HALLOWEEN PET SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS!

Halloween is a fun time to dress up your pets (although sometimes more fun for us than them). Planning and thinking about what Halloween means to your pet is important. We have written a few tips and tricks to keep your pets happy and safe this Halloween season.

COSTUMES FOR YOUR PETS

· Don’t dress your pets in costumes unless you know they love it. Otherwise, it can put a lot of stress on them.

· If you decide to put a costume on your pet, make sure it isn’t constricting, annoying, or unsafe.

· If your pet does have a Halloween costume, be careful not to obstruct their vision. Even the sweetest pets can get stressed and snappy when they can’t see what’s happening around them.

REDUCE FEAR, ANXIETY, AND STRESS

· Before trick-or-treaters make their rounds for candy, take your pet out on a walk early in the day to hopefully tire them out and reduce stress levels before the Halloween festivities begin.

· You can reduce pet stress by creating a safe space away from the door, providing them much-needed comfort and safety. Setting up a nice and comfortable area with their essentials and some background noise from the television or music can help reduce stress.

· If you want to pass out candy to trick-or-treaters without giving your pet anxiety or stressing them out, you can have some friends or family over to help you. You and your family and friends can take turns handing out candy in front of your home or spending time with your pet. If no one can help you pass out candy on Halloween night and you wanted to still participate in the festivities but keep your pet company, you can always leave a bowl of candy outside and fill it every hour or so.

HELPFUL TRICKS AND TREATS

· Most, if not all, Halloween treats are not pet-friendly, so make sure to have special treats for your pet. Having treats at hand for your pet can help curb their temptation to get into any un pet-friendly treats and hopefully save a trip to the vet.

· If your pet is not very social and has severe stress and anxiety, Ask your vet for advice on what to do or what you can give to help put your pet at ease.

· Don’t leave your pets out in the yard on Halloween. There have been many stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, or even killed pets on this night.

FUN FOR THEM TOO

Luckily, there are dog-friendly Halloween events that are less frightful and more fun for your furry friend! You can check if your local area or city has pet-friendly Halloween events coming soon.

Listed below are some pet-safe Halloween activities you can check out:

· Pumpkin Patch — While pumpkin patches are primarily for kids, some may allow you to bring your dog (if they’re leashed). This gives you the opportunity to participate in a Halloween activity, and your dog can help you sniff out the perfect pumpkin to carve.

· Dog walks/Parades – Some cities will host a dog-friendly walk or dog costume parade. This is a great way to meet other people and dogs in awesome costumes.

· Bixby Animal Clinic – We love seeing your pets all dressed up. We love it so much we will be having a pet costume contest on our Instagram. We have also set up a Halloween backdrop for you and your pet to take spoooooky and cute pictures. Tag us using our backdrop, or you can post and tag us on your own photo to enter.

While Halloween can be a day of fun for people and pets alike, it’s important to remember that your pets depend on you to keep them safe from the more dangerous goblins and ghouls this holiday can bring.

For more information or in case of an emergency, you can reach us at (562) 426-4066. Bixby Animal Clinic will be open on Halloween until 8 pm in case of any emergency.

WE HOPE YOU AND YOUR FURRY FRIENDS HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!