Halloween can bring tricks and treats for both families and pets. There’s a lot of action occurring as the doorbell rings and families wander the streets. Amidst all of Halloween’s spooky festivities, don’t forget Fido! The things that make Halloween exciting for humans may be stressful for our pets. Here are some ways to make the holiday fun and safe for the whole family:

Watch the candy: One of the best things about Halloween is the candy! Sure, it’s mostly for the kids, but we always find a way to enjoy our fair share of fun-sized sweets. Make sure you place the candy bowl out of your pet’s reach. No candy is good for your pet, especially chocolate. And according to the ASPCA, the artificial sweetener xylitol also poses a risk. 

Create a peaceful place: Some pets simply might not be able to handle all of the doorbell ringing and strange visitors. Try designating a quiet room for your pet to stay while people are trick-or-treating. Turn on a little soothing white noise or music to dampen the noise and sooth your pet’s nerves.

Shut the door: Pets that aren’t contained in a secure area may take the opportunity bolt out the door when a trick-or-treater arrives. To avoid a lost pet, take special care to keep an especially close watch after each visitor.

Costume with care: These days, there are costumes for most any type of animal. Choose one that fits your pet comfortably and doesn’t restrict its movement or breathing. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers reminders to examine the costume for components that are loose or that your pet could easily remove. Finally, always supervise your pet while it’s wearing the costume.

We at In Home Pet Sitters wish you a happy fall as we approach Halloween. Contact us with any questions regarding our many cage-free boarding options and pet taxi service. Give us a call at 321-794-4477 and “like” our Facebook page to stay in touch with us.