Halloween and trick-or-treat night are only a few short weeks away. Is your pet ready for the hustle and bustle? It’s a fun time of year for the whole family, but it’s important that you make sure your animal companion stays safe. Here, your Rancho Santa Fe, CA veterinarian tells you about some Halloween pet hazards to watch out for:
Chocolate and Candy
There’s a lot of chocolate and candy floating around your home in the weeks leading up to trick-or-treat night. Chocolate of all kinds is bad for pets—it contains stimulant chemicals like caffeine and theobromine, which don’t treat our pets well. Candies are often sweetened with xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to animals. It’s important that you don’t leave sweet treats like these lying around on countertops where pets could get at them. And keep a close eye on the trick-or-treat bowl to make sure your pet can’t gain access.
Costumes
Thinking of dressing up your pet in their very own Halloween costume this year? It’ll definitely look cute. Just make sure your animal companion is okay with it. Not every pet likes wearing clothing—in fact, it can stress some pets out greatly. Do a test run before the big night to make sure your companion’s outfit fits properly, because pets don’t like clothing that fits too tightly or too loose. And check the costume for any small parts like zippers or plastic buttons that could be chewed off, swallowed, or choked on.
Escape
With the constant opening of the front door for trick-or-treaters, there’s a higher chance than normal that your pet could dart out into the night. The last thing you want to be doing on trick-or-treat night is searching for a lost pet in the dark! If your pet is the type to dart, make sure they’re safely secured indoors. It’s always a good idea to have them microchipped, wearing ID tags on the collar, or both for extra peace of mind.
Anxiety
Even if your pet isn’t the type to make a run for it, trick-or-treat night can cause great anxiety. The doorbell is ringing constantly, strangers are showing up to your home… For many pets, this causes a high level of stress. Consider having a family member comfort your pet through the night, or secure them in a different room away from the commotion.
If you’re looking for more tips on how to care for your pet, don’t hesitate to call our animal clinic in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Our team of veterinary professionals is always ready to provide helpful advice and support.
