Halloween Safety Tips

Oct 22 • 1 minute read

Happy Halloween…

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.  I love seeing all of the crazy costumes from the funny clowns, the beautiful princesses to the scary monsters.  But as much as I love Halloween, by dog does not.  To my dog Halloween in nothing more that a night where little tiny humans in scary costumes come knocking on our door screaming, “trick or treat!”  The door is surrounded by scary glowing pumpkins that make going outside terrifying, and if that was bad enough ‘Mom’ tried to put one of those scary costumes on me making moving or seeing cumbersome.

Halloween doesn’t have to be scary for our pets.  Here are a few tips to help make this a safe and happy holiday.

  • Don’t leave your pet outside unattended on Halloween. Pranks against pets, especially black cats, can be vicious.
  • Keep Halloween candles and lit pumpkins out of the reach of your pets.  Curious noses and paws could cause serious fires.
  • If you decide to dress your pet up for Halloween make sure the costume does not interfere with your pet’s ability to breathe, see, hear, move, or bark.
  • Keep your pet in a separate room during trick-or-treats hours.  Strange people in strange costume could frighten your pet.
  • Also make sure that your pet is properly identified in case they decide to escape out the door or break free from their leash.Halloween treats are for people not for pets!
  • Chocolate is just as toxic for your pet on Halloween as it is the rest of the year.  The theobromine in chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, and possible seizures.  The higher the percentage of chocolate the worse it is for your pet.  Which means baking chocolate is worse than semi-sweet which is worse than dark chocolate which is worse than milk chocolate.
  • Xylitol is a sugar substitute in many sugar free gums and candies.  It causes the blood sugar to drop and can lead to possible loss of consciousness, seizures, and liver failure.
  • Avoid candy or foods that contain grapes and raisins that can cause vomiting and lead to kidney failure and possibly death.
  • Even the wrappers on candy can be a hazard for your pets.  Cellophane and tinfoil can be very harmful if swallowed.

If you suspect that your pet may have ingested or been exposed to a potential toxin or hazard contact your veterinarian immediately or call
National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) 1.800.548.2423.

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