Friends of the Animals

Mushi’s Musings

By Mushi K. Tjaden

It is really hard to believe that Halloween is quickly approaching. If you’re anything like my humans you’ve been discussing your spooky attire since July. Here it is the end of September and they still haven’t made a firm decision on whether to be a gang of pirates and ninjas or a bunch of bananas. They’d better hurry. Spooky season is here. 

Personally, I don’t want anything to do with Halloween. I don’t dress up. I don’t wait eagerly near the door to pass out candy to ghosts and goblins and I certainly don’t join my family in a nighttime walk around the neighborhood asking for tricks or treats. 

I guess I’m what you’d call a Halloween snob. I just can’t be bothered. But there are plenty of cats and dogs who do want in on the celebration and there is no reason not to include them. Just do so with your pet’s safety and comfort in mind.  

You can be as creative as you want with your pet’s costume. A quick internet search found a huge variety of pet costumes, many at very reasonable prices. It can be as simple as slapping a pair of devil horns on Fido or fitting Fifi for a bee costume. Whatever you decide, remember that comfort is key.

The costume should fit loosely. Don’t use anything other than what comes with the costume to tie the costume on, like rubber bands. If it is too tight, your pet can’t tell you. Also, make sure the material is non-flammable. It would be smart to get your pet used to the costume ahead of the big night. Let them wear it around the house a bit. But don’t leave your pet unattended in the costume. You never know when they’ll decide it makes a better snack than costume. And never force your pet to wear a costume. You can try but I’m betting there would be consequences. No one is shoving this kitty into a goofy costume. A quick internet search can also turn up lots of helpful information on pet safety during Halloween.  

Here are a few pointers: 

*If you have a timid, anxious, or not so friendly animal then consider keeping them in a back room while you hand out candy. This is better for your pet and for the trick-or-treaters. Many families do allow their pet to hang out at the front door and greet all the kids as they approach. This is not a problem if you have a socialized pet who is used to a lot of strangers and isn’t in danger of deciding to run down a few of them. 

*The same rule applies for taking your pet with you as you canvas the neighborhood for sweets. There will be a lot of people roaming the streets. It will most likely be noisy and somewhat chaotic. If you have a timid animal then he is best left at home. If you do decide to let him tag along, make sure his ID tags are on him.  

*If you decide to leave Fido at home then your best bet is to leave him inside. Halloween is a time for pranksters and you never know what kind of mischief they’ll decide to get into. To keep your pet safe from being the object of a prank or cruelty, leave him inside rather than alone in the yard. 

*Once you’ve scored bags of the sweet stuff, remember that Fido doesn’t get any. I know this seems so unfair. After all, he did allow you to dress him up as Spider Man. But candy is not safe for pets and they’re better off without it. Instead buy some special dog or cat treats for the festivities.  

*Keep a vigilant eye on your furry friend if you decide to light candles. That is a good rule of thumb any time of year but people tend to light more candles on Halloween, especially when displaying their Jack O’ Lanterns. Cats can be especially curious. Try to keep candles where your cat is less likely to want to get at them.

Those are just a few things to consider as you prepare to celebrate Halloween. If you want more information a simple internet search can tell you all that you need to know. It only takes a little time and care to keep your pet safe and happy on Halloween. Happy Haunting!