Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Halloween can be scary but there's no trick to keeping your pets safe. We recommend taking simple steps to ensure your pet has a safe and happy Halloween. Dr. Ken Sieranski, DVM, MS, is The Animal Foundation’s Director of Veterinary Services. He shares several Halloween pet safety tips, below.

Stash the treats

Candy and sweets are unhealthy for pets, especially those containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener. Animals ingesting these sweets, including chocolate, can experience vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian immediately.

Watch the decorations

Although decorations are perfectly festive for Halloween, they can cause serious issues if chewed on or ingested by pets. Keep wires and holiday displays, including corn and pumpkins, out of reach from your pets. Although these are considered non-toxic, they can cause stomach discomfort and gastrointestinal problems.

Put the glow sticks away

Glow sticks can help trick-or-treaters feel safe during the night’s festivities, but should be kept far away from pets. The fluid inside is non-toxic, but tastes awful. If your pet chews one open, offer them some water and a small meal to clear the fluid from their mouth.

Keep pets inside during trick-or-treating

Ringing doorbells and shouting kids can stress any animal out. Add face paint and costumes, and your pet may not know how to react. Keep your pets calm by securing them indoors inside a crate or quiet room away from the door.

Pick the right pet costume

Not all pets love to dress up. If your pet is comfortable wearing a costume, make sure it does not limit his or her movement, sight or ability to breathe, bark or meow. Check the costume for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could be a choking hazard. Make sure it’s the right size. Ill-fitting outfits can lead to injury. If your pet shows any signs of stress, remove the costume and allow them to calm down in a quiet space.

Find your lost pet

If your pet does go missing during the holiday, they may be at our Leid Animal Shelter. Visit Lost & Found Pets to see if your pet is at The Animal Foundation. Don’t forget to make sure you pet’s microchip is up-to-date so we can contact you as soon as they arrive in our care. Need microchipping services? Visit out Low-Cost Vet Clinic.