Now that fall has officially arrived, families are anxiously awaiting the holiday season, starting with Halloween. This lively night is filled with costumes, candy, and activity that delight children of all ages. That being said, as a pet owner, it’s important to think about how your furry friend will react to an influx of visitors and treats in the house. If you’re worried about your animal, here are a few veterinarian-approved tips to embrace on Halloween. 

3 Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pet

1. Keep Candy Out of Reach

This holiday is synonymous with candy. As such, it’s likely for any household to have an abundance of chocolate and sugary candy lying around. These items can be incredibly dangerous to pets and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or the need for emergency veterinary care. To avoid these scenarios, always keep candy out of reach and keep your eyes on your pet throughout the evening. 

2. Plan for Trick-or-Treaters

Halloween often brings dozens of children to your door asking for treats. While this ritual can be fun for the family, your pet may feel otherwise. To ensure they don’t run out the door when visitors arrive, keep them contained away from the front door. If the sound of the doorbell and the sight of strangers leads to anxiety or barking, consider an alternative like greeting trick-or-treaters in the driveway or setting candy out on the doorstep with instructions to avoid ringing the bell or knocking. Check to make sure your pet has ID tags on the off chance they do escape, and if your pet is particularly anxious, visit your veterinary care team in advance to discuss ways to soothe them. 

3. Don’t Force Costumes

While it’s natural for every pet owner to want to capture adorable photos of their dog or cat celebrating a holiday, not every animal enjoys wearing clothing and costumes. Take your furry friend to the pet store and test out a costume in advance to see how they react. If they are trying to remove the apparel or seem stressed, impatient, or uncomfortable, don’t force it. You don’t want them to feel anxious or display aggressive behavior because they dislike being dressed up.  

Montgomery Animal Hospital has been serving pet owners and their animal friends throughout the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area for over 65 years. If you’re looking for a friendly, compassionate veterinary care team that’s dedicated to quality service, open communication, and transparent treatment, call us today at (513) 791-7912 to schedule an appointment. For more information on their specialties and their ability to care for a myriad of exotic animals, including birds, ferrets, and reptiles, visit our website.