Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Halloween can be a fun time for children and families. But for pets it can be a nightmare. Avoid the stress and dangers this year by following these easy tips.

Trick-or-treat – not for pets

All forms of chocolate — especially baking or dark chocolate — can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures.

Halloween sweets containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures.

Keep pets confined

Not only will your door be constantly opening and closing on Halloween, but strangers will be dressed in unusual costumes and yelling loudly. This is scary for our furry friends. Putting your dog or cat in a secure room away from the front door will also prevent them from darting outside.

Keep Halloween plants such as pumpkins and corn out of reach

Although they are relatively nontoxic, such plants can induce gastrointestinal upset should your pets ingest them in large quantities. Intestinal blockage can even occur if large pieces are swallowed.

Don’t keep lit pumpkins around pets

Should they get too close, they run the risk of burning themselves or knocking it over and causing a fire.

Don’t dress your pet in a costume

If you do decide that your pet needs a costume, make sure it isn’t uncomfortable or unsafe. It should not constrict movement, hearing, or the ability to breathe or bark and meow. If they seem distressed, allergic, or show abnormal behavior, then its best to go without. Festive bandanas are a good alternative.

ID tags

If your dog or cat should escape and become lost, having the proper identification will increase the chances that they will be returned. Just make sure the information is up-to-date.

Use calming solutions

Halloween can be a stressful time for your pets. To help them out, consider the use of a calming product such as Pet Remedy during the festive period. A plug in diffuser placed in the home will help them to fell relaxed and less stressed out by all the decorations, noise and costumes. You could also consider a Pet Remedy spray which can be applied on their bandana/collar or if your pet is wearing a costume you could spray that to help them feel comfortable and relaxed when wearing it.