Halloween is a magical time of year filled with superheroes, princesses, ghosts and goblins. But it can also be a bit overwhelming and even dangerous for pets. Here’s how to make sure your pet has a fright-free Halloween!
Decorate with pet safety in mind
When decorating for Halloween, make sure to use pet-safe options. Pumpkins and pumpkin seeds, while non-toxic, can upset your pet’s stomach if eaten in large quantities. The same goes for colored corn cobs that can block the digestive tract. Decorations like cobwebs, toys or other spooky accessories may be tempting for pets to chew on and could be accidentally ingested. With wagging tails and romping pets, candlelit jack-o’-lanterns are a burn and fire hazard. As an extra safety precaution, use battery-powered candles to get the same scary effect! Be sure to use pet-safe paint for Halloween decorations if you plan on involving your pet in the festivities.
Keep pets in a secured area
With all the excitement of trick-or-treaters coming to the door, your pet might feel anxious or scared. To keep pets calm and secure, one of the best Halloween safety tips for pets is to keep them in a secure room, away from the doorbell and costumed visitors. To help block out the noise, turn on the television, play calming music or turn on a fan. Keeping your pets secured behind closed doors, preferably in their cozy crate, also prevents an unwanted escape by a fearful pet.
Keep chocolate and candy out of reach
One of the most important Halloween pet safety tips is to keep chocolate away from your pet. Chocolate can be toxic depending on the quantity and type eaten, and candy wrappers can cause intestinal upset and gastrointestinal blockage. And one of the most critical Halloween dog safety tips is to keep all mints, candies and gum artificially sweetened with xylitol away from your pet. Xylitol is toxic to pets, causing dogs to experience a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels and may lead to seizures. Suspect an accidental nibble? Contact your veterinarian right away. You can also start a free Live Chat* with a licensed veterinary professional anytime through the myVCA™ app.
Avoid costumes, even if your pet loves to play dress up
While pet costumes are very cute, they may be uncomfortable or downright scary. Some can obstruct senses, be a constant tripping hazard or be chewed accidentally. So, skip the possible scare and keep your companion comfy by opting for a festive collar, harness or bandana.
Leave pets at home when trick-or-treating
Including pets in activities is important for many families. For Halloween, however, it may be better to have your pet skip the festivities. With so many strange sights and sounds, your dog or cat may become frightened. If your pet suffers from anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about natural remedies or supplements, like Feliway or Adaptil.
*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
