Halloween Safety Tips for Pet Owners
Halloween can be a fun time for families, but it can also be stressful—or even dangerous—for our furry companions. Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe during this spooky season:
First, if your pet tends to be anxious around strangers, it’s best to keep them at home while you’re out trick-or-treating. If you’re staying in to hand out candy, consider placing your pet in a kennel or a quiet room away from the front door. This will help them feel more secure while unfamiliar visitors come and go.
Make sure your pet has proper identification, such as a microchip or a collar with an ID tag, in case they slip out during all the Halloween commotion.
Thinking about dressing up your pet? Make sure their costume fits well and doesn’t have any small parts they could swallow. Never leave your pet unattended in their costume—those small pieces can be a choking hazard.
Be cautious with decorations. Use flameless candles, or place real candles out of your pet’s reach to avoid accidental burns or fires. And if you’re decorating with dried corn cobs, be aware that these can be dangerous if ingested, often leading to surgery.
Perhaps most importantly, keep candy out of reach! Chocolate and xylitol (a sweetener found in many sugar-free candies) are toxic to pets. Even candy wrappers can cause serious problems like blockages. If your pet gets into something they shouldn’t, contact us or Animal Poison Control immediately.
Remember to keep glow sticks, Halloween makeup, and face paint away from curious noses. If your pet happens to ingest any of these items, call Animal Poison Control to find out if they’re toxic.
Make a list of important numbers today, so you’re ready for any unexpected emergencies! Include your vet’s number, your local emergency clinic, and Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435. Keep this list somewhere easy to find—when every second counts, having these numbers handy can make all the difference.
With these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and happy Halloween with your pets!