Top 3 Halloween Pet Safety Tips for Durham Families

Halloween is one of Durham’s most festive nights of the year. It’s full of costumed kids, creative porch displays, and plenty of treats. While it’s exciting for humans, all that noise, movement, and temptation can be overwhelming or even dangerous for our pets. To keep the night full of fun and free of emergencies, here are the top 3 Halloween pet safety tips for Durham families.

1. Prevent Lost Pets

Halloween brings extra door traffic for trick-or-treaters, which means there are plenty of chances for pets to slip out unnoticed. Even the most well-trained dog or cat can dart through an open door in the excitement of seeing visitors or hearing the doorbell ring. To prevent lost pets on Halloween, consider the following:

• Keep pets indoors for the duration of trick-or-treat hours, even if they normally enjoy time outside at night. Loud sounds, flashing lights, and costumed figures can easily spook them and make them run off.
• Use a leash or baby gate during door openings. If you’re handing out candy, consider keeping your pet in another room with soothing music or their favorite toy to help reduce stress.
• Double-check collars and microchips. Make sure your pet’s ID tags are up to date and their microchip is registered with current contact information. Durham County Animal Services recommends this step as the fastest way to reunite you with a lost pet should they manage to slip away.

2. Prevent Ingestion, Choking, and Obstruction

Those piles of candy may look harmless, but chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free treats), raisins, treat bags, and candy wrappers pose serious risks to pets. Costume materials can also cause choking or internal blockages if chewed or swallowed. To prevent ingestion, choking, and obstruction, consider the following:

• Keep candy and gooey wrappers well out of reach. Store bowls and goody bags in cabinets or sealed containers instead of on low tables or counters.
• Supervise pets in costume. A pet costume should never restrict breathing, vision, or movement. Remove it immediately if your pet seems agitated or attempts to chew or shake it off. Remove all potential choking hazards before putting the costume on your pet.
• Provide pet-safe treats instead. If your pets enjoy joining the Halloween fun, offer them specially made treats from local pet bakeries or their regular go-to snacks. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Durham, Unleashed Downtown Durham, and Unleashed, The Dog & Cat Store of Durham are just a few of the many pet bakeries we have here in Bull City. Why not support them and treat our beloved pets with something tasty and species-appropriate?

3. Prevent Bites & Scratches

Even friendly, well-socialized pets can become startled by masks, loud noises, or rapid movements, especially from excited children. Unfamiliar sights and scents can shift your pet’s behavior quickly. To prevent bites, scratches, and other potentially scary interactions, consider the following:

• Supervise all interactions between pets and children. If young trick-or-treaters visit your door or attend your Halloween gathering, make sure they understand how to approach your pet calmly. Remember, it’s always okay to say “no” when asked if someone can pet your dog or cat.
• Watch for signs of stress. Pacing, yawning, panting, or hiding can all signal discomfort. Let your pet retreat to a quiet, secure space when needed. If you have people insist on petting your cat or dog when coming to your door, put your pet away. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Skip the meet-and-greets. Halloween isn’t an ideal time for introductions with new pets or visitors wearing costumes that might confuse your dog or cat.

Top 3 Halloween Pet Safety Tips for Durham Families

Halloween in Durham is a wonderful time for community fun, but it doesn’t have to be scary for your four-legged family members. By staying mindful of doors, treats, costumes, and interactions, you can ensure your pets feel safe and loved all night long. Taking simple precautions helps you avoid emergency vet visits and ensures your furry family members enjoy a stress-free evening!

The Best Care for Durham Cats & Dogs

Join the Bull City Pet Care family by contacting us via bullcitypetsitting@gmail.com or 919-740-7481. We offer dog walking, dog sitting, and specialty services. You can also get started by clicking this link to schedule your meet and greet.

We proudly serve the following areas of Durham: Downtown, Lakewood, Tuscaloosa, Old West Durham, Old North Durham, Northgate Park, Watts-Hillandale, Trinity Park, Duke Park, Erwin/LaSalle, North Durham, Southside, Croasdaile, Walltown, Braggtown, Historic East Durham, Hope Valley, and Forest Hills.