It is that time of the year again! Halloween is inching closer and the stores are full of fun items and costumes for all ages. Do you like to dress up your loved pets on Halloween? Have you decided what your dog or cat will be dressed as or are you still thinking and planning? With COVID-19 and all the precautionary measures, your plans may change, and you may decide to stay indoors. Halloween is a fun time to dress up your pets for pictures and walks but pet safety is just as important.
Here are some tips on how to safely dress up your pet for Halloween:
Choose a comfortable outfit:
Choosing a comfortable costume for your pet is key to helping them feel at ease. For example, you do not want to pick a costume that requires a face mask or anything that covers your pet’s nostrils or mouth. It is advisable not to pick costumes that are too tight or made of uncomfortable material. If their costume is too snug that may find it difficult to walk. You can help your dog or cat feel comfortable by picking and choosing a soft material that is not too rough for their skin. There are many fun costume ideas for you and your pets but comfort is crucial.
Help them get used to it:
Cats take time to get accustomed to new items or things. If you have picked a new Halloween costume for your pet and you feel it fits well, place it near their bed or ideally where they love to sit. This will help them get familiar with it. You can take this idea a step further and give them treats close to where the costume has been placed. Have you checked if the costume fits well? Pet owners can also help their dog or cat get familiar with the Halloween costume by putting it on once or twice before the actual day.
Keep an eye on them:
Make sure you do not leave your pets alone especially when they are wearing the costume. Some costumes have small accessories or parts attached to them. They could also have long strings or buttons which they could try to eat. Naturally curious by nature, pets can chew on them which can lead to choking. If you notice that your pet is feeling uncomfortable in the costume, it is better to take it off (you can always take a few pictures before removing the costume). Their unusual behavior will be a good indication of how they are feeling.
Keep harmful items away from them:
Halloween is all about chocolates, candies, and similar goodies. But unfortunately, popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate is dangerous for them and many such items can do more harm than good. If you have some decorative items lying around, make sure you remove them for your cat’s or dog’s safety. Cats are very curious and love to discover their surroundings. Supervise your pets if candles are part of the Halloween décor because they are at risk of getting burned by candle flames.
Are you planning to spend Halloween night trick or treating with your family or friends? Need a ride to their place with your pet? Paws en route, a Toronto pet taxi service, provides safe and timely pet transportation. Let us know if you have any questions. Book a ride with us today!
