Halloween can especially be a turmoil for pets in densely populated areas where there is a lot happening and can quickly become a nightmare. The constant ringing, unfamiliar sounds and decorations, and strange, disguised people mean stress for our animals. You can try to protect your dog or cat from this by keeping them in a quiet room. Some doorbells can be muted or turned off completely, which is also a relief, explains Janine Cirini, Pet Campaigner at FOUR PAWS Switzerland.
Avoid evening walks
If possible, you should use the daytime for walks when fewer people in costumes are out. Not only crowds can stress dogs and cats, but also the costumes are unfamiliar to them and can frighten sensitive animals. This can be avoided by going out in the early evening, before the commotion starts. Cats should also be brought indoors at sunset, recommends the expert.
Changes in the environment, such as seasonal decorations, can also cause stress in pets. Cats are especially sensitive to changes in their homes. “Cats are creatures of habit and like things to stay the same.” Therefore, Cirini advises cat owners to avoid elaborate Halloween decorations for the sake of their pets. Moreover, some decorations, such as artificial spider webs, can present a danger to pets if ingested.
No sweets for dogs and cats
Collecting sweets is surely one of the biggest fun factors for the little ones. However, these can present a danger to pets. Chocolate, even in small amounts, can be fatal for dogs and cats. Therefore, both chocolate and other sweet treats should be kept out of pets' reach.
Costumes are not for pets
Dressing a Labrador as a pirate or giving a black cat fake bat wings as a vampire? Costumes for animals may look amusing, but they mean pure stress for dogs and cats, and can frighten them.
Costumes restrict animals in their freedom of movement and communication. Dogs communicate through body language. If tail and ears are covered by a cloak or a costume, they cannot communicate naturally. Accessories like wings mounted on the costume can be disturbing because the animals cannot shake them off. Dogs and cats are not humans; they have no choice, and they should not be forced into an unnatural situation. Responsible pet owners should not subject their pets to stress and should therefore not dress them up, appeals Cirini.