Halloween is one of our favorite holidays at Broadway Oaks Animal Hospital! We love seeing our beloved pets and their humans getting into the spooky spirit. But as much as we enjoy the festivities, we know Halloween can bring some sneaky dangers for our furry friends. To help you and your pet have a safe Halloween, we’ve put together some fun and essential Halloween pet safety tips.
Spooky Snacks to Skip
Halloween is all about the treats, but not all goodies are safe for your pets. Here’s what to keep out of paw’s reach:
- Chocolate — A Halloween favorite for humans, chocolate is a serious no-no for pets. Even a little can cause hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, and a racing heart. Larger amounts can lead to heart arrhythmia, seizures, or worse.
- Raisins and Grapes — These tiny snacks can pack a big punch—causing kidney failure in pets, even in small amounts.
- Xylitol — This sneaky sweetener is found in many sugar-free candies and gums. Just a small amount can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and potentially lead to liver failure in pets.
But don’t worry—your pet doesn’t have to miss out on all the Halloween fun. Pumpkin is a fall favorite that’s not only safe, but also healthy for your furry friends. After carving those jack-o-lanterns, roast some pumpkin seeds, and share them with your pet (in moderation, of course).
You might also whip up some homemade dog biscuits using pumpkin as the star ingredient. You can even make kitty-friendly treats with pumpkin—just use some fun Halloween cookie cutters to make them festive! Alternatively, a spoonful or two of plain, canned, or cooked pumpkin (without added spices) makes for a tasty, healthy treat for both dogs and cats.
Perilous Pet Dangers to Dodge
Besides the tricky treats, there are other Halloween hazards for pets that you’ll want to avoid. Avoid these to keep your pet safe during Halloween:
- Candy wrappers: Pets love to chew on everything, but candy wrappers can cause serious intestinal blockages.
- Over-indulgence: Even the best pet-friendly treats can cause tummy troubles if your pet overdoes it.
- Decorations: Ribbons, fake spider webs, and tinsel might look fun, but they can be dangerous if your pet decides to chew on them.
- Lit candles: Keep those jack-o-lanterns and candles out of reach—curious pets and open flames are a risky combination.
- Glow sticks: If your pet bites into one of these, it can cause irritation in their mouth and stomach.
- Costume anxiety: Costumes can be cute, but not all pets enjoy wearing them. If your pet isn’t a fan, it’s okay to skip the dress-up.
- Door dashes: With the door constantly opening for trick-or-treaters, be sure your pet doesn’t make a run for it.
More Halloween Pet Safety Tips
To make sure your pet has a howling good time this Halloween, here are some additional Halloween tips for pets:
- Secure the treats: Keep chocolate and other unsafe goodies in a spot your pet can’t reach.
- Lock down the trash: Ensure your trash can is pet-proof—some pets are experts at getting into things they shouldn’t!
- No candy sharing: Stick to pet-friendly treats and keep the human candy to yourself.
- Create a cozy retreat: If your pet isn’t into all the Halloween hustle and bustle, provide them with a quiet, safe space to relax.
- Shine bright: Add reflective tape or lights to your pet’s costume or collar to keep them visible in the dark.
- Check their ID: Make sure your pet’s tags and microchip information are up-to-date.
- Costume check: If your pet is okay with dressing up, ensure the costume fits well and doesn’t restrict their movement or vision. Never leave them unattended in costume.
- Cord control: Keep electrical cords and wires safely out of reach.
- Respect their space: If your pet seems anxious or stressed, don’t force them to participate—sometimes, it’s okay to let them sit out the festivities.
- Prevent escape: Keep your pet safe and sound when the trick-or-treaters arrive by securing them in a safe spot.
We hope you and your pets have a spooktacular Halloween! If you have any questions or need more Halloween pet safety tips, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Broadway Oaks Animal Hospital. Happy Howl-o-ween!