Trick or Treat

Halloween can be a fun event for families and their pets. However, if safety precautions are not taken, it can also be a hazardous time for our four-legged companions. Here are some practical yet potentially life-saving tips that can help protect your pets on Halloween.

1. Dangerous Pet Costumes

Never leave a pet unattended while wearing a costume. Small (or large) parts of a costume can become chewed and ingested and can in turn potentially lead to foreign body ingestion which can be life threatening to your pet.

2. Halloween Decorations and Fire Hazards

If you like to decorate your home in the Halloween spirit, take into consideration what you're putting on display and where the decorations will be placed. Easy-to-reach decorations — or candles — can be eaten or knocked over, potentially leading to choking, foreign body ingestion, electrical shock and even burns and a household fire.

Err on the side of caution while decorating and choose pet-safe products.

3. Noise Affects Pets

Dogs and cats can become skittish and anxiety ridden on Halloween due to the incessant ringing of the doorbell, constant squeals and chatter just outside the door, and small fireworks set off in the street.

In addition, the barrage of strangers dressed in unfamiliar and scary costumes can alarm some pets, increasing their anxiety. Take extra precaution on Halloween: gauge your pet's typical reaction while greeting visitors and decide if putting up a baby gate or leaving your dog or cat in a back room of the house would keep them calmer throughout the evening.

4. Candy and Chocolate Are Toxic

Candy and chocolate are never good for dogs or cats and on Halloween there is an increased chance that Fluffy and Fido may consume treats meant for tricksters.

·        Chocolate and xylitol, a sweetener found in many candies, can be extremely toxic to pets.

·        Lollipops and their sticks can be choking hazards and cause a painful obstruction or foreign body ingestion that may require surgery to remove.

·        Candies wrapped in plastic and other types of wrapping can also lead to chocking or cause an obstruction and upset stomach. 

5. Lost Pets

Halloween isn't an ideal time to let your dog or cat wander outside unattended. While there aren't any documented reports or statistics to indicate that pet abduction increases on Halloween, be mindful that a prankster or a mean-spirited individual could be inspired to mess with your pet.

Take caution and keep pets indoors with you, or escort them outside on a leash if you plan on including your pet in neighborhood festivities. Sudden noises and strange-looking costumes can also spook your pet, causing them to run away, therefore, it’s always a good idea to adorn your pet with a collar and identification tags in case you become separated.

If you dog is not micro-chipped, make sure they have their collar and ID tags. 

Please share what you do to keep your dog safe on Halloween!