Blog

Happy Halloween from South Seminole Animal Hospital! Pets and spooky celebrations can make a great pair, but be sure that you are following our halloween safety tips for maximum fun!

Halloween Safety for Pets

Potentially hazardous treats, crowds, decor, and costumes can all pose a danger to your pets. There is no reason that they can’t join in the fun, though, if you remember our best pet safety tips for Halloween: 

• Keep chocolate and other treats in a safe location to prevent accidental ingestion
• Trash should be in a secure receptacle, ideally behind a door for protection from the more crafty critters
• Avoid sharing candy with your pet
• Be sure that your pet has a safe place (like a crate) to retreat to if Halloween parties and trick or treaters aren’t their jam
• Make your pet visible in the dark with reflective tape or lights
• Be sure that identification such as collar tags and microchip registration is current
• Take time to be sure that wearing a costume doesn’t stress your pet
• Be sure any pet costume does not restrict motion or visibility for your pet
• Never leave a pet in a costume unattended
• Secure wires and electrical cords safely from curious pets
• Don’t force a pet who is anxious to partake in Halloween festivities—in this situation party-poopers are okay
• Put your pet up for trick or treaters so that there is no chance of escape or nipping a spooky stranger who approaches

Pets and Halloween Fun

There are plenty of ways to safely share the fun with your pet this Halloween.

Pumpkin seeds — If you are roasting up a batch of pumpkin seeds after carving jack-o-lanterns this holiday, pets can absolutely enjoy them with you in limited quantities.

Pumpkin biscuits — Many recipes for homemade dog treats use pumpkin as a main ingredient. Whip up a batch for your pooch using a recipe for pumpkin dog biscuits. Don’t forget cats might enjoy a treat, too. Make any pet treat recipe festive with holiday-shaped cookie cutters. 

Cooked pumpkin — A tablespoon or two of canned or cooked pumpkin without added spices can make a tasty treat for both dogs and cats. Next time you are baking, be sure to share. 

Host a pumpkin party — Wolf Park, a wildlife and research facility for wolves in central Indiana, has a fun tradition for their inhabitants. Each Halloween, their residents celebrate the season with a pumpkin—a carved jack-o-lantern containing treats. Everyone has fun as the wolves try to figure out how to retrieve the tasty things inside of the pumpkin, your dog may enjoy this tradition as well!

Bob for apples — Share this seasonal fruit with your pet by offering fresh apple slices, applesauce, applesauce pup pops, or grated apple sprinkled over kibble.

Treating your pets during the holidays can be a lot of fun. Be sure not to let them overindulge to avoid upset tummies, but there is no reason that they can’t enjoy some special pet-friendly treats. We hope that you and your pets have a safe and happy Howl-o-ween!