All Treats, No Tricks! 4 Tips to Keep Pets Safe This Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner, kicking off the holiday season. It’s time to start planning your costumes and taking some precautions to keep your pets safe. Whether you’re passing out candy or hosting a Halloween bash, these tips can help keep everybody happy and healthy. 

#1: Keep Candy Out of Paws’ Reach

Whether you’re stocking up for trick-or-treaters or just treating yourself, Halloween is a candy holiday! Most pet owners know that chocolate is a no-no. But other candies can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even poisoning. For example, artificial sweeteners in sugar-free candies are dangerous for pets. Even small amounts of xylitol—also labelled as birch sugar—can be toxic. You can check out this in-depth guide to pet-safe Halloween treats from AHAA for more specific dos and don’ts.

If there are kids in the house, talk to them about keeping pets safe by safely storing candy and throwing wrappers away. One of the best ways to avoid an emergency trip to the vet next weekend is to keep the candy stash well out of paws’ reach!

#2: Low Stress Trick-or-Treating 

Ghouls and goblins, princesses and robots, there’s no telling who will stop by the front door on Halloween night! Even the calmest and most social pets can struggle with trick-or-treating. Luckily, a few extra precautions can keep your furry friends safe. 

First, make sure pets are microchipped or wearing up-to-date ID tags on Halloween. Every time you open the door to greet a group of trick-or-treaters, it gives your pet a chance to bolt. To keep things simple, consider using a baby gate to keep them away from the front door.
 
Pets who are anxious about frequent visitors might prefer to be in a separate, quiet room. Some will even benefit from a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to reduce stress. Talk to your vet about options if your pet might like a little help relaxing on Halloween Eve!

#3: Pet Costume Fit Check

Nobody wants to wear tight, pinchy, or restrictive clothes—including your pets! The best pet costumes fit comfortably and don’t restrict their ability to move. Things like masks, hats, and other things that fit around the face might be ok for a quick photo opp, but most pets won’t appreciate wearing them all night. We also recommend removing any chewable parts or objects that could pose a choking hazard. 

If your pet still looks uncomfortable, take it off! They’re just as cute in their birthday suits anyway 😉

#4: Decorate with Care

We love a decorative gourd as much as the next person, but remember to decorate with care this Halloween! Keep electrical cords and wires covered or out of pets’ reach. Open flames, including candles in jack-o-lanterns, should be outdoors and away from pets or out of their reach. 

Other decorations, like fake cobwebs and rotting pumpkins, are dangerous if they get eaten. Finally, while fog machines are great for adding some spooky ambience, they aren’t always pet-friendly. Some foggers are chemical-based and toxic to pets. Be sure to decorate with care and keep pets’ safety top of mind. 

Have A Spook-tacular Halloween
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By taking a few precautions, you can make sure your Halloween is full of treats and no tricks. If your pet gets into trouble, Mountainside Veterinary Hospital is here to help. Happy Halloween, from all of us! 

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