Animals are naturally eager to explore their environments, and if something is new at home, they’re keen to investigate. While this is great when you bring home a new toy or treat for your pet, this approach can lead to disastrous consequences around holidays like Halloween.
To be sure, the essence of Halloween is to have some spooky fun, but certainly not at the expense of our furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Learn more about how to apply Halloween pet safety this year and have a good time, too!
Frightful Results
Halloween is supposed to be scary, of course, but the most frightening thing that can happen is a pet emergency. From the barrage of visitors at your front door to the unattended bowls of appetizing – yet toxic – candy, Halloween pet safety rules must include the following:
- Keep the candy bowl (and trick-or-treat bags) off the floor or any surface your pet can easily access. Remember: out of sight, out of mind.
- Know the signs of pet poisoning. If your pet does eat some candy, he or she could be in for a world of hurt. If you see wrappers laying around, it’s possible your pet left them behind after devouring a fun-sized 100 Grand. Please call us; every minute counts in an emergency.
- Speaking of wrappers, pets sometimes eat them at the same time as the candy. Not only does this present a potential poisoning, but foil, plastic, or paper packaging can cause serious gastrointestinal obstruction.
- Don’t allow glow sticks or glow jewelry to enter your home. If chewed on, the chemicals that cause them to light up can poison pets.
- Familiarize your pet with any family costumes before the big night. Many costumes can cause significant stress or fear.
- If your pet is laid back enough to tolerate a costume, be sure to give him or her enough time to become comfortable in it. There should be no restrictions to mobility, vision, breathing, drinking, or going to the bathroom. Any loose or dangling parts should be removed.
- Going out with your pet? Place reflective gear on him or her or use lights on the collar.
- Continue being sensitive to your pet’s fears when out at night. Some decor, like animatronic ghosts or vampires, can be deeply upsetting to an animal who may already be scared by costumes or unpredictable noises.
- Animals with dark fur are at increased risk at night. Keep yours at home all night to protect against Halloween pranksters or motorists who have trouble seeing a black dog or cat.
- When trick-or-treaters start coming to the door, make sure your pet is in another area of the house. This will keep the stress at bay and eliminates the risk of your pet bolting through the open door.
- Just in case, make sure your pet’s microchip is updated and the collar with ID tags is in place.
- Jack-o’-lanterns can cause fires if knocked over by a wagging tail or a jumping cat. They can also singe whiskers or fur. Either keep them outside or use LED votives instead.
Halloween Pet Safety
If you have additional questions or concerns about Halloween pet safety, we encourage you to reach out to the team at Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital. Have a happy and safe holiday!
Learn more about how to apply Halloween pet safety this year and have a good time, too!
