5 Ways To Celebrate Halloween With Your Pets

Halloween is generally a difficult time for pets. People are dressed up in strange costumes, setting off firecrackers and knocking on doors – all behaviour that can cause pets huge anxiety. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with your animals during this season.

Here are a couple of things you can do that are fun for your pet:

Give Your Pet A Halloween-Themed Toy

From bones, pumpkins, ghosts, mummies to witches, there are plenty of Halloween-themed pet toys. You can either buy one at the store, or if you’re feeling particularly industrious, you can make one for your pet. You can be creative with using old items like t-shirts, tennis balls, gloves, or socks. Braid and knot together some orange and black fleece strips for your dog or sew a spooky felt monster for your cat. There are plenty of ideas on Pinterest and Instagram to inspire you.

Take Them to a Pet-Friendly Pumpkin Patch

Try to visit a dog-friendly pumpkin patch with your dog. It’s a great way to get outside in the beautiful fall weather and pick the perfect pumpkin.  However, not all pumpkin patches are dog-friendly, so be sure to call the farm before you go. While pet-friendly patches can be difficult to find, there are a couple of them out in Abbotsford.  Google before you go to ensure you know the rules.

Carve a Puppy or Cat Pumpkin

You can decorate your pumpkin in honour of your pet! There are plenty of pet pumpkin carving patterns available online, whether you are a novice or professional pumpkin carver. If you feel particularly ambitious and artsy, use a picture of your animal as a stencil.

Halloween Treats for Pet

Treats don’t just have to be only for humans. Halloween a great time of year to get creative with pet food. There are dozens of Halloween-themed pet treats you can make for your dog or cat, including recipes that can use some pumpkin leftovers from carving. Again you can buy some from your local pet store or you make your own. From fall flavours to adorable cookie cutouts, there are lots of options to choose from. If you want, you can teach your dog a trick or two in exchange for a treat – putting a new meaning into the saying ‘trick or treat’.

Watch a Scary Movie with Your Pet

For those cats and dogs who prefer to snuggle up and avoid the Halloween festivities, a scary movie is a great option. Your pet will surely love the classics Pet Sematary or the Dog Who Saved Halloween. There’s nothing like the presence of your dog or cat to make you feel safe, even when watching the scariest movie. Put some popcorn in the microwave, grab a pumpkin spice latte, pick a snuggly spot for your pet, and get scared.