Howl-o-ween Fun: Halloween Tips for Your Dog & Cat

Spooky season is upon us! 👻 While you’re planning costumes, candy bowls, and haunted decor, don’t forget to include your four-legged family members in the fun. Halloween can be a blast, but it can also be a bit overwhelming (or even dangerous!) for pets.

Here are some tricks and treats to keep your dogs and cats safe, happy, and stress-free this Halloween in St. Louis!

Pet Costumes: Cute AND Comfy!

We love a dressed-up dog or cat—but not every pet shares our enthusiasm. Before going full "Hot Dog" costume or "Bat Cat," be sure to:

✔️ Choose costumes that allow free movement and vision

✔️ Avoid anything with small, chewable pieces

✔️ Try it on in advance so they can get used to it

✔️ Never leave a costumed pet unsupervised

Pro tip: Take some adorable pics early before the excitement (and squirming) starts. 📸🐾

Beware the Doorbell Drama

Trick-or-treaters = lots of doorbell rings, knocking, and strangers in weird outfits. For some pets, that’s terrifying.

💡 Set up a quiet room with soft music or white noise, toys, and treats.

💡 Add a comfy bed and maybe a Lickimat or frozen Kong for distraction.

💡 If your pet is especially anxious, consider calming chews or a pheromone diffuser (ask your vet first!).

No Candy for Cats or Canines!

Halloween candy is a no-go for pets. Chocolate, xylitol (a sweetener found in sugar-free gum/candy), raisins, and wrappers can all cause serious health issues.

📍 Keep candy bowls out of reach

📍 Watch for dropped treats from kids

📍 If you suspect your pet snuck a snack, call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Line ASAP: 888-426-4435

Decor Danger: Flames & Frights

Cats love to knock things over. Dogs love to investigate. That makes lit pumpkins, fake spider webs, and dangly decorations a hazard zone. 😬

🕯️ Use battery-operated candles

🕸️ Keep fake webs and cords out of reach

🧹 Avoid costumes or props that could tangle your pet

Spooky Sounds & Loud Noises

If you’re hosting a Halloween party or expecting heavy foot traffic in your neighborhood, keep pets away from the action. Strange sounds, costumes, and noise can be super stressful.

🎧 Calming music and a “safe zone” can help

🚪 Keep doors securely closed to prevent escape

🐾 Make sure your pet’s ID tag and microchip info are up to date—just in case

Bonus Fun: Pet-Friendly Halloween Activities

Want to include your pets in the fun safely? Try these:

• Pumpkin Patch Visits (check if pets are allowed!)

• Homemade Pumpkin Treats (ask us for a recipe!)

• Pup & Me Costume Photoshoot 📷

• Hide-and-seek with Halloween toys or treats

• Snuffle mats with spooky-themed kibble hunts! 🧛‍♂️🦴

Final Woof (and Meow)

Halloween is a great time to make memories with your pets—as long as you keep their comfort and safety in mind. A little prep goes a long way to make sure your furry ghouls and goblins have a safe and stress-free night. 🐕‍🦺🐈‍⬛💕

From all of us at House of Paws Pet Care, we’re wishing you a safe, silly, and tail-wagging Halloween! 🎃🐾