Halloween Pet Safety

It’s that time of year again to get your family and pet ready for a night of costumed fun. Trick-or-treating can be incredibly enjoyable and exciting, but it can also be an extremely stressful and potentially dangerous time of for your pet.

Not only does your pet have access to a number of toxic foods, but your furry friend also faces risks of injury from the costume you have chosen for him or her, as well as the decorations in the house and yard. Help keep your pet safe this Halloween and free from any scary emergency situations by following some simple advice for the night of tricks and treats.

• Keep your pet away from decorative pumpkins and corn cobs. Although they are not toxic to your pet, a few small bites could give Fido a bad stomachache.
• We all love the candy, but most of the Halloween treats are toxic to your pet. Chocolate in all its forms is bad for Buddy, as is any candy containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol. Keep those treats well out of your pet’s reach.
• Hosting Halloween parties for the kids or friends and family is a great way to enjoy the holiday together. Just make sure to keep your pup or kitty away from the people food since many foods are poisonous to your pet.
• When making the rounds in the neighborhood, place reflectors on your pet’s costume so that motorists and other trick-or-treaters can easily spot your furry sidekick.
• Your pet may look killer in that costume you bought for him or her, but make sure your pet is ok with wearing it. Some pets get anxious or distressed when dressed in a costume, especially if the costume is too tight or a mask is involved.
• Before the festivities begin, be sure that your pet is microchipped and is wearing his or her tags in case he or she darts out the door when the kids come knocking or gets off the leash during your walk around the neighborhood.
• It’s fun to decorate for the season, but dangling decorations and cords can cause major issues for your pet, including strangulation and electrocution, so keep that webbing or netting, as well as those banners and lights, out of your pet’s path during Halloween.
• Your pet may look super cute or scary in that costume, but don’t leave your pooch tied up in the yard during Halloween. With all of the strange visitors in masks and makeup your pet can become very distressed and even defensive.

Help ensure your pet enjoys that holiday and remains safe by taking the necessary precautions regarding food, costumes, and decorations. If you have any questions about Halloween pet safety, or if an emergency should occur, please contact us immediately at (210) 681-1391 for first aid and treatment options. Have a fun and safe Halloween!