Halloween is a party for people. For pets, it can be a lot: the doorbell keeps ringing, strangers show up in masks and there is candy everywhere.

A little planning keeps everyone calm. Here are five easy ways to look after your dog or cat on Halloween night, with advice from the BC SPCA and the ASPCA.

1. Give your pet a quiet room, away from the front door

During the busiest trick-or-treat hours, the ASPCA suggests keeping most dogs and cats in a separate, comfortable room away from the door. Favourite toys, chews and food puzzles help them settle.

The BC SPCA adds a few ideas: set up a quiet room with a chew or catnip toy, practise with the doorbell sound ahead of time by pairing it with treats, or skip the doorbell altogether and leave a bowl of treats outside for the kids. The BC SPCA notes that strangers and noise can be scary for pets.

2. Check two forms of ID

Every time the door opens, a pet has a chance to slip out. The BC SPCA recommends at least two forms of identification, such as a collar with tags plus a microchip or tattoo, and a quick check that the microchip's address and phone number are up to date.

Heading out after dark? The ASPCA suggests a reflective collar, a secure leash and an ID tag.

3. Keep the candy out of paws' reach

Chocolate in any form can be dangerous for dogs and cats, especially dark and baking chocolate, according to the ASPCA. Sugar-free candy with xylitol can cause serious problems too. The BC SPCA also points out that hard candy is a choking risk.

Dogs are good at sniffing out hidden treats, so store candy somewhere high or closed. If your pet does get into the candy bowl, call your vet or an animal poison helpline straight away. Pet-safe treats from a pet store or dog bakery make a happy swap.

A small dog sitting on top of an orange pumpkin Photo by Nathan on Unsplash

4. Costumes only if your pet loves them

The BC SPCA suggests skipping costumes, because they can limit a pet's movement, hide the tail and ear positions pets use to communicate, and cause overheating. The ASPCA says to dress a pet only if it seems to enjoy it, and to make sure the outfit does not restrict movement, vision or breathing and has no small or dangling pieces to chew.

If your pet does not clearly enjoy dressing up, a festive bandana, a Halloween collar or a spooky leash is a calmer way to join in.

5. Mind the candles and cords

A lit jack-o'-lantern can be knocked over by a curious pet, which can start a fire, and kittens can singe their fur on a flame, says the ASPCA. Keep wires out of paws' reach too. A battery-powered light inside your pumpkin is a calmer choice around pets.

Borrowing or sharing a pet this Halloween?

Talk to the owner first. Ask how the pet reacts to the doorbell, and follow the owner's rules and care notes exactly. On Bloom, the owner decides everything about their pet, including whether Halloween night is a good time for a visit.

Sources and photo credits