Halloween Helpers

On a night of frightful fun, pets may end up anxious and scared. Experts weigh in on how to keep your furry friends from fretting.

- By Lizz Schumer

Whether it's kids ringing the doorbell, familiar faces obscured by costumes or being dressed in disguises themselves, pets can experience more trick than treat on Halloween. A little advance preparation can help your furry friends make it through the night unscathed.

KEEP THEM CALM

If your pet barks at the bell or tries to dart out when you open the door, consider putting them in a different room when trick-or-treaters come calling, says Amy Attas, V.M.D., founder of house call veterinary service City Pets. Turn on background noise like TV or radio to help drown out the commotion outside. Keeping the door open while you hand out treats or setting up a help-yourself table outside the door can also prevent the doorbell issue.

A playdate for pets can give them something fun and stress-free to do on Halloween night, advises Cherice Roth, D.V.M., chief veterinary officer at digital pet care company Fuzzy. Coordinating with friends or neighbors to keep a few friendly animals in a place that won't be participating in trick-or-treating will remove them from the equation altogether.