The Halloween Season can be loads of fun for you and your pets, but it also comes with its own set of hazards. To safely enjoy all the fun of Halloween, plan ahead and take some simple precautions to keep your furry family members safe.
NO HUMAN TREATS FOR PETS
DIt's important to remember that pets should not be allowed access to the treats we humans look forward to at Halloween. All human treats should be kept away from pets because the sugar and salt they contain are not healthy for pets. Some Halloween food items pose even more extreme dangers. Among the most dangerous for cats and dogs are:
- Chocolate
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine chemicals. Both are stimulants that are dangerous to pets. Depending on the type and amount ingested and the size and breed of your pet, exposure can cause gastrointestinal concerns, cardiac distress, and neurological issues, including tremors and seizures. - Xylitol
Xylitol is a commonly used artificial sweetener. It can be found in a variety of products, including candies and some peanut butters. So, read your ingredient labels carefully before offering any human foods to your pet. Ingesting even a small amount of Xylitol can cause a dog's blood sugar to drop dangerously low. It can also result in liver damage and seizures. For cats, the effects can be limited to gastrointestinal upset. However, it is best to restrict pet exposure to xylitol altogether. - Grapes and Raisins
Although these are healthy Halloween snack alternatives for humans, they can be deadly for dogs. Grapes and raisins contain tartaric acid, which is harmless to humans but can cause acute kidney failure in cats or dogs. - Macademia Nuts
The exact cause of Macademia Nut Toxicity in dogs and cats is still not fully understood, but it is known that ingesting even a tiny amount is dangerous. Symptoms can include weakness, vomiting, tremors, trouble walking, and hypothermia. - Food Wrappers
Don't forget to keep all the food packaging away from pets, as well. Wrappers and other items, such as lollipop or candied apple sticks, are tempting to pets. If ingested, they can cause possible choking, indigestion, or digestive blockages.
The best course of action is prevention! Keep all human Halloween treats and their wrappers stored in secure, closed containers out of the reach of pets. If you must share a seasonal treat for your pet, check your local pet store for pet-safe Halloween-themed biscuits and treats. You can also give your pet small quantities of canned, unseasoned pumpkin or apple slices without seeds.
DECORATIONS
Making our homes look spooky for Halloween is a lot of fun, but if you have pets, you need to take precautions so they can't access dangerous decorations. Some items of particular importance are:
- Open Flames
Candles, Jack-o'-lanterns, firepits, and fireplaces can help set the Halloween mood. With this in mind, it's important to remember that pets should never be left unsupervised around a burning candle or any open flame. Curious pets could burn themselves exploring an open flame or knock over a candle, starting a house or brush fire. - String Lights
Pets who like to chew should be kept away from string lights and other electric cords to prevent possible electrocutions or fire hazards from chewed wires. - Dry Ice
Dry ice can add that spooky ambiance to your Halloween party, but it is dangerous for pets. Contact with dry ice can damage a pet's skin or cause oral frostbite if they chew it or try to eat it. - Glow Items
Glow sticks are great fun for kids and adults, and can be used to make trick-or-treating in the dark safer. However, they should be kept away from pets. The glow liquid can cause gastric and skin irritation upon contact. - Plastic Decor
Supervise pets carefully at all times around cobweb decorations, plastic skeletons, styrofoam tombstones, etc. Any decoration that can be chewed or has small pieces presents a risk of choking and/or gastrointestinal damage.
TRICK-OR-TREATING
While you are having fun handing out candy, the steady stream of costumed people and the extra noise and excitement of Halloween may be stressful for your pets. Here are some tips to minimize their anxiety:
- Create a Quiet Environment
Prepare a quiet room or corner so that your pet can get away from the excitement. If your dog is accustomed to being crated, they may be most at ease in their crate. - Doorbell Noise
If the doorbell makes your pet go crazy, consider sitting outside to hand out candy. - Block Visual Access
To further create a calming environment, you may want to close blinds and drapes to prevent your pet from seeing a steady parade of trick-or-treaters in costume. - Provide Necessities
Make sure that your pet has all its needs met. Walk your dog before Trick-or-Treat begins. Provide a cozy bed, their favorite toy, and a fresh bowl of water. - Check on Pets
Check on your pets frequently to reassure them. Praise your pet for remaining calm and reward them with treats.
Some pet owners take their dogs along for Trick-or-treating. If your dog is calm and friendly and you choose to do so, make sure to follow these safety tips.
COSTUMES
We know it is fun to dress your dog or cat in a costume for Halloween, and it can be done safely. Here are some guidelines to make sure your pet costume is safe and enjoyable for them as well as you:
- Non-Restrictive
Make sure that all pet costumes fit properly and do not restrict breathing, movement, sight, or hearing. It is best to let your pet try the costume at home before Halloween. If they are not comfortable or become distressed, skip the costume. It is not worth causing your pet physical or emotional stress. - Safety Features
Just like human costumes, your pets' costumes should have safety features. They should not be so long that they pose a tripping hazard. Costumes should not have loose or chewable parts that are a choking hazard. - Human Costumes
For some pets, seeing their humans in costumes can be scary or emotionally distressing. Slowly introduce human costumes so that your pets are not overwhelmed or frightened.
PREVENT RUNAWAYS
During Halloween, despite our best efforts, people can become distracted and pets may become agitated. These two facts combined could cause your pet to bolt through an open door or gate, or pull away from you if on-leash. Below are some important steps you can take for quick, safe recovery in this worst-case scenario:
- Proper Identification
All pets should have the proper identification on their collar and be microchipped for identification and recovery. - Reflective Collars
In the excitement of the holiday, drivers may be more distracted than normal. This makes it even more important that your pet be easily visible. Having a reflective collar will help your pet be seen in the dark on Halloween or any night.
CAT SAFETY AT HALLOWEEN
For your cat's safety, even if they are an indoor/outdoor cat, we suggest keeping them inside for the entire week of Halloween. Unfortunately, cruel people do exist who think it's acceptable to harm cats around Halloween, particularly black cats. The chances of this happening are low, but it's not worth taking even a marginal risk.
If you have any questions about pet Halloween safety or feel your pet needs veterinary attention, feel free to contact our office.
336-644-1522