Halloween Tips

By: Lorelei Prichard DVM
About the author

Don’t become so preoccupied with Halloween preparations that you forget caring for your pet! Halloween can present challenges for your furry family member and it is important to take steps to keep your pets safe and healthy during the holiday. Park Place Animal Hospital offers these tips to keep your little goblin safe:

1. Preparing for the evening: Take your dog out for his walk before the festivities begin, and if you plan on trick-or-treating with the children, leave the pets safely at home. Although it is fun to show off your furry friend, the loud noises and strange costumes may cause stress and behaviors your pet usually doesn’t exhibit. Additionally, it is generally safer to keep your pets crated or contained in a quiet room in the house so that they don’t become agitated with the constant barrage of visitors. Place a dog gate in front of your front door to block access in case someone accidentally lets your pet out. The best way to prevent accidents is to avoid them.
2. Chocolate: Keep this confection off the counters and behind closed doors. Four to ten ounces of milk chocolate can be deadly to a small dog, whereas one ounce of dark chocolate can be fatal.
3. Aluminum foil and cellophane wrappers: Dogs naturally have a “sweet tooth” and will actively search for treats, and cats will be attracted to the brightly colored wrappings. Both the candy and the wrappers can lead to vomiting and possibly intestinal blockage.
4. Raisin, grapes and sugar-free candies: Few people realize these are toxic to pets. Raisins and grapes in sufficient quantities can lead to vomiting and kidney damage. Xylitol, found in sugar-free candies and gum, can cause a sudden drop in blood glucose (sugar) levels and lead to depression, loss of consciousness and seizures.
5. Alcohol: Consumption of alcoholic drinks by your pet can lead to coma and possible death. That’s not funny.
6. Lit pumpkins can be knocked over by curious pets and can lead to fires: Candles and Jack-O-Lanterns can really add ambience to your home on Halloween, but frightened dogs can easily knock over a pumpkin and curious kittens may burn their paws playing with the flames.
7. Keep your black cats confined: Cats, especially black cats, are at greater risk due to their connotations to witches and dark magic. Don’t let your kitty be a victim of a cruel prank.
8. When visitors come knocking, be aware of your pet: Your four-legged friends can easily become lost in the activity. Microchipping is an easy means of permanent identification and can help ensure your pet is returned safely.

Finally, although everyone enjoys the sight of a Dachshund in a weenie costume, an outfit may interfere with your pet’s happiness. Although some dogs appreciate apparel, Halloween may not be the best time to introduce your pet to the joy of clothing. If you do want your pet to join in the celebration, don’t wait until the big day to foist a costume on your pet. Instead, introduce his “new digs” several weeks earlier and allow him to become accustomed to it. Let your pet investigate the costume, lay it over him for a minute, praise him and give him a treat. Follow this procedure often, leaving the costume on longer each time. Offering treats and providing comfort during this transition may make the transition easier. If you do dress your pet for the holiday, make sure that that it doesn’t interfere with his ability to see, eat, move and breathe.

Copyright © 2009 Lorelei Prichard DVM