Tips to Reduce Pet Anxiety on Halloween Night – A Basil & Salt Quick Bite
Halloween is a time of fun and festivities, but it can be overwhelming and dangerous for our pets. With doors frequently opening for trick-or-treaters and the increase in foot traffic, it’s one of the top nights for pets to go missing. In fact, Halloween ranks just behind the Fourth of July in terms of lost pets, with a notable spike in reports of missing animals due to open doors and frightening noises. According to various sources, around 20% of pets that go missing during the Halloween period are spooked by loud noises or sudden scares, causing them to flee from home in panic.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe
- Secure Your Home: Make sure all doors and gates are closed securely. Consider keeping your pets in a separate room away from the front door to prevent them from darting out amid the chaos of trick-or-treaters. If your pet is microchipped, ensure your contact information is up to date.
- Reduce Anxiety: Halloween’s endless doorbells, knocks, and costumed strangers can cause significant stress for pets. Common signs of anxiety include hiding, panting, pacing, and loss of appetite. Create a safe, quiet space for your pet, away from the front door, and consider using white noise machines, calming music, or pet pheromone sprays to help them relax. Calming vests and CBD-based treats may also ease anxiety.
- Limit Exposure to Scary Sights and Sounds: Try to keep your pet away from windows and doors where they might see or hear trick-or-treaters. Closing blinds and curtains, along with playing music or using a TV for background noise, can help mask the disruptive noises of the night.
By taking these precautions, you can ensure your pet stays safe and stress-free while you enjoy the festivities. Happy Halloween!