice Visits and Doorbell Ringing
Even if you have guests visit regularly, your doorbell probably rings more on this occasion. To help your dog or cat feel more at ease, practice ahead of time to create a positive association with the doorbell. Try ringing the doorbell before entering your own house and reward your dog for not barking. You could also recruit friends to assist with this training. This tip may be helpful for other occasions/get-togethers also.
Pet Costumes
Don’t add to the stress of the evening by putting a costume on them that they aren’t comfortable in, or is unfamiliar to them. Non-restrictive costumes are best. Costumes should not restrict movement, hearing, eyesight, or the ability to breathe. Ensure Fido is familiar with his outfit before the big night and don’t leave him unsupervised while in costume to prevent choking or suffocation.
Beware of Fire and Electrical Hazards
Candles, Jack-O-Lanterns, and electric or battery operated decorations can also pose a safety hazard to pets. Don’t leave pets unattended in the vicinity of such items and be sure they are blown out or switched off at the end of the night. Check regularly to ensure they don’t overheat.
Walk safely
If you must take your pet out with the two-legged members of your pack (perhaps less stressful than being left at home alone), Please keep him on a short leash and ensure he is visible by adding reflective tape to his costume or collar. LED lights are also options. Small dogs are especially at risk of being trampled by excited trick-or-treaters.
Pet Identification
If your dog or cat escapes on Halloween night, having the proper identification will increase the chances of their safe return. ID tags on collars are the first place a Good Samaritan will look if able to detain your runaway pet. Microchips offer permanent identification should the collar, or tag come off. Please make sure the contact information is up-to-date. Don’t wait until Halloween to check. I suggest making this part of Fido’s annual check-up!
Who You Gonna Call?
Not ‘Ghost Busters’! Be sure your contact list is up to date:
-Animal Control
-Pet Poison Hotline
-Emergency Vet Clinic in your area
Grab a pen and write this info. on a note and stick it to your fridge, now. Go on; I’ll wait!
Okay, that’s the scary stuff out of the way. Once you are prepared and know your pets will be safe and as stress-free as possible, you can enjoy the festivities. Don’t forget to play ‘Trick-For-Treat’ with your dogs.
In addition to healthy meals, Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food offers equally healthy treats for pets. The product does not contain Corn, Wheat, Soy, Artificial Colours or Flavors, By-Product Meals or Synthetic Preservatives or Fillers.
We carry both dry and wet food formulas in a variety of flavors sure to make your pup drool! All of our premium quality flavors cover any life stage and include grain-free options
Peanut Butter Crunchy Bites anyone?
Enter for your chance to win a 15lb bag of dog food, and two bags of treats (U.S. winners) from Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food.
Contest open to Canadian and U.S. residents. Canadian winners will receive gift vouchers and are responsible for sourcing product from a retailer. Click here for locations.
Goose wasn’t about to sit on the sidelines and miss out on treats!
Happy Haunting!
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Talent Hounds says
Great Tips and such cute costumes!
Sadie says
Thank you
Doggypedia says
Such cute costume pics, thanks for sharing 🙂
Also thanks for the heads up that it’s not just chocolate people can’t give puppies – this is super important and often overlooked!
Sadie says
Thank you.
Hindy Pearson says
Excellent tips, and handy not just for Halloween. The dogs look so adorable in their costumes, but I really love the hat on the cat!! None of mine would have ever agreed to that.
Sadie says
Thank you, Hindy.
Amy Shojai, CABC says
We had only one set of trick or treaters, and they came WAY too late for little ones. Bravo barked like crazy, too — but wanted to meet them. His first Halloween and better prepared for the next. Great tips, thanks!
Sadie says
Awww. I know the roads were so busy on my way home from work. Parents wanting to get home to get the kids out at a decent time.
Ruth Epstein says
Great tips and you cannot be reminded more often as we all I think forget something. Layla was at home during Halloween as I felt it safer for her with all the chaos outside.
Ruth Epstein recently posted…November has arrived
Sadie says
Also, dark dogs are harder to see at night.
Holly says
Goose is beautiful ?, and the little bee is the cutest thing. Great tips too.
Holly recently posted…National Cat Day: Celebrating Life with Plush
Sadie says
Thank you, Holly.
Kelly says
This was Edna’s first experience with Halloween and trick or treaters. Not sure how she was going to react to the constance door knocking and strangers, we decided to give it a try and see how she would do. She barked the first few times, but them seemed to take it in stride. My cats however, preferred to find a quiet place in the house away from it all. Cute costumes everyone!
Sadie says
Kind of like ‘Okay, I give up’ BOL.
Lola the Rescued Cat says
These are really great tips. I never would have thought of practicing the doorbell ringing. Great idea.
Sadie says
I recommend doing it when you have plenty of patience.
Kamira says
Aww I love all of your pets costumes! So adorable. I hope you had a nice and safe Halloween. Great post. Thanks for sharing these important safety tips!
Sadie says
Our pleasure! Thank you.
Heather Wallace says
My dogs and I don’t really celebrate Halloween as Beau becomes nervous with the costumes and running children. So we do keep them at daycare during the day and then crated in the evening while trick-or-treaters are visiting. We have a small neighborhood so it’s pretty low key.
Heather Wallace recently posted…Anticipation is My Achilles Heel
Sadie says
I understand. We’re still working with Jack. I was quite happy not to have ToT’s this Halloween!
Beth says
While my family goes all out for Halloween, our dogs don’t participate. We keep them safe in their crates at the back of the house. I sit outside on the porch to hand out candy, and the dogs don’t seem to notice anything is going on.
Sadie says
Sounds like the best situation for everyone.
Dorothy "FiveSibesMom" says
All great tips we follow! I just love that photo of Goose! We celebrate Halloween with my Huskies in a quiet fashion. I keep them away from the door while human trick-or-treaters come (which this year totalled 0). Yep. Zip. Zero. So it was pretty quiet indeed! But we don’t mind, it keeps the dogs safe and happy! They humor me by posing with our carved pumpkins, and sometimes a themed hat or bandana, just so long as they get their treats afterwards! No tricks here!
Sadie says
We didn’t have any visitors, either. All dogs were quiet and contented for the evening.
Jana Rade says
Love the photos. I don’t put anything on my dog(s) but I appreciate the photos.
Jana Rade recently posted…Top Veterinary Articles of the Week: Addison’s Disease, Gut and the Immune System, and more …
Sadie says
My crew are very sportsmanlike 😉
Saving Nine Lives says
Hahaha these costumes are the best! Very beautiful pictures and some good information! My pets would literally start biting and gnawing if I were to put anything on them! Just passing by and wanted to send you some paw-sitive vibes!
Saving Nine Lives recently posted…Why Do Cats Groom So Much?
Sadie says
I’m so glad you found us! Thanks for stopping by and sharing the paw-sitive vibes.
Sweet Purrfections says
We were surprised to see Goose at the end. We don’t think we knew you had a cat!
Great advice for Halloween and pets.
Sadie says
He acts like one of the dogs!