The scariest day of the year is here: Halloween. Today means spooky decorations, gruesome costumes, and tons of candy, but what about our furry friends?
At CRU, we give you our recommendations for a great Halloween party with your dog or cat.
Here are some tips to help your dog or cat have a great HOWL-O-WEEN (howl, “Halloween Howl”) too.
Halloween costumes for dogs and cats
Surely the first thing you think about when you talk about Halloween is costumes . If you choose one for your furry friend, it should be comfortable and not too intrusive. These can be headbands, bow ties, or a coat-style accessory if your furry friend is used to them. Remember to always leave their tail and paws free. If you notice they start to feel uncomfortable, scratch, or try to remove the accessory, take it off. The goal is to make it a fun evening for everyone.
Regarding your costume, you should make sure that it doesn't scare him if you're going to be at home, since many furry friends get scared if they suddenly see you so different.
Halloween Treats and Chocolates for Pets
The next thing that comes to mind is candy , but human candy isn't suitable for furry friends. You shouldn't give them anything with chocolate, as it's toxic to both dogs and cats. Plus, the sugars these sweets typically contain are too high for them. If it's sugar-free, it likely contains xylitol, which can cause kidney problems in dogs. The best way to be safe is to avoid giving them human candy.
If you want to give your dog a special day with extra snacks, give them snacks suitable for them , you can also prepare our pumpkin dog cookies or check out our other furry-friendly treats .
Trick or treat with a furry one at home
Trick -or-treating can be dangerous . All the hustle and bustle of people dressed in strange costumes and constantly knocking on the door can make your furry friend nervous . If your dog or cat is a bit skittish, leave them in a closed room when you open the door. This way, they won't see the costumes and run away in fear. If they get really nervous when the doorbell rings, you can put a sign on the door asking them not to ring it. I'm sure most children will respect this.
Costume parties with pets at home
If your furry friend isn't easily scared and you've decided to throw a costume party at home, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Designate a quiet room for him where no one will enter during the party. This will be his place to rest and unwind if he gets overwhelmed or scared at any time. You can put his bed there, along with a toy or teether to entertain him and de-stress.
- Decor should be pet-proof . Be careful with candles , as dogs might knock them over with their tails, and cats might get burned by snooping around or knocking them off a shelf or table. It's better to buy battery-operated electronic candles that aren't as dangerous for dogs. They also don't run out of power or stain anything. Cords that connect lights or moving objects can also be dangerous. Try to keep them as tidy as possible, and if they can be kept out of your furry friend's reach, even better. Paper decorations , garlands, and the like can look like toys to your cat or tempting to your dog. Be careful where you place them and try to keep them visible for at least the first few hours until you see that your furry friend isn't paying attention to them.
Before the festivities, costumes, and candy, it's a good idea if you have a dog to take it for a walk early , as there will be fewer people on the streets and therefore less noise. Also, although it's not a typical time for firecrackers, some people find even the slightest bit of celebration a good way to make a lot of noise, so you should avoid them if your dog is scared of loud noises. By following these simple tips, you're sure to throw a super-spooky party suitable for all audiences. CRU wishes you a super scary and happy HOWL-o-WEEN!
