Keep Your Pets Safe and Calm This Halloween
Halloween is a fun and festive time for families — but for our furry friends, all the sights, sounds, and surprises can sometimes be a little too spooky. From constant doorbell rings and strange costumes to tempting treats and glowing decorations, it’s easy for pets to feel overwhelmed or get into trouble.
At the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society (LAWS), we want every pet to have a safe and stress-free Halloween. Here are some simple, effective tips to help keep your pets calm, comfortable, and protected this spooky season.
Keep Candy and Chocolate Out of Reach
Chocolate, sugar-free gum, and many Halloween treats can be toxic to pets. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or more serious health issues. Make sure all candy bowls, trick-or-treat bags, and wrappers are safely stored where curious noses can’t reach them.
If your pet does eat something they shouldn’t, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline right away.
Create a Calm, Quiet Space
Between door knocks, ringing bells, and laughter outside, Halloween night can be overwhelming for pets — especially dogs and cats who are sensitive to noise.
Set up a quiet, comfortable space in your home with their favorite bed, toys, and some soft background noise (like a TV or music) to help drown out the sounds. If you know your pet gets anxious, consider keeping them in a separate room during trick-or-treating hours.
Be Mindful With Costumes
Some pets don’t mind dressing up, while others find costumes uncomfortable or stressful. If you do choose to dress up your pet, make sure:
- The costume fits properly and doesn’t restrict movement, breathing, vision, or hearing.
- There are no small or dangling parts they could chew or choke on.
- You give them time to adjust — and always watch for signs of stress like panting, pacing, or trying to remove the costume.
When in doubt, skip the costume and opt for a cute Halloween bandana instead!
Keep Decorations Pet-Friendly
Jack-o-lanterns, candles, cords, and fake cobwebs may look festive, but they can pose hazards for pets. Cats may knock over candles, and dogs might chew on wires or decorations. Choose battery-operated candles and place decorations safely out of reach.
Also, watch for glow sticks — their contents can cause drooling or stomach upset if chewed.
Prevent Door Dashing
With the front door opening frequently for trick-or-treaters, it’s easy for pets to slip out unnoticed.
- Keep pets in a secure room or use baby gates to block access to the door.
- Make sure your pet is wearing up-to-date ID tags and microchip information, just in case they get out.
A Safe Halloween Is a Happy Halloween
Halloween is meant to be full of fun — and with a little preparation, it can be just as enjoyable for your pets. By keeping safety in mind, you’ll ensure your furry friends stay happy, healthy, and far from any frights this season.
From all of us at Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, we wish you and your pets a safe Halloween!