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Costumes and Decorations
When dressing your pet for Halloween or holiday photos, choose costumes that allow for easy movement and comfort.
Pets are curious and attracted to shiny decorations. Help keep them safe by opting for shatterproof ornaments, avoiding tinsel and hanging small or salt-dough ornaments high and out of reach. After opening gifts, be sure to quickly dispose of wrapping paper, bows and string, as they can be choking hazards.
Food and Drinks
Stash away your Halloween loot and always keep food and drinks out of your pet’s reach. Remind your guests not to give your pet any treats, especially those containing chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or meat scraps, as these can be especially harmful. Pack away any leftover food as soon as possible. Pets quickly absorb alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning, so keep beverages out of reach as well.
Candles and Burns
Open flames pose serious burn risks. Maintain a safe distance between pets and sources of heat such as fireplaces and wood stoves, as curiosity can lead them to get too close, and keep candles and festive lights out of reach. Never leave a candle or fire unattended, even for a short period, as this can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation for you and your pets.
Plants and Trees
While holiday trees are generally nontoxic, the water in the tree stand can pose a risk, as it may contain bacteria, mold or fertilizers. To prevent your pet from drinking this water, consider using a tree skirt. Additionally, festive plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, lilies, holly and amaryllis can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep these plants out of reach of curious pets.
Cold Weather Walking
Keep dogs on a non retractable leash when walking in the early morning and late evening hours. Both you and your pet should wear high-visibility gear, and it’s important to avoid paths, roads and trails with limited lighting.
If you’re in an area with snow and ice, be extra cautious in poor conditions and monitor the wind chill. Dress your pet warmly with a sweater, jacket and booties to help them be more comfortable in the cold.
Costumes and Decorations
When dressing your pet for Halloween or holiday photos, choose costumes that allow for easy movement and comfort.
Pets are curious and attracted to shiny decorations. Help keep them safe by opting for shatterproof ornaments, avoiding tinsel and hanging small or salt-dough ornaments high and out of reach. After opening gifts, be sure to quickly dispose of wrapping paper, bows and string, as they can be choking hazards.
Food and Drinks
Stash away your Halloween loot and always keep food and drinks out of your pet’s reach. Remind your guests not to give your pet any treats, especially those containing chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or meat scraps, as these can be especially harmful. Pack away any leftover food as soon as possible. Pets quickly absorb alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning, so keep beverages out of reach as well.
Candles and Burns
Open flames pose serious burn risks. Maintain a safe distance between pets and sources of heat such as fireplaces and wood stoves, as curiosity can lead them to get too close, and keep candles and festive lights out of reach. Never leave a candle or fire unattended, even for a short period, as this can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation for you and your pets.
Plants and Trees
While holiday trees are generally nontoxic, the water in the tree stand can pose a risk, as it may contain bacteria, mold or fertilizers. To prevent your pet from drinking this water, consider using a tree skirt. Additionally, festive plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, lilies, holly and amaryllis can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep these plants out of reach of curious pets.
Cold Weather Walking
Keep dogs on a non retractable leash when walking in the early morning and late evening hours. Both you and your pet should wear high-visibility gear, and it’s important to avoid paths, roads and trails with limited lighting.
If you’re in an area with snow and ice, be extra cautious in poor conditions and monitor the wind chill. Dress your pet warmly with a sweater, jacket and booties to help them be more comfortable in the cold.
Emergency Situations That Require Immediate Attention: |
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Severe accident or trauma |
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Vomiting or diarrhea that goes on for an extended time |
| • | Severe fever or malaise |
• | Birthing problems |
| • | Broken bone |
• | Collapse |
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Hit by a car |
• | Seizures |
| • | Shock |
• | Uncontrolled bleeding |
| • |
Attack by another animal |
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Known or suspected toxin ingestion |
| • |
Difficulty breathing or severe coughing |
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When every moment matters, our elite Emergency Care teams mobilize instantly, delivering fast, lifesaving interventions for your pet.
*Get 50% off one emergency exam. Only available at participating hospitals offering emergency care listed in the hospital locator above (or visit vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital). Not valid toward any other services or products, such as veterinary services, boarding, diagnostics, treatments, vaccines, medication or retail items. Offer good for up to two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not to be combined with any other offer. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No Cash Value. Valid from 10/27/25 to 1/9/26. Administrative services provided by VCA Animal Hospitals.
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