As Halloween approaches, the excitement in the air can sometimes translate to anxiety for our furry friends. Hard to believe, but they’re not nearly as crazy about dressing up in silly costumes as their human companions are. The spooky decorations, loud noises, and the stream of costumed trick-or-treaters constantly ringing the door bell can be a little too spooky for our cats and dogs. So while you plan for your own ghoulishly good time, take care to make sure your pets don’t suffer. Here are some effective strategies to help your pets cope with Halloween fears.
Keep Everyone Indoors
Pets belong inside on Halloween. This is not the night for Fluffy to go wandering the streets. There are lots of strangely dressed creatures walking the sidewalks and this could trigger fear or aggression in dogs or cats. Increased nighttime car traffic presents its own dangers. In addition, Halloween can sometimes bring out the meanness in people in the form of “tricks” and you don’t want your pet to be the victim of someone’s cruel joke.
Create a Safe Space
If your dog loves people, parties, and noise, great! But if they don’t, the best bet is to simply remove them from the action. Designate a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your pet can retreat when the festivities become overwhelming. This space needs to be far away from the front door and any loud sounds. Give them their favorite toys, blankets, and play some calming music to drown out the doorbell or party buzz.
Practice Desensitization
Leading up to Halloween, gradually expose your pet to some of the sights and sounds they might encounter- like the doorbell. Reward them with treats when they remain calm. This is actually good training all-around.
Monitor Costume Choices
If you want to dress your pet up in a cute costume, that’s fine- if they’re agreeable. Ensure that the costume is comfortable and doesn’t restrict their movement or vision. If they don’t like the costume, forget it. Some pets may prefer to skip the outfit altogether, and that’s perfectly fine! Watch out for their reaction to your costume too. Seeing you transform into something unrecognizable could seriously frighten a highly sensitive or reactive dog. You may want to put them in their safe place before getting all dressed up.
Plan Trick-or-Treating
Consider using baby gates to create a barrier from the front door; cats and dogs can easily dart out the door when frightened or unnerved by what’s going on around them. Station yourself at the front door with the candy bucket to avoid the of constant ringing of the bell.
Consider Skipping the Hassle
If you have a highly sensitive dog or cat, you may find it easier to just cancel the whole thing. Skip giving out candy or go to a party at someone else’s house or the neighborhood clubhouse instead of hosting your own party.
By taking these steps, you can help your pets navigate the Halloween season with less fear and more comfort, ensuring a happier calmer holiday for everyone.
