A cheerful dachshund dressed in a Halloween outfit, sitting in a veterinary clinic decorated with pumpkins and festive decorations.Halloween is nearly here — the costumes are ready, the lollies are stocked, and those inflatable skeletons are making an appearance around Narre Warren! While it’s a great night for families, our pets can find all the noise, unfamiliar visitors and strange costumes a little confusing.

This year, instead of another “don’t let your pet eat chocolate” reminder (still important, of course!), we’re taking a playful look at Halloween through your pet’s eyes.

🐾 The Doorbell Dilemma

For us, the doorbell means excited trick-or-treaters.

For your dog, it’s a steady stream of suspicious masked intruders arriving every five minutes!

If your pet finds that stressful, give them a comfy space away from the front door, some background noise, and a favourite toy or treat. They’ll appreciate a calm night while you handle the candy traffic.

👻 Costumes: Fun or Frightening?

Pets in costumes? Adorable. But not all animals are on board with the dress-up game.

If your pet enjoys it, keep things light, comfy, and short-lived. If they’re not feeling it, grab a quick photo and call it a day — no spooky stress required.

🍬 Lollies vs Pet Treats

Halloween snacks are great for us, but many are toxic to pets — including chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free lollies), and raisins.

If your furry mate gives you those irresistible eyes while you unwrap the goodies, swap in something pet-safe instead. A few pieces of cooked chicken or some homemade dog treats will do the trick.

🕯️ Decorations: Spooky or Sneaky Hazards?

Cobwebs, glow sticks, flickering candles — they set the scene for us, but for pets they can be tempting toys (or hazards).

Keep decorations out of reach and go for battery candles where possible. Cats, especially, can’t resist exploring something new and stringy!

👻 Final Thoughts

Halloween should be fun for everyone — even the four-legged kind. A few small adjustments can make all the difference in keeping your pets happy, relaxed and safe on the night.

From all of us at Narre Warren Vet Clinic — have a safe and spooky (but pet-friendly!) Halloween! 🎃