Halloween is a fun and festive time filled with spooky decorations, delicious treats, and playful costumes. But as pet owners, it’s essential to ensure our pets stay safe during all the excitement. Here are some tips for letting your dogs and cats have a spooktacular Halloween.

1. Beware of Costumes: Dressing up pets can be adorable, but it’s crucial to choose costumes wisely.

• Fit and Comfort: Ensure the costume fits properly and doesn’t restrict movement.
• Avoid Accessories: Stay away from small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed. If your pet seems to be uncomfortable, it’s best to skip the costume.

2. No Treats, Just Tricks: Halloween is a time for sweets, but many of these treats can be harmful to pets.

• Chocolate & Candy: Keep all chocolate and sweets out of reach. Ingredients like xylitol and Theobromine are found in treats which are particularly toxic to dogs and cats.
• Safe Alternatives: Think about offering your pets special treats made just for them. You can even whip up some homemade goodies using pet-safe ingredients! Here’s a fun recipe to try! 
• Be Prepared: If your pet happens to sneak a treat that could be toxic, make sure you have Durvet’s Activated Charcoal Gel on hand. This ready-to-use formula is enhanced with electrolytes and contains Activated Bone Charcoal and Attapulgite Clay, making it an effective emergency first aid treatment for accidental poisoning.

3. Keep Decorations Pet-Friendly: Halloween decorations can be enticing and potentially dangerous for pets.

• Avoid Hazards: Keep decorations like candles, glow sticks, and fake spider webs out of reach. If ingested, they can cause serious health issues.
• Secure the Environment: Ensure any decorative items are secured and won’t tip over, which could harm those nosy pets.

4. Manage the Doorbell Dilemma: Frequent doorbell rings can stress pets, especially with trick-or-treaters in a scary costume coming and going.

• Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet space away from the front door where your pets can feel safe. Include their favorite toys or blankets to help keep them calm. If you know your pet tends to get stressed, consider giving them some of Durvet’s Hemp Calming Chews to help! 
• Use a Baby Gate: If possible, use a baby gate to keep pets in a designated area while you handle the door.

5. ID and Microchip: With all the commotion, pets may get anxious and try to escape.

• Identification: Make sure your pets have up-to-date ID tags and consider microchipping them for added security that they can be found.
• Keep Them Inside: During peak trick-or-treating hours, keep pets indoors to prevent them from getting lost.

6. Monitor Your Pets: Always keep an eye on your pets during the festivities.

• Check for Stress: Watch for signs of anxiety, such as hiding, panting or excessive barking. If they seem overwhelmed, it might be best to take them to a quieter room and give them some of Durvet’s Hemp Calming Chews.
• Limit Treats: If your pets do join in on the Halloween fun, limit the number of pet-safe treats they eat so they don’t end up with a tummy ache.

Halloween can be a spooky good time for both humans and pets, but safety should always come first. By following these tips, you can help your pets enjoy the holiday without any frightful incidents. Have a safe and happy Halloween!