Halloween Pet Safety Tips
Halloween is a wonderful time of celebration for kids and adults alike. As much as we want to share the festivities with our pets, it’s important to follow some important guidelines in order to keep our furry friends happy and safe this October.
Keep candy in human hands only. Make sure tasty Halloween treats are kept safely away from furry family members. Chocolate, xylitol (a toxic artificial sweetener), and wrappers are all things to keep far away from pets.
Trick-or-treaters can spook pets. Strange people in the front yard in costumes can spell terror for many furry friends. If your pet is too scared or tends to be aggressive, keep them closed in a safe and quiet room away from the action. Make sure all pets have appropriate identification on them and ensure no accidental escapees occur.
Make sure your pet helps you pick out his or her costume. Dressing a willing pet in costume is one of the more delightful aspects of Halloween! Make sure that they give their “thumbs-up” on the costume choice, too. While pets may love being donned in holiday cheer, some critters can find it very distressing to wear certain types, or any costumes, so make sure to respect their boundaries and opinions in their personal fashion. Also, errant bows and other costume parts can become a potential hazard as they are chewed off and eaten.
Keep candles and open flames away from wagging tails and curious kitties. Remember to keep those ambience-setting decorations critter safe! Also, remember that strings, feathers, and other decorations are all-too-enticing for many a playful pup or kitty. Make sure they are also a safe distance away to ensure nothing is accidentally ingested.
~Dr. Emily
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ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
Call this number with any emergent toxicity questions! There is a small fee associated but it is well worth it and provides the most up to date information and recommendations for possible animal toxin exposure.
This can help you and your veterinarian determine treatment if your dog has eaten chocolate based upon the amount and type of chocolate consumed.