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Ghosts And Goblins, Beware! But Don’t Forget About Fido!

In the all the excitement of the Halloween season—buying Halloween costumes, shopping for candy, decorating your house—it can be easy to overlook the safety and well-being of our four-legged, furry, and feathered friends. Next to Fourth of July, Halloween is the holiday that can wreck the most havoc on your pooch: all that doorbell ringing, little kids in Halloween costumes yelling and scrambling up and down the street, and not to mention the many alarming Halloween costumes out there. It’s enough to make your dog or cat crawl under your bed and hide until New Years!

How to Keep Pets Happy During All Hallows

You can take steps to make sure your animals are safe and secure during Halloween and Halloween costume parties. To begin with, it is better to keep your animal indoors. If you have an indoor-outdoor cat, keep her or him inside. If your dog needs to use the lawn for personal business, use a leash and try to use a remote location, like your backyard if possible. Little kids can get excited, confused, or lost and end up in your backyard, and you don’t want your pet or the children to be scared or injured during an encounter between the two, especially since little kids will be wearing all types of Halloween costumes.

Remember, if your animal gets loose and frightened and even slightly injures someone, it will be a serious and scary situation. Imagine a scared, hurt little kid in a Cinderella Halloween costume. Or imagine having your animal taken away from you and potentially put to sleep. These things do happen, but you can be active and prevent any such possibilities.

Keep Down the Howling During Holiday Parties

If you decide to host a Halloween costume party, be aware that your home will most likely be packed to the brim with rowdy, excited guests, all dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes. This scene can be intimidating and overwhelming for even the most socialized, friendly, people-person animal. Find a quiet room away from all the hustle and bustle of the Halloween costume party and put your pet safely inside. I have had friends play soft music to cover up the sounds of the Halloween costume party and the night’s trick-or-treaters.

Let your guests know where your animal is—and to take care if they need to enter the room. My dog loves all the kids Halloween costumes, but she will simply go to pieces if she sees someone dressed up in a witch Halloween costume or a Frankenstein Halloween costume. Overall it is better not to take any chances—for your pet’s sake and for the sake and sanity of your guests!

You could even get a bone or some special treat for your pet to enjoy during trick-or-treating hours. One final thing: some people do opt to use sedatives on their pets during Halloween and Halloween costume parties. This is a touchy subject, and one you should definitely discuss with your family vet or a qualified expert. Figure out a solution that is best for both you and your pet! Also, make sure you think long and hard before including your pet as part of your Halloween costume!

About the Author

Paul Hulse writes for the Halloween costumes online retailer www.incostume.com. Please visit their site for more information on Costumes

Author Profile: Paul_Hulse

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