Halloween Pet Safety Tips
Halloween is a hauntingly good time for humans, but for pets, the spooky season can bring more scares than sweets. With candy bowls, Halloween costumes, and curious trick-or-treaters everywhere, it’s important to take precautions to keep your furry friends safe and sound.
At Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital, we love a good scare, but not when it comes to your pet’s well-being. Check out these helpful Halloween safety tips from our caring team so your four-legged family members can enjoy the holiday without any hocus pocus.
1. Candy Catastrophes: Keep Treats Out of Paw’s Reach
Chocolate and xylitol (a sugar substitute in sugar-free gum and candy) are toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts. That fun-sized candy bar may not seem like a big deal, but it can cause serious illness—or worse—if your pet gets into it. Keep all Halloween candy far from curious noses, and be sure to talk with kids about not sharing their goodies with the pets.
If your pet does get into the candy stash, contact us right away or call the ASPCA’s pet poison control hotline. The sooner you act, the better.
2. Costume Caution: Fashion Shouldn’t Frighten
There’s nothing cuter than a dachshund in a hot dog costume—but not all pets appreciate playing dress-up. Before suiting up your furry friend, make sure the costume fits properly, doesn’t restrict movement or breathing, and is free of small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed.
If your pet seems anxious or uncomfortable, skip the Halloween costumes and opt for a festive collar or Halloween-themed bandana. Comfort always comes before cuteness.
3. Doorbell Drama: Minimize Mayhem During Trick-or-Treat Time
The doorbell ringing nonstop and the steady flow of masked strangers can be overwhelming for even the calmest pets. Dogs may bark excessively or try to bolt through an open door, and cats might make a mad dash for the nearest hiding spot.
To reduce the chaos, set your pet up in a quiet room with their favorite bed or blanket, a few toys, and soft music or white noise to help drown out the commotion. It’s safer—and calmer—for everyone involved.
4. Pet ID Is Essential: Make Sure It’s Current
Even if your pet is usually an indoor dweller, Halloween night can lead to unexpected escapes. Whether it’s a cracked-open door or a frightened dash into the dark, accidents happen.
Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an up-to-date pet ID tag, and that their microchip info is current. This simple step can make a world of difference if your pet gets loose.
Keep the Frights Fun and the Furballs Safe
From all of us at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital, we wish you and your pets a safe and happy Halloween. If you have any concerns about your pet’s safety, or if something spooky turns into a surprise emergency, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (916) 726-2334.