Keep your family pets safe this Halloween
To keep family pets safe on Halloween, owners should protect them from toxic candy, loud noises, dangerous decorations, and the risk of escape.
Always provide a secure, quiet space for pets to retreat from the evening’s commotion.
Many popular Halloween treats are toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts.
Aubrey of Pinnacle Vet in Neosho says :
“A lot of our Halloween treats we hand out are potentially dangerous to family pets. Chocolate is right up there at the top, along with artificial sweeteners.”
Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and heart problems. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is toxic and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. It is often found in sugar-free candies, gum, and baked goods.
Raisins and grapes: Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Candy wrappers: Can cause intestinal blockages or choking if swallowed.
Other common foods: High-sugar, fatty, and salty foods can cause an upset stomach or pancreatitis.
Decorations and fire hazards: Curious pets may chew on or get tangled in decorations, leading to potential injury.
Open flames: Lit candles inside jack-o’-lanterns are a fire hazard. A pet’s tail or fur could also get burned. Use battery-operated lights instead.
Fake cobwebs: These can cause entanglement, distress, or intestinal blockages if ingested.
Electrical cords: Chewing on light-up decorations and cords can lead to burns or electric shock.
Glow sticks: The liquid inside glow sticks can cause pain and irritation in a pet’s mouth if chewed.
Ensure up-to-date IDs: Make sure your pet’s collar has identification tags with current contact information. If your pet is microchipped, ensure your information is up to date.
The constant ringing of the doorbell and the sight of costumed strangers can overwhelm and frighten pets.
For these pets, the best thing to do is to provide them a safe haven.
“Just find a quiet spare bedroom,” Aubrey says. “Give them a quiet place to rest and relax. Turn on a TV, keep the exposure to the outside world at a minimum, if they’re that stressed out about it.”
Remember, too to keep pets secure: On Halloween night, keep pets contained in a secure room or on a leash to prevent them from darting out the door.