Making Halloween Pet-Friendly: Treats, Costumes, and Safety Tips for Your Furry Friends!

Halloween is such an exciting time for us humans, but it can be a little frightening for our furry friends—and not in a fun way! With all the trick-or-treaters, costumes, decorations, and yummy treats, Halloween brings its own set of challenges for pet owners. But don’t worry! We’ve put together a helpful guide to ensure Halloween is both fun and safe for your beloved dogs and cats, filled with tasty treat ideas, cute costume tips, and essential safety reminders.

1. Spooky (but Safe) Treats for Dogs and Cats

Although we love sweets like candy and chocolate, many of these can be harmful to pets. Instead, consider preparing or purchasing treats that are safe for pets, allowing your furry friend to partake in the Halloween festivities as well! Here are a few suggestions:
Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Biscuits for Dogs
● Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free), whole wheat flour, and eggs.
● Directions: Combine the ingredients, roll out the dough, and cut it into fun Halloween shapes, such as bones or pumpkins! Bake at 350°f (175°c) for about 20 minutes, and
Tuna Crunchies for Cats
● Ingredients: Canned tuna (in water), oat flour, and one egg.
● Directions: Simply mix the ingredients together, shape them into cute little balls, and bake at 350°f (175°c) for 10-12 minutes. Your feline friends will find these treats irresistible, and they’ll be so happy while you enjoy your Halloween candy!

Note: If you’re not feeling up for a DIY project, don’t worry! Many pet stores offer adorable Halloween-themed treats specially designed for dogs and cats. Just be sure to look for the low-sugar, all-natural options!

2. Pet-Friendly Costumes: Keep It Cute and Comfy

There’s nothing cuter than seeing a dog in a pumpkin costume or a kitty sporting a tiny witch hat! However, not all pets enjoy dressing up. When selecting a costume for your furry friend, keep their comfort and safety in mind:
● Choose Lightweight and Simple Options: It’s best to steer clear of costumes with lots of accessories, especially those that might hinder your pet’s movement or vision. Many pets feel super comfortable in a cosy Halloween bandana or collar.
● Try It On a Few Days Early: Give your furry friend time to adapt by letting them wear the costume for short periods leading up to Halloween. This way, they can feel relaxed and get used to their new look!
● Be Mindful of Small Parts: Some costumes come with tiny pieces that could be easily chewed or swallowed. Opt for costumes that don’t have dangling bits, glitter, or trinkets that might be a choking risk.
● Prioritise Safety: Adding reflective tape to costumes can help your pet stand out at night, making them easier to spot by cars and trick-or-treaters alike, especially if you’re out and about during Halloween night.

If your pet looks uncomfortable or uneasy, it’s completely fine to skip the costume. They’ll still be as adorable as ever!

3. Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Halloween can be a bit much for our furry friends with all the exciting sights, sounds, and visitors around! Here’s how to create a safe and calm environment for them:
● Beware of Candy: Chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), and raisins are toxic to dogs and cats. Ensure all candy is stored out of reach, and remind trick-or-treaters not to give any of their treats to your pets. Instead, prepare some pet-friendly snacks for them!
● Keep Pets Indoors: Due to the hustle and bustle on Halloween night, it’s best to keep pets inside. Loud sounds, costumes, and unfamiliar faces at the door can cause stress or fear in animals, particularly those not accustomed to such commotion.
● Set Up a Safe Space Establish a cosy “safe zone” where your pet can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. A quiet room with their favourite bed, toys, and a couple of treats can effectively soothe them during the evening’s celebrations.
● Watch Out for Decorations: Pay close attention to candles, jack-o-lanterns, and electrical cords—pets might accidentally tip them over or chew on them. Opting for LED candles instead of real flames can keep your Halloween spooky while ensuring it’s safe for pets.
● Ensure ID Tags Are Updated With all the extra excitement, pets might slip outside unnoticed. Make sure your pet’s ID tags and microchip information are current, allowing for a swift reunion if they manage to escape.

4. Fun Ways to Include Your Pet in the Halloween Fun

If your pet is sociable and loves excitement, think about involving them in the Halloween festivities through these activities:
● Pet Trick-or-Treating: Plan a pet-friendly “trick-or-treat” event in your neighbourhood! Join friends with their pets and visit homes that are welcoming to animals for treats, or check out local pet stores that are hosting Halloween celebrations.
● Photoshoots: Make memories with a Halloween-themed photoshoot! Whether your pet is dressed in costume or wearing a seasonal bandana, arrange pumpkins and props to create a fun photo backdrop.
● Pet-Friendly Movie Night: If Halloween night isn’t too busy, enjoy a cozy movie night at home with pet-friendly snacks and a classic Halloween film, like a lighter choice such as Hocus Pocus.

Halloween can be a wonderful time for you and your pets, with a bit of preparation and extra care. By keeping treats safe, ensuring costumes are comfortable, and creating a calm environment, you’re sure to make Halloween enjoyable for everyone, both two-legged and four-legged alike!

Happy Halloween from ROLDA!