How to Prepare Your Pet for Halloween
The thought of Halloween night conjures up many images of costumes, crowded sidewalks and streets, and of course groups of children standing at the doorstep proudly exclaiming “trick or treat”. While Halloween is full of fun and wonder for us, our pets might not feel the same way. It is easy for both cats and dogs to feel overwhelmed and become anxious and frightened with so many visitors and loud noises occurring. So Ren’s has created this list of the best tips and tricks that will ensure you and your pet will have a happy Halloween. (If you plan on taking your dog with you trick or treating, check out the best way to do that here)***for future blog
Dogs
Exercise Them the Day Before and Before the Trick or Treaters Arrive
Exercise has shown to decrease a dog's stress and anxiety levels as it allows them to release all the energy they built up from the day before. Taking them on a long walk as well as playing a game of fetch or tug is one of the best ways to set your dog up for success, as exercise requires a dog to be both mentally and physically engaged in an activity. Remember, a well exercised dog is a more relaxed dog.
Create A Safe Space
Some dogs, even after exercise, can still become very anxious by visitors at the door. That is why it is important to create a safe and relaxing environment for them away from the front door. This could be their crate, your bedroom, or even the bathroom. Many dogs choose their crate as the ultimate safe space as it mimics that of a cave and allows them to self soothe much easier. If you want to help soothe your dog, the Snuggle Puppy is a great comfort toy as it recreates the intimacy your dog had with its mother with a real-feel heartbeat.
If your dog has the opposite reaction to visitors and becomes overly excited and hard to manage, distracting them with an interactive toy will help. The Tricky Treat Ball is a great way to pull focus! Place your dog's favourite food or treats, or even better Halloween treats, inside the toy and when your dog plays with the ball they fall out. This can keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated resulting in a more relaxed and manageable dog.
Desensitize Them to the Sound of the Doorbell
You may not realize it but the reason why your dog barks at the doorbell is because they have trained themselves to believe that is the correct response. You may have tried yelling “quiet” or “stop” when your dog begins barking at the door, however, the dog continues to bark. That is because yelling while they are barking makes them believe you are joining in with them. In order to get your dog to stop barking when the doorbell rings you will have to teach them the correct way you wish to see them react. Start by arming yourself with your dog's favourite treats and standing with them beside the door. Get them to sit calmly and quietly and reward this behavior. Next, ring the doorbell. When your dog starts barking do not react, instead wait until they have stopped barking. Once they have stopped, say “quiet” with a noticeable hand gesture like a closed fist and reward them with treats. This is teaching your dog if they are quiet when the doorbell rings they get a treat. Using a word in combination with a hand gesture helps your dog understand the command. Once your dog is quiet you can then open the door and pretend to greet a guest. Your dog should not get a treat, nor should the door be opened if they are still barking. Giving them a treat and/or opening the door while they are barking reinforces that behavior. It is also important to be prepared for unexpected doorbell rings. Keep a bag of treats close to the front door and do not open the door until your dog is silent.
Keep Candy and Treats Out of Reach
With all the distractions and spooky delights, it is very easy for a dog to grab a piece of candy and sneak away while you are busy. Chocolate and treats should always be kept far away from your dog either on a table or the kitchen counter. If you know your dog has a bad habit for grabbing things off the table, consider leaving the candy outside. Of course, we do not want your furry friend to feel left out, that's why Bosco and Roxy created cookies like their Vampire Bats and Spooky Monsters to get your pooch in the Halloween spirit.
Don't Forget the Costume!
Of course the best way to ensure your dog can experience Halloween to the fullest is to get them a costume of their own. From pumpkin bandanas to police uniforms, Ren’s has a full line of fun and festive costumes for your Pet’s Best Halloween.
Cats
Keep Cats Indoors on Halloween Night
If your cat likes to roam around the neighbourhood from time to time, it is recommended that cats, especially balck cats, stay indoors during Halloween night. Many cats end up going missing during Halloween because of silly pranks or because the cat became overwhelmed and ran away and unfortunately got lost. So keep your furry friend home and safe with you.
Create A Safe Space
Just like dogs, cats can become frightened and anxious by the constant ringing of the door bell and the steady stream of children exclaiming “trick or treat”. Creating a safe space for them, like the bedroom or bathroom, will help calm their nerves. Their safe space should include their bed, food and water, litter tray, and an assortment of toys. Toys are one of the best tools to help calm a stressed cat as they can distract a cat and stimulate them both mental ly and physically. Toss toys like Dharma Dog Karma Cat Donuts are made with natural wool that naturally engages your cat and have a smoothing scent that reminds them of their mother.
Keep Candy, Decorations, and Candles Away from Your Cat
Cats are naturally curious creatures and love to knock things onto floors and turn random items into toys. That is why it is important to keep candy out of your cat's reach, especially chocolate, because just like dogs, chocolate is highly toxic to cats.
HAPPY HOWLWEEN
