Halloween Pet Safety Tips

As the cooler weather rolls in and Halloween approaches, it’s important to keep our pets safe and stress-free during the festivities. Whether you’re handing out candy, hosting a party, or decorating your home, here are some key tips to help protect your furry (or feathered) family members.

Managing Stress During Trick-or-Treating Halloween can be overwhelming for pets due to the constant doorbell ringing, excited voices, and people in costumes. To minimize stress, keep your pets in a separate, quiet room during trick-or-treating hours. Make sure they are wearing collars with identification tags, and double-check that their microchip information is up to date. This ensures they can be reunited with you quickly if they accidentally escape. If the weather is nice, consider handing out candy outside to avoid the doorbell altogether.

Out and About on Halloween Night While it might be tempting to bring your dog along for trick-or-treating, it’s generally safer to leave them at home. Costumes, masks, and decorations can be frightening to pets, and unfamiliar environments can lead to anxiety or unexpected reactions. Additionally, glow sticks, often used for safety during trick-or-treating, can be hazardous if chewed. The liquid inside is bitter and can cause drooling and discomfort. If ingested, offer your pet a small treat or a bit of milk to help with the taste, but contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Parties and Gatherings If you’re hosting a Halloween party, keep your pets in a secure area away from the festivities. Costumes can be scary for pets, and frequent comings and goings increase the risk of escape. Ensure guests know to keep doors closed and not to feed your pets any party snacks. Supervise pets closely around children, as costumes and high energy levels can cause stress or defensive behavior.

Outdoor Safety No matter how well-behaved your pets are, Halloween is not the time to leave them outside unattended. Pranks and thefts can occur, and black cats are particularly at risk due to harmful superstitions. Keep all pets indoors where they are safe.

Decorations and Hazards

• Candles: Opt for flameless, battery-operated candles to prevent burns or fires. Keep batteries out of reach, as they can cause chemical burns if chewed.
• Lights and Wires: Keep cords and string lights out of reach to prevent chewing hazards, which can lead to electrical shock.
• Spooky Decor: Decorations that make noise, flash lights, or move suddenly can stress pets. Place these items in areas your pets don’t frequent or limit their use.
• Toxic Decorations: Pumpkins and decorative corn, while not highly toxic, can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested, especially when moldy. Mold can produce harmful toxins that affect your pet’s nervous system.

Costume Considerations If you plan to dress up your pet, ensure the costume fits well and does not restrict movement, breathing, vision, or hearing. Avoid costumes with small parts that can be chewed off and pose a choking hazard. Test the costume in advance to ensure your pet is comfortable. If they seem anxious, opt for a simple accessory like a festive bandana instead.

Candy and Treat Safety Keep all candy out of reach. Chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs, with dark chocolate being the most dangerous. Sugar-free candies often contain xylitol, a sweetener that can cause seizures and liver failure in dogs. Even healthy snacks like raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, and pumpkin seeds may cause stomach upset in small pets.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

By following these tips, you can ensure a fun, safe, and stress-free Halloween for both you and your pets.