22/10/2026
🎃👻 HALLOWEEN PET SAFETY TIPS! 🐾🎃
Spooky season is almost here! While Halloween can be lots of fun for us, it can sometimes be a little too scary for our furry friends. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help keep your pets safe, happy and stress-free. 🐈🐕
🍬 Keep Halloween treats out of reach!
Chocolate, lollies and sweets containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener). Keep all treats safely stored away, and remind little trick-or-treaters not to share their goodies with your pets!
🚪 Create a safe, quiet space.
Lots of visitors, unfamiliar faces and constant doorbell ringing can be overwhelming for some pets. Consider keeping your cat or dog in a quiet room away from the front door, with their favourite bed, toys, water and a cosy hidey-hole or den where they can retreat if they feel scared. Some background music may also help muffle outside noises.
🎭 Remember, costumes can be scary!
Animals don't understand the concept of dressing up, and masks, unusual clothing and spooky decorations can make them feel uneasy. Be mindful of how your pets react to people in costumes.
🐾 If your pet is dressing up, keep comfort first.
Costumes should fit properly and never restrict movement, hearing or breathing, or prevent your pet from barking, meowing, eating or drinking normally. Avoid anything with small parts that could be chewed off or swallowed, and never leave a pet unattended in a costume. If your furry friend isn't a fan, don't force it!
🧡 There are fun alternatives to full costumes!
A themed collar or a lightweight Halloween bandana might be a better option for pets who tolerate them comfortably. Or why not use a photo-editing app to give your pet a spooky makeover without dressing them up at all? Sometimes that's even more fun! 📸🎃
🕯️ Watch out for decorations and candles.
Keep lit candles, jack-o'-lanterns, electrical cords and decorations out of your pet's reach. Wagging tails and curious noses can easily knock things over, get tangled or chew something dangerous. Battery-operated candles are a safer alternative to open flames.
🏡 Prevent unexpected escapes.
With doors opening and closing throughout the evening, even the most relaxed pet can get spooked and bolt. Make sure your pets are safely indoors, check that gates are secure, and ensure their microchip details and ID tags are up to date. If your pet isn't microchipped yet, now is a great time to discuss it with us!
🎆 Remember, fireworks season is just around the corner!
Halloween can be the start of a stressful time for noise-sensitive pets. Keep cats indoors, walk dogs before it gets dark, and make sure pets have somewhere safe to retreat if they become frightened. Never take a dog to a fireworks display, and don't leave anxious pets outside unattended.
💚 A little extra help may make a big difference.
There are products available that may help some pets feel calmer during Halloween and the fireworks season that follows. The right option depends on your pet and their individual needs.
🐾 Here at Pakuranga Vet Clinic, we stock Feliway and Adaptil diffusers and sprays, Calmex for dogs and cats, and Calming Care granules for dogs and cats. We're happy to chat about these products and other options that may be suitable for your furry friend. For pets with significant anxiety, we can also discuss whether a tailored behaviour plan or veterinary treatment would help.
🚨 Important: If your pet eats chocolate, lollies containing xylitol, raisins, or another potentially toxic substance, contact your veterinarian promptly for advice. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.
☎️ Give us a call or pop in for a chat — we're here to help keep your pets happy, healthy and safe this spooky season!
