Halloween pointers - safety for pets

A collection of Halloween pointers

Halloween can present many dangers to our pet family members.   Costumes, noises and candy can make Halloween a frightening night for pets.

1. Keep pets away from the candy bowl
Not only is chocolate a major toxin  for dogs, (and cats), but over the years we have seen many pets ingest not only the candy, but also the entire wrapper. 

​​Hard candies and lollipop sticks are also choke hazards as they can get lodged in pets’ throats, stomachs and intestinal tracts.   If you suspect your pet has taken a treat from your Halloween haul, monitor him or her for appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart or respiratory rates,  tremors, and call us or the local veterinary emergency hospital immediately if you witness any of these signs. 

2. Use pet-friendly treats 
Include your dog and cat  in the trick-or-treating fun by giving him or her a special treat made for pets.  We have numerous and varied treats here in the hospital that you can choose from, designed for their best health, taking into account their weight and medical needs.  Squeaky pumpkin-shaped toys are also a great option to keep Fido entertained while you sort out candy with the kids.

3. Use caution when dressing up
Dressing up your cat or dog for Halloween can be plenty of fun, but bear in mind that safety should be a major priority when choosing a pet costume.  Neck, leg and tail openings should be large enough to allow movement, and Velcro and elastics shouldn’t be so tight that they rub or pinch your pet’s skin.  We have treated patients in the past for serious lacerations that have occurred because of elastics being too tight, disturbing blood circulation.  Allow a two-finger width space between the costume and your pet’s neck to ensure unrestricted airflow and make sure there’s nothing obstructing his or her vision.

Remember to always keep a close eye on costumed pets. If they seem uncomfortable about their new disguise and are trying to scratch, chew or tear their way out of the costume, remove the costume immediately.

4. Remove choking hazards from costumes
Inspect your pet’s costume for dangling ties that they might trip over and remove any sequins or bobbles that can be chewed on.  Swallowed pieces of costumes can cause serious and potentially life threatening intestinal blockages.

5. Remember Pet identification 
Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification in case they accidentally escape into the night. While veterinarians and humane societies all have microchip scanners, your neighbours do not. Ensuring your pet has a collar with their name and your contact information on it increases the chances they will be returned to you in the event he or she  becomes lost.  Also remember that you can register your pet on line with the QR code that is on our rabies tag,  linked to a website designed to help your lost pet find their way home.

6. Know when to take furry trick-or-treaters home
Taking your dog trick-or-treating can be  fun, but  some pets may find the excitement of the evening too much, leading to nervousness and possible problems.  If you do take your dog  trick-or-treating with your children, monitor closely, and if you do see any signs of anxiousness please do turn around and take them home right away.

7. Walk safely
Keep your dog on a short leash while trick-or-treating and make him or her visible by adding reflective tape to the  costume or a collar with LED lights. If your dog is a smaller breed, do keep an eye out to make sure they do not accidentally get stepped on by busy trick-or-treaters!

8. Give pets a safe room
  Pets who are at home during the Halloween evening can become agitated by the doorbell constantly ringing and the commotion associated with all of the visiting children.  You may want to consider a quiet room, away from the noise of the front door.  Include  your pet’s essentials in the room: food, water, toys and a litter box for cats.  Playing soft gentle music for them in this room can also have a calming effect.  If you have observed in  previous years that your pet gets quite anxious during Halloween night,  please ask to speak with Dr. Gold about the options available.  We have  natural products  that can help to reduce anxiety, which can be dispensed when appropriate.  We even have specially made cat food available that can naturally calm anxious cats.  

9. Bring outdoor cats inside - it is safer, and it is the law
Your cat may love to prowl outdoors, but Halloween night can contain too many dangers to allow cats to wander. The noise and excitement on the street can be overwhelming and cause them to run off and get lost. While the occasional cat may not be happy about staying indoors, their well-being is more important than missing a midnight jaunt. Oakville has a bylaw that bans cats from wondering on their own outside, for good reason.

10. Make decorations pet-friendly
Using a battery operated light instead of a candle can greatly enhance safety for your pet, by avoiding curiosity caused burns as well as accidental house fires which can be caused by a pet knocking over lit candles.  Any decoration that can be chewed or swallowed should  be kept out of reach of all pets.

If you have any questions at all about your pets, please do not hesitate to call us at 905-338-6257.