Who says Halloween is just for human ghouls and goblins? This year, let’s assemble the pack and joyfully celebrate a pet-friendly and safe Howloween!
Safety First Halloween can be stressful for pets and filled with hazards. The consistent ringing of the doorbell and the appearance of strangers in weird costumes can cause significant anxiety. If agitated, keep your pet in a calm, safe space with soothing music. Open flame candles in jack-o-lanterns and other flames are dangerous around curious pets. Use battery-operated candles or lights instead. Remember that ResidentShield renters insurance protects you from any fires caused by unattended candles or accidental dog bites to guests.
Always use a good leash and harness if you bring your pets along for trick or treating in the neighborhood or a trunk or treat event. Even for well-behaved pets, the creepy activity and costumes could make them nervous or too excited. Be sure your pet’s ID tags and microchip are up-to-date. Avoid more enormous crowds, stick to quieter streets, or take them out early in the evening. Stay visible, add reflective gear to your pet’s costume and monitor the treats someone might offer your fur baby.
Strut your Mutt There are so many pet-friendly costumes out there these days. Safety and comfort should be top priorities when creating or choosing Halloween costumes for your pet. Ensure the costume is not too tight, restricting movement or breathing. The pet should be able to move freely, and the costume should allow easy access to their potty needs. Avoid long dangling parts like loose strings, buttons or small accessories that can pose choking or tangling hazards. Look for costumes with secure and simple designs.
If you decide to DIY your pet’s costume, use non-toxic materials and avoid harsh fabrics or dyes. Stick to breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton. Acclimate your pet in the costume well before Halloween so they get used to the outfit. Use positive reinforcement (treats or praise) to make costume time a pawsitive experience! Then, assemble the pack, take a fall walk to a pumpkin patch or graveyard, and have a spooktacular photo shoot.
Eccentric Décor If you are kooky about your cat or dog, let your creativity flow and pay tribute to your pets with spooky pet-themed Halloween decorations that are both festive and safe. Create spooky silhouettes of cats, dogs or other animals with black construction paper. Hang them in your windows or use them as wall décor. Instead of scary faces in your jack-o-lantern this year, carve out the likeness of your pet or a paw print. Incorporate pet figures into your outdoor Halloween setup, like skeleton dogs or, if you have a yard, an inflatable black cat. Have your pet get eccentric with spooky art with non-toxic, pet-safe paints on pumpkins or canvases to add a personal touch to your décor.
Tricks and treats Learn some new pawty tricks to impress your guests and award the pets with tasty treats this year. Candy such as chocolate and those candies with xylitol are toxic to pets. Keep these items out of reach and educate your guests about these dangers. Instead, opt for some pet-friendly seasonal treats.
Pumpkin treats for pets have always been a favorite because a pumpkin a day keeps the witches away! Make candy corn popsicles using plain yogurt, pumpkin purée, and bananas, as well as Jack-o-lantern FroYo with honey, pumpkin purée, plain yogurt, and a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Don’t let PSL’s be just for you! Make a pumpkin spice puppaccino with ground cinnamon, whipped cream, pumpkin purée and honey. And for some crunchy goodness that will have your pet screaming for more, make some homemade pumpkin cookies with mashed bananas, pumpkin purée, natural peanut butter (check the ingredients to ensure there is NO xylitol), bone broth and whole wheat flour. These treats are tasty and safe for your pets to enjoy this Halloween.
Black Cat Love Unfortunately, we live in a cruel world, so if you own a black cat, keep it safe and inside so nobody can mess with it. Black cats need a little positivity, as their reputation as an omen of bad luck is well-known. Some shelters won’t allow black cat adoptions during October for fear of them being used in rituals, abandoned or killed. Raise awareness about the potential dangers black cats face during Halloween and encourage fellow pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their black cats safe. So instead, protect your dark shadow feline and show them off on social media. You’ll be sure to have the perrrrfect Instagram photo!
So revel in the macabre and mystery with your furry friends and have a spooktacular Howloween!
