Halloween & Fall Pet Safety: Common Hazards for Dogs and Cats

By: Lauren Szyszka, Phone Department Supervisor
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  Halloween and fall bring plenty of fun for families, but they can also introduce new hazards for dogs and cats. From chocolate and candy to decorations, costumes, candles, and an open front door, a little extra awareness can help keep your pets safe throughout the season.
 

  Here are some common Halloween and fall hazards to watch for.
 

Keep Halloween Candy Away From Pets

  Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can also be harmful to cats. The risk depends on the type and amount of chocolate eaten, as well as the pet’s size. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder are particularly concerning.
 

  Sugar-free candy and other products containing xylitol, also called birch sugar, can be especially dangerous for dogs. Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and potentially life-threatening complications.
 

  Keep Halloween candy in a secure location that pets cannot access, and remind children that Halloween treats should stay in their own treat bags—not in the family pet’s bowl.
 

Are Pumpkins and Halloween Decorations Safe for Pets?

  Plain, cooked pumpkin is generally safe for dogs and cats in small amounts. However, pumpkin-flavored treats and seasonal foods may contain added sugars, spices, or other ingredients that aren't appropriate for pets. Pumpkin itself can also cause digestive upset if a pet eats too much.
 

  Other decorations can pose a risk if swallowed. Fake cobwebs, small plastic decorations, glow sticks, and other decorative materials may cause irritation, choking, or an intestinal blockage. Electrical cords can also pose risks if chewed.
 

  Keep candles and lit pumpkins where curious paws and wagging tails can't reach them, and consider using battery-operated lights instead.
 

Halloween Costumes Should Be Comfortable and Safe

  Not every pet enjoys wearing a costume—and that's okay. If your dog or cat tolerates dressing up, make sure the costume fits properly and doesn't restrict their breathing, movement, hearing, or vision.
 

  Avoid costumes with small, loose, or easily chewed pieces that could become choking or swallowing hazards. Always supervise your pet while they're wearing a costume, and remove it if they seem uncomfortable or stressed.
 

Trick-or-Treaters Can Be Stressful for Pets

  The constant doorbell, knocking, unfamiliar people, and excited children can be overwhelming for some pets. Even friendly dogs and cats may become anxious or try to escape when the front door is repeatedly opened.
 

  Before trick-or-treating begins, consider setting up a quiet, comfortable area away from the front door where your pet can relax. Make sure doors, gates, and screens are secure, and keep pets indoors during the busiest part of the evening.
 

Watch for Fall Rodenticide and Pest-Control Hazards

  As temperatures cool, rodents and other pests may look for warmer places to shelter. This can mean increased use of rodenticides and other pest-control products around homes and businesses.
 

  These products can be highly toxic to pets. Keep rodenticides and other pest-control products completely out of your pet's reach, and follow all product directions carefully. If pest control is being used around your home, ask your veterinarian or pest-control professional about precautions to help protect your pets.
 

What Should I Do If My Pet Eats Something Toxic?

  If you know or suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, candy, medication, a Halloween decoration, rodenticide, or another potentially toxic substance, don't wait for symptoms to develop before seeking advice.
 

  If it's safe to do so, prevent further access to the substance and keep the product packaging or ingredient information available. Contact your veterinarian or an appropriate pet poison resource promptly for guidance. Don't try to induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so.
 

  Some toxic exposures can become serious before a pet looks sick, so prompt advice is important.
 

A Safe Halloween Is a Happy Halloween

  With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy all the fun of fall and Halloween while keeping your pets safe. Keep treats secured, decorations pet-friendly, costumes comfortable, and pets safely away from the front-door commotion.
 

  And remember: if you're ever unsure about something your pet has eaten or been exposed to, it's always better to ask your veterinarian.
 

  Happy Halloween from all of us at Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care!