The spooky season is upon us! While we’re still a few weeks away from Halloween, the “spirit” of the holiday permeates the air. We’re putting up decorations, planning our costumes, and checking the candy aisles for sales. At Care-A-Lot Pet Supply, we’re helping pet owners get ready for Halloween, too. It is estimated that fifty percent of dog owners alone dress their pets for Halloween. Regardless of whether your pet accompanies the kids for trick or treating or stays home, it’s important to keep them safe.

No Frights On Halloween Night

If you live in a kid-friendly neighborhood, you’re likely to hear your doorbell ringing through much of Halloween night. For many dog owners, this can mean constant barking and heightened anxiety. If your dog’s a “door dasher,” charging outside the second it opens, you want to be prepared. 

The obvious tip here for homebound dogs on Halloween is to keep them in a separate room during prime trick or treat hours. While this can prevent dashing, it doesn’t mute doorbell or Halloween-related noises heard throughout the house. You may consider a calming agent for your pet so they are not alarmed by the parade of costumed strangers coming to your house.

Austin and Kat’s No More Wiggles offers a line of CDB-enhanced calming products for dogs in need of relaxation. Choose from their soothing botanical oil or edible chews.

All Treats, No Tricks

Perhaps the most important safety tip one can observe at home is keeping the candy bowl out of reach. Miniature, individually wrapped candies pose a risk to pets. Not only are chocolate and certain sweeteners toxic to dogs, but these candies may prove a choking hazard. When your children return from trick or treating, it’s important that they avoid spreading out their candy on the carpet when pets are nearby. Your pups may be tempted to help themselves.

One way to curb temptation for your pets is to have a handy Halloween treat ready for them. Add some frozen pumpkin swirl to your dog’s KONG feeder toy to keep them occupied while the kids enjoy the candy. The recipe is easy to make and keep frozen whenever you want to give your dog a healthy snack.

1 cup Nummy Tum Tum Organic Pumpkin 

1 cup plain yogurt 

1 T maple syrup 

1 t cinnamon 

1 cup mashed bananas 

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and fill a KONG. 

Stock your pet’s pantry with some of our favorite seasonal treats. The Honest Kitchen’s Goat’s Milk ‘N Cookie with Pumpkin and Cinnamon and Merrick Oven Baked Pumpkin Patch treats are guaranteed to satisfy.

For pet supplies during Halloween or the rest of autumn, Care-A-Lot Pet Supply has everything you need. Shop online or in-store at any of our four locations in Hampton Roads and Moyock. We offer curbside service and limited local delivery for your pet supply needs.