We pet parents can be busy with ringing doorbells and handing out treats on this annual festival of all things spooky. Sometimes we can overlook the things that make our beloved pets nervous or scared while the fun unfolds. Below we’ve got some tips to help your furry friends have a stress-free “Trick or Treating” this year.

Veterinarian Jennifer Trachtman, DVM, reminds pet parents that, as well as possibly toxic holiday candies and gut-obstructing toys and decorations, less obvious things to think about include repeated doorbell rings and pets escaping while treats are handed out. A surprise to us was that our pets are sensitive to the odor of costumes (plastic or rubber), blinking lights, or the noise of neighbors walking by our yards. Dr. Jen says: “It’s as important to watch your pet’s stress level as it is to keep them physically safe.” She suggests letting them stay in a closed room with a box fan for white noise, or television or music playing to help lessen the scary stimuli coming at them. She also recommends using a plug-in pheromone diffuser or a spray in the room. “Apply Rescue Remedy drops to the inside of their ear flaps and spend some time with your pets. It’s also important to play with your pets before trick or treating begins, to tire them out so that they may just be able to sleep through the festivities.”

Animal Control Officer Supervisor Debbie DaSilva says: “Make sure all your pets’ collars and tags are on and secure!” Keeping pets inside, away from candy and treats,

Is key to a safe Halloween for animals and pet parents. If your pet does bolt out the front door during trick or treating, social media posts are the quickest way to find your family member. You can also notify your local Animal Control Officer, often located at an animal shelter or within your police department. 

NAPPS and the ASPCA national website recommend keeping pets away from any candy or treats brought into the house. So many ingredients in these foods are harmful, and in large enough amounts can be fatal to animals. Some items on the list are: 

• chocolate, caffeine, milk and other dairy

• coconut and coconut oil

• apple seeds and skins, grapes and raisins, many nuts

• salt, and Xylitol sweetener, a sugar substitute widely used today
  

Make sure all your pets are microchipped! If your friend is brought to a veterinarian, an animal control department or pet shelter, they will be scanned for the chip that tells them where home is, and you will be notified. Without a microchip, it will be much harder to get your loved one home.

Keep your pets safe on Halloween: 

• Keep pets away from all candy, treats, and decorations

• Check your pets’ tags and collars

• Make sure your pets are microchipped

• Ask your vet for suggestions about helping nervous animals

• If a pet gets out, contact your local Animal Control Officer, shelters, local veterinarians’ offices, with missing pet information

• Social media are your friend! Immediately post “Lost Pet” photo and contact information on all social platforms you use. 

Resources: 

NAPPS – Pet Parent section of website for information

ASPCA.- Foods harmful to your pet

Your local Animal Shelter or Police Department - report a lost pet

Your Veterinarian - Lost or injured pets

http://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/ Find a Nearby Poison Control Center or call 1-800-222-1222

Holly Holmes

Pets at Home - Where They’re Happiest

Warren, Rhode Island