How to enjoy a fright-free Halloween with your pets

Halloween and La Castañada are two highly anticipated celebrations this time of year. While Halloween is associated with costumes, pumpkins and candy, La Castañada invites us to enjoy roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes and panellets with the family. However, these festivities can also be a challenge for the wellbeing of our pets. In this article, we offer tips for you and your dog or cat to enjoy this season worry-free.

Decorating Safely at Home

During Halloween, it is common to see decorations with lights, pumpkins and items that may be tempting to our pets. However, many of these decorations can pose a risk.

• Keep small decorations out of reach of dogs and cats, as they could accidentally swallow them and cause intestinal blockages.
• If using lights inside pumpkins, opt for LED candles to avoid burns or fires.
• Avoid using loose wires or material that can become entangled. Secure light cords and leave them unplugged when you are not at home to avoid hazards.

Costumes: yes or no?

Many pet caregivers are encouraged to include their furry companions in the Halloween celebration. However, before dressing up your dog or cat, it is important to consider some key aspects to ensure their safety.

The impact on communication with your pet

Dogs and cats use body language and facial expressions as their primary means of communication. These non-verbal signals are essential for expressing emotions, such as stress or well-being, and for interacting with both other animals and people.

Can dressing up your pet cause stress?

Most animals are not familiar with wearing clothing that is not functional or necessary. Some dogs or cats can tolerate it without problems, but others may show signs of anxiety or discomfort.

Some signs of stress in dogs and cats include:

• Restlessness, trying to remove the costume.
• Excessive licking, trembling or panting in dogs.
• Hiding, ears back or excessive meowing in cats.
• It is important to observe their behavior and respect their preferences.

Practical advice:

• If you decide to dress up your cat or dog, make sure the costume does not cause discomfort or restrict their movement.
• Check that the costume does not have small parts that can be chewed or swallowed.
• If your pet seems uncomfortable, it is better to opt for a bandana or a small, lightweight accessory.

Candy and food: a hidden danger

On Halloween, candy and chocolates are part of the celebration, but for pets they can be extremely dangerous. It is essential to protect them from these food risks by taking a few precautions:

• Keep sweets and chocolates out of reach of your cat or dog, as they can cause intoxication.
• If you celebrate La Castañada, be careful with chestnuts, because although they are not toxic, they can cause digestive problems and even obstructions.
• Avoid sharing panellets with your furry companions, as they usually contain sugar and other ingredients such as nuts, which can be harmful to them.

The best way to avoid food poisoning is to offer your pet food of this type specially prepared for them, for example, dog cookies.

Noise and visitors: reducing stress

During Halloween, visits from trick-or-treaters or the noise of firecrackers in some areas can upset our pets, generating stress and anxiety. It is important to take steps to reduce this stress and provide your pet with a safe environment:

• Create a quiet space at home where your cat or dog can retreat if he or she feels overwhelmed by noise or visitors.
• If your pet is especially sensitive to loud noises, consider using calming products such as pheromones or soothing music.
• If stress is too intense, consult with a veterinarian to explore options that may help your pet.

Halloween and La Castañada are moments to enjoy with the family, and our pets are also part of that circle. By following these tips, you will be able to celebrate these festivities safely, protecting the well-being and happiness of your cat and dog. At Balmesvet, we are here to help you answer any questions you may have about the care of your pet on these dates. Happy Castaween!