Halloween Tips for Homes with Dogs

Create Spooky but Stress-Free Spaces

Every autumn, you’ll see Tampa Bay homeowners going all out when decorating interior and exterior spaces. Some things, however, could scare your dogs into loud barking fits, while other decorations could look like chew toys attracting your dog to bite into the décor.

Each pet is different in terms of handling their environment.  As a rule, be sure to hang things like floating ghosts out-of-reach from dogs and curious cats. Also, be sure pets cannot reach or pull down choking hazards like those fake cobwebs with plastic-spiders.

Keep Dogs Safe During Parties and Festivities

Many dogs love wearing costumes as much as pet-parents love seeing them adorably dressed.  If your dog enjoys being the center of attention, be sure to hunt down a great costume. Stores sell everything from little monster costumes to caped canine crusaders.

Importantly, keeping sociable dogs entertained, fenced in a yard, or secured on a leash will help everyone enjoy Halloween events. Check news and county websites for times and dates for Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco County to plan around official event schedules.

Also, trick-or-treating events are often loud and chaotic for homes with dogs. Be sure your dog has proper identification, such as tags on their collar with your current contact information. If your dog is more skittish, consider creating a safe space inside your Tampa Bay home. This might include dimmed lights and white noise to drown out the excited screams of trick-or-treaters.

Be Careful with Candy and Chocolates

Without fail, there seems to always be candy littered around houses, yards, and sidewalks after parties and trick-or-treating events. Chocolate and certain types of candies with Xylitol can lead to dangerous poisonings for your dogs and cats.

In addition to candy, baked goods could pose a risk with negative reactions to yeast. Unbaked doughs, specifically, can cause expansion in your dog’s stomach. Keep food in out-of-reach places and make sure all garbage cans are covered and kept away from pets to prevent access.

Tampa Bay Promotes Pet-Friendly Homes

The Tampa Bay area promotes happy communities for people and pets.  Pet-friendly homes are an important part of the homebuying process. Our real estate team would be happy to help you buy or sell your pet-friendly Florida property. From safe sidewalks to fantastic parks and beaches, every person and pet has reasons to love this area.

Happy Halloween! Contact Dick and Karla Nielsen today for more information about buying, selling, and investing in Florida real estate.