Halloween is a festive and fun holiday but for our pets it can be a dangerous and often scary one. The loud noises, spooky costumes, constant opening and closing of the door, and a plethora of harmful candy everywhere make for one hazardous holiday for our furry friends. Prevention is the key to giving our pets a truly Happy Halloween! Please remember that Halloween is not a typical day for your pet. Even if they stay home and inside the same way they do every day/night Halloween will undoubtedly bring something new and unexpected right to your doorstep. Create a plan and be aware of the-potential hazards of Halloween for your pet. Did you know black animals have a special part to play in this holiday? We are sharing fun facts about our shadowy friends and their place around the world!
Ding Dong
Knock knocks and ding dongs are frequent sounds of an exciting Halloween. The flow of Halloweeners may be a little slower this year due to COVID-19 but you can probably guarantee at least one or two trick-or-treaters. Even if your dog or cat is usually great with visitors, the ghosts, goblins, cat woman, and possibly the president are sure to catch your fur baby by surprise. Keep your pet safely secured in their crate or in a bedroom towards the back of the house where they can remain calm and cozy on your bed. Give your pet their favorite treats or bone and make their space special this All Hallow’s Eve to help them stay calm and content.
Dog in ghost Halloween costume.
Costumes
Dressing up your pet this Halloween? There is nothing cuter than a dog or cat in an adorable costume but there are a few things to be aware of when dressing your fur baby.
- Make sure the costume does not impair your pet’s ability to see, breath, move or hear. With all the excitement of Halloween night it is important that our pets can function at their best to avoid any added anxiety or confusion.
- Don’t forget to check the costume for hardware such as buttons or closures as well as loose strings or pieces they can swallow. Avoid an emergency trip to the vet by double checking your fur baby’s costume both on and off before the festivities begin.
- Costumes on pets are not a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. With all the movement our pets make things can shift and become dangerous quickly. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your pet throughout the time they are in costume to ensure their safety all Halloween long.
Trick-or-Treating
Planning to bring Fido with you trick-or-treating? Whether your pet has the best costume ever or they rock their usual fur coat, safety is key to making your pet’s trick-or-treating experience a positive one with a happy ending (home safe and sound). Here are a few tips for pet safety while out and about:
- Always keep your pet’s ID tags on them. Even if Fluffy’s collar doesn’t match her costume keep it on for her safety.
- The most well-behaved dogs can still be frightened by Freddy Krueger or Cat Woman and decide to run off, making it extra important that they wear a proper fitting harness and have a sturdy leash. Halloween is sensory overload for humans and animals alike. Stay aware of your surroundings as candy buckets will be everywhere. Bring a few Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks to offer your pet as a distraction throughout their trick-or-treating experience.
- Last, but certainly not least, you know how your parents always checked your candy before you could eat it?! Do the same for your pet! If a house offers them a treat don’t be afraid to ask about brand, ingredients, or anything else that is important to know when it comes to your pet and their diet. Happy trick-or-treating!
Click Here to download our FREE Preventing Halloween Pet Hazards infographic to share with your pet loving friends!
Pet-Friendly Homemade No Bake Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks.
Chocolate, Candy, and Glow Sticks…OH MY
The hazards of choking and possibility of poison ingestion is real but avoidable! Always keep the candy buckets/bags out of reach of your pet. If your cat loves to jump on the table or countertop place the candy in a closed cabinet or closet. Glow sticks are probably the coolest thing your pet has ever seen and will undoubtedly get their attention. Unfortunately, if they chew on the stick they can ingest harmful material. Keep glow sticks and other intriguing, potentially hazardous, objects out of reach of pets. Likewise, if you choose to light candles keep them out of reach of your dog and cat. The last thing you want is an emergency visit to the vet because Sabrina’s tail caught on fire! To offset the things they don’t get to enjoy on Halloween have special treats of their very own on hand. They can experience the joy of Halloween just like you and the kiddos with delicious homemade pet-friendly treats. Want a yummy fall recipe your pet will love? Try our Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks recipe. Pet satisfaction guaranteed!
The truth about black cats
Once upon a time black cats were considered bad luck, a curse to anyone who encountered them, and were strongly associated with witchcraft. These formerly distrusted animals are now a popular legend and staple for Halloween décor all over the world. Black cats and Halloween go hand in hand but not in the unnerving way they once did. According to the ASPCA, the United States Humane Society, and many others, the long running concern that black cats are used for satanic practices and ritual sacrifices on and around Halloween are in fact a myth. Old beliefs die hard and this one is no exception, but spreading the truth about black cats can help to mold a brighter future for our shadowy friends.
Interesting fact: Black animal features tend to blend into the background in photos, making them hard to distinguish. This is actually a big reason why black cats and dogs are adopted at a lower rate. Especially now, with COVID-19, pets are being adopted from shelters and adoption centers based on little personal interaction and lots of photo/video to potential new fur parents. Hard truth, but not showing well in pictures can be a death sentence for so many precious black animals. The reality is black cats are just as loveable and offer the same joy to one’s life as the next colorful kitty. Now more than ever it is important to spread the truth about black cats. Consider adopting a black cat or encouraging a friend to go black if they are looking for a new feline addition to their family. Together we can make a big difference for black cats everywhere.
Just Around the Corner Pet Sitting cat client enjoying some TLC.
Fun Facts About Black Cats
- Worldwide there are dozens of countries that view black cats as good luck.
- Ancient Egyptians worshiped black cats!
- Japan considers black cats good luck, especially single ladies as they are believed to attract potential suiters.
- The Russians say ALL cats are lucky! (Amen!)
- Scotland: a stray black cat arriving at your door signifies prosperity!
- For hundreds of years sailors have believed that black cats bring good luck to their vessel and ensure safe travel.
- Black Cat appreciation day is August 17th
- National Black Cat Day is October 27th
Looking to adopt a black cat of your own? Some shelters place a hold on the adoption of black cats this time of year to avoid any harm that may come to them around Halloween based on the history we mentioned earlier. Old beliefs die hard, remember? Please remain patient and do not get discouraged if you are required to wait a few weeks before taking your mysterious kitty home. This is an effort to protect the legendary black cats in their care.
Got Halloween Plans?
Do you have Halloween plans that don’t include your pet? Do you wish you did but feel guilty or anxious about leaving your beloved fur baby home alone? Maybe you aren’t into Halloween at all but would love to plan a fall adventure if only you had someone to take care of Fido and Fluffy. Just Around the Corner is here to help! We offer customizable scheduling to best fit you and your pet’s needs. With every visit JAC provides love, affection and even adventure for your furry family members We may not be mom or dad to them, but we certainly care for them like our own. Get out there and enjoy this fabulous time of year and leave the pet care to the professionals. Book a meet and greet today! Call or text 508-245-1389
Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
Recent Comments