Halloween is just around the corner, and everybody here at Austin and Kat is getting ready for a frightfully good time. And while this year, there may not be the “normal” door to door visits, some neighborhoods will still be hosting social distancing outdoor gatherings. While Austin has always been a dog not impacted by costumes and giggling children, not all of our extended four-legged family feel the same way. For them, Halloween can be more of a trick than a treat if we’re not careful.
We can only imagine, right? Suddenly the world is filled with strange sounds and stranger sights, and it’s all just a little much. But Halloween doesn’t have to leave anyone’s fur standing on end. Here are four simple steps we use to keep our pets safe and happy when the ghosts come out to play.
First, keep the candy away
Most pet people know chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, but did you know that the sweetener xylitol can be, too? Same for raisins, macadamia nuts, and salty snacks. So always stash the booty where eager noses can’t reach.
Second, decor should stay as decorations
Pumpkins and corn aren’t poisonous, but those cobs can cause scary blockages. And moldy pumpkins lead to the kind of stomach upset that’s a horror all by itself. (We’ve all been there!) Lit jack-o-lanterns, electric cords, and the batteries in Halloween toys are hazards, too.
Third, don't leave your pets outside
They’re happier indoors, hopefully well away from the doorbell in a contained space if you can manage it. Any place where the noise and confusion barely register is perfect.
Whatever you do, make sure your pet is wearing ID and/or has a microchip. Halloween is prime time for runaways as startled pets bolt for safer territory with all of the terrifying noises and unsettling commotion.
Fourth, try some CBD to help calm and soothe your pet
If your pet reacts poorly to Halloween’s chills no matter what you do, a little CBD might help calm anxious nerves. That’s the kind of Halloween treat they’ll always appreciate. Here’s a favorite recipe of ours that’s sure to calm your pet and keep them occupied.
Candy Corn CBD Halloween Frozen Dog Treats
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 8 3 oz treats
- Serving Size: 1 treat
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup plain non-fat yogurt
- 1-2 small bananas
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 oz paper cups
- Austin and Kat CBD tincture
Instructions
- Put a spoonful of yogurt into the bottom of the paper cups (about 1/2 cup total)
- Freeze for 1 - 1.5 hours
- Mix 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 cup pumpkin (optional)
- Add a spoonful of the yogurt/pumpkin mixture or just canned pumpkin to the paper cups
- Add 2mg of your favorite Austin and Kat CBD tincture per 10lbs of dog weight to each cup
- Freeze for 1 - 1.5 hours
- Mash 1-2 bananas
- Mix bananas with 1/2 cup plain yogurt. An immersion blender works great too. (optional)
- Add a spoonful of the yogurt/banana mixture or just mashed bananas to the paper cups
- Freeze for 1 - 1.5 hours
- Peel off the paper cup and serve