Do you hear that noise in the dead of night? That spooky howling that keeps you up - frightened to step out of the comfort of your bed in fear of something grabbing at your feet!
Wait, no, it’s not a monster at your feet, it’s your pet! With Halloween right around the corner, it’s important to realize how trick or treating can spook your pets. Strangers in costumes, the repeated ringing of the doorbell and abundant sweets pose special challenges for many pets on Halloween night. The Pasadena Humane Society urges pet owners to keep their pets safe by considering the following:
Trick-or Treat: Trick-or-treating is for humans only. While it may be tempting to take Fido along for the candy hunt, rest assured they are best left at home. Strange costumes and lots of neighborhood activity might scare an otherwise calm dog.
Sweet Tooth: Keep candy out of your pet’s reach. All forms of chocolate can be toxic to cats and dogs. If your pet does ingest candy, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Canine Costumes: Costumes aren’t for everyone. If your pet wears a costume, remove dangling pieces that may be a hazard to them. If your pet does not like its costume, then do not force it on him or her.
Safe Haven: The safest place for all pets on Halloween night is in your home. Keep your pet safe in the back room during peak trick-or-treating hours, or during parties, as the costumed visitors and loud noises can frighten them. Playing soothing music may help them stay calm. Walk your dog before the trick-or-treating starts and bring cats inside well before dark. If your dog is a door-dasher, be sure to keep them safely confined in your home.
Identification: Make sure your pet is wearing a current ID tag and their microchip has up-to-date contact information. If your pet does get lost, please visit Pasadena Humane Society or your local animal shelter daily to look for him or her. Visit pasadenahumane.org/adopt to see pictures of the animals in our care.
Keep your pets away from dangerous decorations: Be aware of which decorations pose threats. Some hazards are obvious, like lit candles (fire hazards and toxic to birds if scented).
Doorbell Damage Control: Excessive ringing of the doorbell can make some dogs bark and raise their stress levels. Consider leaving a note on your door that asks trick-or-treaters to lightly knock rather than ring the doorbell.
If you don’t have a pet who sleeps by your bedside, or on your bed, consider adopting one!
The Pasadena Humane Society is hosting Howlin’ Halloween on Sunday, October 28 at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. Join them for this spook-tacular event for kids to go trick-or-treating with shelter dogs, create Halloween-themed animal crafts, play fun games, and much more! Shelter dogs love Halloween too, drop in anytime between 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Kids of all ages are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Register here.