Pet Safety Tips for Halloween

Halloween can be a chaotic holiday. With strangers coming to our door, strange costumes and candy galore, it can be a dangerous time for our beloved pets. Luckily,Dr. Amy Van Tassel gave us her tips for Halloween safety for our furry friends.

On Costumes:

Some dogs and cats tolerate costumes well, particularly those who have worn clothing before. Others are resistant and become very stressed. Pay attention to whether you pet is the type that enjoys a best costume contest or if they’d prefer to celebrate modestly by wearing a simple bandana or decorative collar. If your pet shows resistance to costumes, don’t dress them up. 

When shopping for a costume, bring your pet along to the store to be sure the costume fits well and will be tolerated. Your pet should be able to walk unobstructed in the costume and no areas should fit too snugly. Avoid any costume with accessories or adornments that may be chewed off and ingested.

On Candy: 

Always keep all human candy and sweets away from your pet! Many are toxic and can cause illness ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to death. If your pet gets into the sweets or shows any signs of having eaten something inappropriately such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, call your veterinarian or an emergency facility immediately.  Knowing what and how much your pet ingested will be helpful in properly treating them. Keep in mind, timing is very important.  Calling early can be the difference between life and death. 

On the events of the day:

If you look at Halloween from your pet’s perspective, it’s easy to see how the events could seem very confusing and scary with familiar faces masked and dressed oddly, excited trick-or-treaters running around, constant ringing of the doorbell, strangers jumping out of concealed areas trying to cause a fright.

When pets become scared, their first instinct is usually to run. The most likely point of escape will be the door that keeps opening and closing for guests or trick-or-treaters. Place a barrier such as a baby gate between your pet and the front door. Always make sure your pet can be identified with either a tag or microchip—just in case. 

Halloween decorations can also be a problem for pets. Prevent your pet’s access to open flames of candles and pumpkins. 

Only take your dog walking on Halloween if you can pay close attention to them and their surroundings. Your dog may become startled when someone approaches and react uncharacteristically or instinctively to protect you. Stay alert, keep your dog on a leash, and be prepared to remove your dog from any problematic situation.

Watch your pet’s reaction to all the commotion of Halloween. If your pet is not enjoying himself, don’t hesitate to let him have a room or area of the house to have as his own, away from all the activity. And watch the candy—not only Halloween night, but as long as it’s in the house!