Wearing costumes, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating may be a time-honored tradition, but new trends suggest that cats and dogs are winning Halloween with pet tips. Almost 76 percent of American pet owners said they planned to put their pets in costumes, with 30 percent saying their pets may even dress up more than once. This is more than most adults dress up, which is only around 20 percent.

The PetSmart survey isn’t the only place Halloween pets are trending. As many as 25 percent of pet owners are joining trick-or-treaters at a time when fewer and fewer children join in the fun. Some say they are taking their pets to make the holiday more fun for the family. 

While there is nothing wrong with the idea, it’s always important to ask about a pet’s personality and pet parent preparation. Here are six pet tips for your fur babies.

6 Pet Tips For A Better Halloween 

• Pets should be introduced to the idea of wearing costumes long before Halloween. Some pets enjoy dressing up for special occasions, and others are best left to wearing seasonal pet bandanas or bows. 

• Pets that do enjoy dressing up still require some tender loving care. Stay away from costumes with small pieces or anything overly restrictive. Always try a new costume several weeks in advance to vet any unforeseen issues. 

• Make sure the pet is prepared for shouting children, jump scares, spooky sounds, and other pets. Some families have someone stand with their pet curbside while younger children approach the door and ring the doorbell. It’s always a good idea to consider the homeowners’ comfort, too.

• Whether the pet is inside the house or along for the walk, make sure they are on a leash and wearing identification tags. If the unexpected happens and people or pets are separated, identification tags and trackers can save the day.

• Don’t trust treats that are meant for children. Not only is chocolate bad for dogs, but so are raisins and xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener in sugar-free gummy candies. Pets that are treated right along with the rest of the family can enjoy something more suitable — like pet-safe treats or special dog-friendly food creations.

• Have a plan. If a noise, costume, or another pet (real or animatronic) becomes too much for the pet, it’s time to implement a backup plan. A designated person should be ready to take the pet home, to the car, or a designated safe place until the rest of the family is finished with their fun. Keep an eye on them the entire time, looking for signs that they are hot, nervous, or otherwise in distress. 

Just like children, pets have more options than ever before to celebrate Halloween. More organizations are hosting Halloween events for dogs, cats, and other pets. 

Many of these events include pet adoptions, parking lot sales, photo ops, costume contests, pooch parades, and trunk or treats — often with things that are safe to eat. A simple search such as “Halloween events near me for pets” will usually produce dozens of options, ranging from small trunk-or-treat parties to larger mile-long walks featuring agility tricks, after-parties, and pet-friendly goody bags. 

More Pet Tips For A Halloween Party 

If none of the local events feel right, consider hosting a Halloween party. Sometimes a smaller gathering of pets, especially those who already know each other, can capture the season’s spirit with less concern for safety.  

Most parties have some common elements like optional costumes, scavenger hunts for treats, photo booths, and pet-friendly party favors (balls, bandanas, pet collar pendants, and other treats). Bone bobbing is one of the more creative activities that has come our way. 

Perfect for pups, Bone bobbing requires a small wading pool filled with hollow balls or Kongs stuffed with peanut butter, cheese, or other dog treats. The dogs are set free to bob for balls on their own or all at once, depending on the party and the guest list. 

Don’t forget that the best pet parties are designed for pets and owners alike. Successful hosts generally plan a menu, guest list, and party activities that allow some pets and pet parents to bow out if needed. 

And, of course, always remember that all Halloween pet activities should consider safety first. Ensure all decorations are safe, no candles are lit, and all cords (if any) are tucked away or covered to prevent accidental chewing. With these tips in mind, All About Spot can take the worry out of pet care.