Celebrate Howl-O-Ween

Halloween is just around the corner, and it's not just a time for humans to get in on the spooky fun and your pets can join in, too! Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or a cosy night in, there are plenty of ways to make your pet's Halloween memorable (and adorable). So what can you do this Halloween with your pets? 

Spooky (and Safe) Halloween Games for Pets

Get into the Halloween spirit by playing some fun games with your pet! Here are a few ideas to keep things spooky yet entertaining:

• Bobbing for (Pet-Friendly) Apples 🍏💦

A classic Halloween game with a pet-friendly twist! Fill a shallow container with water and place some apple slices (without seeds) in it. Let your dog bob for the floating treats. This game is not only a fun way to engage your dog’s instincts but also helps keep them cool and hydrated.

Tip: Use sliced carrots or sweet potato for a healthy alternative. For smaller dogs, use a shallower dish and smaller treats that float.

• Trick for Treats 🦴🍬

Halloween is all about tricks and treats, so why not combine them? Teach your pet some fun tricks in exchange for treats. Try commands like "spin," "high five," "play dead," or "roll over."

• Spider Tug-of-War 🕷️🧶

Get a Halloween-themed tug-of-war toy, like a plush spider or ghost, and challenge your dog to a game of tug. This is a fantastic way to burn off some energy and give your pet a fun workout.

• Haunted Hide-and-Seek 👻🧁

Hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your pet to find them. Add a spooky twist by dimming the lights slightly and using pet-safe glow-in-the-dark toys or a flashlight to make it a haunted hunt. This game is perfect for stimulating your pet's senses and keeping them active indoors.

• Pumpkin Piñata 🎃🪅

Fill a pumpkin-shaped piñata (made for pets) with some of their favorite treats or kibble, and let them work out how to get the goodies. This game taps into their problem-solving skills and is especially great for dogs or cats who enjoy a challenge.

• Spook-tacular Halloween Recipes for Dogs 🍽️🧑‍🍳

Because more Halloween treats are not appropriate for dogs, its a great time to make some Halloween pet friendly treats, for not only your dog, but to hand out to other dogs during trick of treat! We have some of our favourite Halloween Recipes

Cosy Up with the Best Halloween Movies for Pets (and Their Humans) 🍿👀

After all the treats and games, it's time to settle in for a Halloween movie night. Here are some pet-friendly spooky flicks to enjoy:

1. "Frankenweenie" – A heart-warming tale about a boy who brings his dog back to life. It's a bit spooky, but not too scary for your pets.
2. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" – This classic movie doubles as both a Halloween and Christmas film. The animated style and music are entertaining, and Zero the ghost dog steals the show.
3. "Beethoven’s Halloween Adventure" – Follow the famous St. Bernard as he solves spooky mysteries. It’s fun for the whole family, including the furry members.
4. "Hotel Transylvania" – A perfect blend of spooky and silly, featuring a cast of monster characters that your pets might just bark or purr at on screen.
5. "Scooby-Doo" movies – Scooby is the original canine crime solver! Any of the Scooby-Doo movies will be fun for a little mystery and laughs.

Safety Tips to Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy 🎃🐾

While Halloween is a lot of fun, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind to ensure your pet has a great time:

1. Keep human treats out of reach: Chocolate, xylitol, and other sweet ingredients can be toxic to pets. Make sure any treats you hand out to trick-or-treaters are stored away from your pets.
2. Be mindful of decorations: While spiderwebs and spooky decor look amazing, some decorations can be a choking hazard or toxic if chewed on. Keep decorations pet-safe by opting for plush toys or fabric decorations.
3. Keep pets indoors on Halloween night: Trick-or-treaters, loud noises, and people in costumes can be overwhelming and stressful for pets. It’s best to keep them indoors in a quiet, comfortable space.
4. ID tags and microchips are a must: In case your pet does manage to escape or get spooked, make sure they’re wearing an ID tag and are microchipped with up-to-date contact information.
5. Watch the door: With people constantly coming and going, it’s easy for a pet to slip out. Consider using a baby gate near the entrance to prevent any accidental escapes.

Halloween can be a blast for pets and their owners alike! Whether you’re dressing your dog as a Dracula or teaching your old dog new tricks, there are plenty of ways to get everyone involved in the fun. Just remember to keep safety in mind, choose activities your pet enjoys, and most importantly, have a frightfully good time together!

So, grab your pumpkin-shaped treats, turn on a spooky movie, and enjoy an un-fur-gettable Halloween night with your fur-ever friend! 🐾🎃