It’s an exciting time for families filled with festive decorations, costumes and candy. To help ensure your pets stay safe this October, we’ve compiled a list of tricks and treats to avoid this Halloween.
Stash the Candy
Chocolate can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs and cats. Halloween candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to pets. Pets may experience increased heart rate, rapid breathing, diarrhea or vomiting. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Keep Pets Home
Halloween brings a flurry of activity with a constant stream of trick-or-treaters. The constant noise and stream of strangers can make pets nervous, anxious and increase the chance that they may bite. Help prevent dog bites by providing a separate room that pets can retreat to in case they need a break.
Make Sure Your Pet’s ID is Up-to-Date
If you are expecting trick-or-treaters and will be opening the front door, make sure that your pet is wearing tags and his or her microchip is up-to-date. It can take just one moment for your cat or dog to slip out the open door.
Decorate Safely
Pets can easily burn themselves or knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire. Try using flameless candles to light any jack-o’-lanterns. Always supervise your cat or dog, and make sure to place decorations well out of reach of pets. If you are dressing up your pet in a Halloween costume, make sure he or she is comfortable, the costume doesn’t obstruct their breathing or ability to open the mouth, and doesn’t include any small pieces that can be chewed off.
