Halloween Safety Tips

  • Pets can’t have candy. Some ingredients, such as chocolate, raisins, nuts, or Xylitol (found in sugar free candy and gum) can cause pancreatitis, organ failure, and death.
  • Discarded candy wrappers and lollipop sticks can cause choking or obstructions.
  • Fake cobwebs, twinkling lights, electrical cords, and wires for lawn decor, etc. pose risk for electrocution, choking, or strangulation.
  • Keep pets away from jack-o’-lanterns. The pumpkin could be decomposing and inedible. Traditionally, candles are placed inside that could cause fire if tipped over. Flameless LED candles contain batteries that are toxic and can be fatal if swallowed.
  • Whether you’re having caramel apples or bobbing for apples, remember that pets can’t have apple cores – the core itself is a choking hazard and the apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide.
  • Dry ice and fog machines can be toxic to pets.
    Glow sticks contain contain dibutyl phthalate which causes an intense taste reaction in pets and can cause symptoms such as drooling, pawing at the mouth, agitation/irritation, or vomiting.
  • In case your pet gets scared and escapes, have them wearing a reflective collar with ID tag attached. Make sure contact information on the ID tag and your pet’s microchip is up to date.
  • If your pet tolerates dressing up, make sure their costume is comfortable and does not cause chafing. Ensure the costume does not restrict breathing, vision, hearing, eating, drinking, or their ability to comfortably move about and use the restroom. Never leave a pet unsupervised while they are in costume as it poses risk for choking or strangulation.
  • If members of your household are dressing up, make sure pets can’t access their costume, wig, accessories, or makeup as they can cause choking, obstruction, or have the potential to be toxic. Also, don’t try to scare your pets – they love and trust you to protect them. It’s not funny, it’s just cruel.
  • If you’re trick or treating, we recommend leaving your pet at home. The strangers, costumes, flashing lights, and spooky sounding lawn decor could trigger their anxiety.
  • Hearing knocking or a ringing doorbell is a trigger for many pets. Make sure your pet is securely confined and cannot dart out the door when you open it, or, even better – set up your candy distribution on the front porch so nobody has to summon you.

Make their night safe and comfortable.

  • Long walk before festivities start
  • Securely contained indoors
  • Reflective collar with ID tag; microchipped; contact information current on both
  • Block visibility of doors/windows if triggered by trick or treaters
  • Muffle knocking, doorbell, and voices with television, music, or white noise
  • Provide a soft, cozy bed
  • Distract with toys, treat puzzles, and/or chews