Spooky but Safe: Making Halloween Fun for Pets

Halloween is full of excitement with new sights, sounds, and smells everywhere! The spooky (and sometimes loud) decorations, visitors, and commotion can sometimes be overwhelming for our pets. But with the right kind of fun, you can help your dog or cat enjoy the spooky season too!

Enrichment activities are a great way to keep pets happy and mentally stimulated without the stress of the holiday chaos. Here are some Halloween-inspired enrichment ideas that are festive, easy, and most importantly — safe!

Halloween Treat Hunts

Turn your home into a mini trick-or-treat adventure for your pet! Hide small treats around a room and encourage them to find them using their nose. Under pillows, behind doors, and other out of the norm places will give your pet’s brain some good exercise.  

You can also try using a snuffle mat or scattering treats around the yard during a dog walk. This simple game taps into their natural instincts and provides great mental stimulation.

DIY Halloween Toys

You don’t need to spend much to make festive fun for your pets! Try making a few homemade Halloween toys:

For dogs: Place treats inside an empty toilet paper roll, fold the ends, and let them figure out how to get them out.

For cats: Crumple up paper and sprinkle in some catnip for a spooky surprise.

Just be sure to avoid anything with small parts, string, or glitter that pets could accidentally swallow.

Costume-Free Fun

Not every pet loves wearing a costume, and that’s okay! Instead, focus on ways to make the day special that don’t involve dressing up. Maybe your dog gets a longer walk with some crunchy leaves to jump in, or your cat gets a few extra play sessions with their favorite wand toy.

The goal is to help them enjoy the energy of the season without adding stress or discomfort.

Keeping Calm and Cozy

With trick-or-treaters coming and going, Halloween night can get loud and busy. Set up a quiet, cozy space for your pet away from the front door. Give them a favorite blanket, a puzzle toy, or a lick mat to work on while the festivities happen outside.

For cats, consider playing soft music or leaving a nightlight on to make the evening feel calm and predictable.

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Even with the fun, Halloween comes with a few extra safety considerations. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help your pets stay safe and stress-free:

• Keep candy and chocolate out of reach. Even small amounts of chocolate or xylitol (found in sugar-free candy) can be dangerous to pets.

• Watch the decorations. Wires, fake cobwebs, and dangling decor can be tempting to chew or play with, but can cause injury if swallowed or tangled.

• Secure doors and windows. Frequent trick-or-treaters can mean lots of door openings! Make sure your pets are safely behind a gate or in another room to prevent escapes.

• Avoid open flames. Candles can easily be knocked over by curious cats or wagging tails.

• Check costumes for comfort and safety. If your pet does wear a costume, ensure it fits well, doesn’t restrict movement or breathing, and doesn’t include small parts they could chew.

A little awareness goes a long way in keeping Halloween fun and worry-free for everyone!

Keeping Halloween Fun and Safe

The key to a great Halloween with pets is balance: a little excitement, a little enrichment, and plenty of comfort. Whether you’re staying home or traveling, adding some simple seasonal fun helps your furry family member feel included in the celebration.

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