While Halloween is an exciting time for many people, it can be a different kettle of fish for our pets. Loud noises, trick-or-treaters knocking at the door, shiny, scary outfits and creepy decorations all combine to create an unsettled atmosphere, resulting in confusion, anxiety and stress for any animal.

Yet, there are plenty of ways to create a calming environment and reduce pet stress this Halloween; here are some top tricks and tips to try.

Keep pets away from the door

The constant stream of trick-or-treaters ringing the doorbell on Halloween could cause anxiety in a pet, so keep animals in a room furthest away from the door. That way, you’ll also be certain they won’t escape through the door when it’s being opened. If it gets noisy at home, add some soothing background music or put the TV on to mask any sounds that might frighten your pet.

Keep pets indoors

With lots of people walking the streets like a scene from a horror movie, Halloween is not the night to be letting your pets outdoors, especially since many people let off fireworks early, frightening animals even more. Keep pets indoors, and if you do go trick-or-treating, don’t be tempted to tie this in with walking your dog. Make sure someone is at home with your pet if you do go out, so they have company.

Keep decorations at bay

Halloween decorations are intended to be scary, so there’s every chance your pet will be spooked by them, too. Keep decorations out of reach of animals, especially those that are noisy, have flashing lights, are shiny or have small parts, which could be a choking hazard if your pet gets hold of it.

Lit candles, whether dotted around or placed inside a pumpkin, should also be kept out of the way of pets; consider using battery-operated candles instead, which are safer.

With everyone else dressing up in costumes, you might be tempted to put a costume on your pet, but don’t force it if it seems uncomfortable being dressed up as a pumpkin or a spider.

Don’t have sweets lying around

Sweets and chocolates are part and parcel of Halloween treats, but if your pet gets hold of them, it could spell disaster. In particular, chocolate is toxic to dogs, so avoid turning Halloween into a real-life nightmare with a dash to the vets by keeping edible treats out of sight.

Use natural pet remedies

Consider using sprays, plug-ins and other Pet Remedy products for a natural way to keep stress at bay for your pets this Halloween. Pet Remedy products contain calming, non-sedative ingredients that can fill a room or a particular area, such as a pet bed, for immediate anxiety relief, ensuring Halloween doesn’t have to be so scary for our furry friends. With some products lasting several weeks, these are essential to have in at this time of year when lots of noise and bright lights are abound.

Browse the Pet Remedy shop to keep your animals calm this Halloween.