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It’s officially the season to turn your home into a haunted haven, but when pets are part of the picture, extra care is required. Curious paws, wagging tails, and flickering lights can make for an accident-prone mix. Between the decorations, trick-or-treaters, and extra activity around the house, it’s easy for our furry family members to become overwhelmed or even end up in unsafe situations. This year, keep the celebration festive and pet-friendly with a few smart adjustments. Avoid the hazards with our tips for safe decorating and stress-free celebrating below!
1. Skip the Flames
We all love the warm glow of candles lighting up our jack-o’-lanterns or window displays, but open flames can be hazardous with pets around. A swish of a dog’s tail or a cat’s curious paw can easily knock over a lit candle and spark a fire or cause burns. Even unattended tealights can pose a danger if your pet decides to investigate. Instead, opt for LED candles or battery-operated lanterns. Today’s flameless options flicker so realistically that you won’t miss the real thing, and they’re completely safe to leave glowing through the night. The same goes for scented candles: while cozy fall scents are delightful, many contain essential oils that can be irritating or toxic to pets when inhaled.
2. Avoid Dangling Decorations
Strings of lights, inflatable ghosts, and motion-triggered decorations may look great, but they can also introduce electrical hazards and choking risks. Pets, especially young or curious ones, may see dangling cords and wires as new toys to chew on. Be sure to secure cords along walls, tape them down, or hide them behind furniture to prevent accidents. When you’re not home or unable to supervise, unplug decorations to eliminate the risk of shock or entanglement. Additionally, skip items with small or loose components that can easily be chewed or swallowed. A swallowed battery, for instance, can be extremely dangerous.
3. Stop the Startle
Motion-activated ghosts, cackling witches, and flashing strobes might get a good laugh from guests, but for your pet, these can be sources of real anxiety. Sudden noises or lights can trigger stress behaviors like barking, hiding, or trembling. Before setting up your haunted display, do a test run while observing your pet’s reaction. If they flinch, cower, or seem on edge, move the item to a space your pet doesn’t frequent, such as a porch or guest room. The goal is to keep your décor fun without causing unnecessary fright for your four-legged friends.
4. Reward Calm Behavior
Decorating can mean rearranging furniture, adding unfamiliar smells, and introducing strange objects, all of which can make your pet uneasy. Let them explore new items slowly and reward calm curiosity with treats, praise, or gentle petting. If you notice signs of stress, such as pacing or whining, give them a break in a quieter area. Consistently rewarding calm behavior helps your pet adjust more easily to new surroundings and reduces anxiety during the holiday hustle.
5. Provide a Safe Space
Amid all the excitement, pets need a place to retreat. One standout way to combine decoration with safety is to use a structure like the Pet Gazebo®. Acting as both a stylish enclosure and a secure sanctuary, it allows your dog or cat to enjoy the festivities from a comfortable distance. Designed for indoor or outdoor use, the Pet Gazebo® can double as a charming Halloween centerpiece. Decorate it with pet-safe garlands or festive, non-toxic décor while your pet lounges inside. It’s a perfect blend of function and fun, giving you peace of mind and your pet a stress-free zone.
Halloween Treat: A Special Offer
Don’t miss our Halloween Sale! All through October, take 10% off Black Pet Gazebos and receive a free Desert Sunset Canopy, or if you already own a Gazebo, enjoy 50% off the Desert Sunset Canopy to give your setup a seasonal refresh. Celebrate safely, decorate smartly, and make this Halloween a treat for everyone, pets included!