Halloween Pet Hazards

Halloween is just around the corner. This can be a dangerous holiday for our furry friends. Fido and Fluffy are both playful and curious, which are two reasons they’re so much fun to have around. This is definitely something for pet owners to keep in mind over the next few weeks. A Brampton, ON vet lists some safety concerns to be aware of in this article.

Decorations

Many of our four-legged buddies love to play with or chew on small objects. This is extremely dangerous, as it presents risks of choking and, in case of ingestion, internal injuries. Anything with wires or cords is also unsafe, as are items with batteries and anything made of a material that can easily be ripped or broken.

Candy

That candy bowl also may pose a significant threat to our furry pals. Hard candies are choking hazards, as are those candy wrappers. Many of those Halloween sweets also contain things that are toxic to pets, such as chocolate, nuts, raisins, sugar, and xylitol, which is sometimes labeled as birch sugar.

Traffic

You may see more traffic than usual at this time of year. If you’re walking your canine friend after dark, make sure Fido has a leash or collar that is reflective. You may also want to wear bright clothes yourself.

Flames

Candles and fireplaces can give any home a warm, cozy glow. However, they definitely are not safe for pets. Keep any candles in high, secure holders, well out of paws’ reach.

Costumes

Do you plan on putting your pooch into a costume? Make sure that Fido’s outfit isn’t too tight, hot, or constricting. You’ll also want to avoid anything with small parts, such as buttons, that your pup could try to eat. Finally, do not force your dog to wear an outfit if he doesn’t want to.

Pranksters/Pedestrians

Do you get a lot of trick or treaters? A steady stream of costumed visitors may very well set Fido on edge. Put him in his crate or a quiet back room, and offer him a fun puzzle toy to occupy himself with. Pedestrian traffic may also upset your canine buddy. If you have a yard that goes along a street, limit your dog’s outdoor time around Halloween. This will also help keep him safe from pranksters. We also recommend keeping cats—particularly black ones—indoors.

Happy Halloween! Do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care. As your local Brampton, ON animal clinic, we’re here for you!