Fall has officially arrived, and the holiday season is just around the corner. As October begins, many will start decorating for Halloween and planning festivities for the night. While Halloween can be delightful, it can also be stressful for our furry friends. To ensure your pets are safe and to avoid a chaotic October 31st, follow these simple, pet-friendly Halloween tips:  

1. Be Mindful of Decorations and Props

• Keep wires and battery packs out of reach, as they can tempt curious pets and may lead to dangerous burns or other complications if chewed.  

• Position candles safely to prevent burns and reduce the risk of fire.  

• Freshly cooked pumpkin is safe in moderation; however, uncooked or moldy pumpkin can cause gastrointestinal issues and neurological problems in cats and dogs.  

• While the liquid in glow sticks is often non-toxic, ingestion can lead to excessive salivation, erratic behavior, and vomiting. If consumed, rinse your pet’s mouth with fresh water and clear away any remaining material.  

2. Choose Costumes Wisely

• Although costumes can be adorable, your pet’s comfort and safety should always come first.  

• Select costumes carefully, avoiding those with rubber bands or toxic materials.  

• Ensure your pet is comfortable and that the costume does not restrict movement, hearing, sight, or breathing.  

• Allow your pet to wear the costume before the big night to help them adjust. If they seem distressed, it’s best to forgo the costume altogether.  

• Always supervise pets wearing costumes, so you can quickly address any issues that arise.  

3. Keep Candy Away from Pets

• Do not share Halloween candy with your pets.  

• Chocolate: The compounds in cacao can be toxic to animals. Ingestion may cause diarrhea, heavy panting, extreme thirst, rapid heart rate, seizures, and even death. Dark chocolate poses a greater risk than milk or white chocolate, but all types are harmful to pets.  

• Xylitol: This sweetener is commonly found in gum, candy, baked goods, and even toothpaste. It can trigger rapid insulin release, leading to liver failure and drastic drops in blood sugar levels.  

4. Create a Safe Space for Your Pet

• The constant opening and closing of doors, ringing doorbells, and noise from visitors can be overwhelming for pets. Even the most sociable animals may become fearful on a stressful night.  

• Minimize anxiety by placing your pet in a secure, comfortable area.  

• Keep pets indoors whenever possible, as some pranksters take advantage of Halloween to tease, harm, or even steal animals. Black cats are particularly vulnerable during this time, leading many shelters to refrain from adopting them out for safety reasons.  

5. Ensure Proper Identification

• If your pet escapes, having proper identification is crucial for increasing the chances of their safe return.  

• Use collars and tags with your contact information, and consider microchipping your pet for a permanent identification method that remains even if the collar or tag is removed.  

By taking these simple precautions, both you and your pets can enjoy a safe and happy Halloween. If your pet comes into contact with any unknown or toxic substances, please reach out to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. For additional tips on making Halloween less stressful for your pet, contact Crown Veterinary Specialists.