Halloween is fun for us. For pets, the treats, costumes and constant visitors can bring some very real risks.
Here are ten ways to help keep them safe:
- Keep the treat stash secure.
Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and other pets. Xylitol, found in some sugar-free sweets and chewing gum, is particularly dangerous to dogs. Keep bags and bowls behind a closed cupboard door. - Clear away wrappers and sticks.
Sweet wrappers, lollipop sticks and small decorations can cause choking or a gut blockage if swallowed. Check floors after visitors leave. - Walk dogs before the festivities start.
Choose a quieter daylight walk where possible. Costumed crowds and sudden noises can frighten even normally confident dogs. - Bring cats indoors before it gets busy.
Settle them in before trick-or-treating begins, with access to water, a litter tray and somewhere to hide. - Create a quiet retreat.
Provide familiar bedding and water away from the front door. Close curtains and use quiet background music to soften outside noise. Let your pet hide if they choose. - Prevent a front-door escape.
Keep pets behind a closed internal door when greeting visitors. Check that microchip contact details and identification tags are up to date. - Skip the pet costume.
Outfits can restrict movement, vision and normal behaviour, or cause distress. Your own mask may also frighten your pet—give them space rather than forcing an interaction. - Swap candles for LED lights.
A curious nose or wagging tail can knock over a candle or brush against a flame. Keep batteries and battery-powered decorations out of reach too. - Keep decorations out of chewing range.
Fake cobwebs, loose wires and glow sticks are tempting to investigate. Chewed glow sticks can cause mouth irritation and heavy drooling. Remove pumpkins before they become mouldy. - Act promptly if something goes wrong.
If you suspect poisoning or swallowing a dangerous object, call your vet or emergency vet straight away. Don’t wait for symptoms. Keep any packaging to help identify what your pet has eaten.
A safe, familiar evening is a perfectly good Halloween for your pet. 🎃
