Meisje and Maya as doctor and nurse for Halloween

Written by Nicole Gunkel, RVT

Halloween is a fun and spooky holiday!  With pumpkins, candles, decorations and costumes there is so much going on, and much to go wrong for your furry friends.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind this weekend.  Please be safe and have fun!

  • Keep candy and sugary sweets away from dog’s and cat’s curious appetites. Halloween candies are not meant to be digested by our pets and can cause gastro-intestinal problems.  Chocolate, and sugar-free candy containing xylitol, can be especially toxic!
  • Be careful when dressing up your pets, so that they don’t chew on costumes.  Ingestion of small parts of a costume could require surgical removal of the object!  Make sure that pet costumes allow your pet to move around and see clearly.  Some pets can get easily scared or stressed by a costume.  If this is true for your pet, it’s best to just forgo a costume and stick with a cute themed bandana or collar!
  • Decorations around your home are fun, but may represent one more thing for your pet to chew on or consume.  Keep decorations in places where they can’t be reached or knocked over.
  • Candles are a must for Halloween and popular for fall and winter holidays.  Keep them in places where they
jack-o-lantern with LED light

jack-o-lantern with LED light

can’t be knocked over by wagging tails or slinking kitties. Consider using fireless (LED) candles.
  • Pumpkin is a seasonal favorite that is a great treat for pets!  Use either canned or cooked pumpkin, staying away from sugary pumpkin pie filling.  Pumpkin is a high fiber dietary filler that can be used year-round as a snack or as an addition to meals to help pets feel full.  It’s great for our chubby friends needing to slim down.
  • If you live in an area frequented by trick-or-treaters on Halloween night, you may want to keep pets safe in a back room.  A knock on the door or the ring of a doorbell can get dogs excited and feeling the need to protect their owners.  Also, be careful that your dog or cat doesn’t sneak out through the front door as it frequently opens and closes.

    • We wish you all a safe and fun Halloween and hope it is an excellent beginning to the holiday season!