Halloween Tips for Pet Owners

With a night of doorbells and knocking to receive candies, comes an increased night of stress for many pets. Planning ahead can help reduce the stress for both you and your animals. 

•  If the doorbell is a trigger for your pet, consider hanging a “Please do not ring the doorbell” sign or disconnecting the doorbell for the night. 
• Keep your pet in a space with boundaries such as a room with a door, a kennel or baby gate to avoid them bolting towards the front door opening and closing with each trick-or-treater. 
• Background noises such as tv shows, soft music or fans can help drown out outside noises. 
• Keep all candy away from your pets.   
• Make sure identification is updated: microchip information is registered; collar is on, and pet is updated on vaccinations should they escape. 
• Talk to your vet about situational medications to help reduce stress during trick-or-treating. If your pet hasn’t seen the vet for behavioral management, make an appointment soon. 
• Activities such as lick mats, treat balls, Kongs, snuffle mats or new chewing toys can offer distraction and good emotional transitions from states of high awareness to resting. 
• If your pup is a seasoned Halloween dog and enjoys going with you while taking kids trick-or-treating, consider using reflective tape on leashes. Use leashes that are easily manipulated to shorten in high traffic areas.
• If your pup likes to eat objects while walking, a basket muzzle offers additional protection from a runaway Snickers bar that your pet may sniff out on the walk. 
• Follow routine and stick to normal feeding and bedtimes/kennel times if possible. Pets (like children), find comfort in routine. 
• Be sure all fencing gates are secured to avoid a backyard escape.

Wellsville Animal Hospital wishes you and your family a safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!