Halloween: 10 key recommendations to keep your pet safe

Halloween is a fun day, but it can also be stressful and dangerous for your pet. To make sure your dog or cat enjoys it safely, here are a few things to bear in mind.

calico cat sitting on the back of a sofa with a witch's hat on its head

Toxic foods

Halloween is all about sweets and treats. But what's delicious for humans can be dangerous for your cat or dog.

Chocolate

Did you know chocolate is toxic for pets? Their little tummies can’t process caffeine or theobromine, which is what contains the cocoa. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous.

Furthermore, your dog’s weight plays a large part in determining how they will respond to the toxicity. If you notice your pup has consumed chocolate, contact a veterinarian clinic immediately.

Watch for these signs and symptoms following digestion — sadly, these can even result in death:

Vomiting and diarrhea
Increased in heart rate and breathing
Agitation
Trembling or convulsions

little black dog with its head in a plastic pumpkin

Candies

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can be found in gum, cookies, or medicine. And it can be harmful towards pets. Following ingestion, your pet could develop severe hypoglycaemia, which manifests as extreme weakness, vomiting, and convulsions, and can even lead to death if an emergency treatment is not administered.

Also, if your dog or cat loves to play with things that are lying around, they’re probably going to love ingesting any paper that has an enticing aroma. For this reason, it’s important to watch for any obstructions in the digestive system.

Raisins

Whatever form they take, raisins can cause major issues among pets, such as digestive problems, and acute kidney failure. This means that the kidneys will no longer function properly and will not be able to filter and eliminate waste. If your pet ingests raisins, head straight to the emergency room!

Also read: Plants that are toxic for your pets

Your dog wants to go outside every 5 minutes?

This may be a sign your pet has ingested a large quantity of sugar and fat. These can deregulate your pet’s digestive system. If you notice diarrhea, vomiting or loss of appetite, contact your vet without hesitation in order to get the proper treatments and bring some relief to your pet.

black cat lying on the ground with an orange witch's hat on its head and a pumpkin in the background

Costumes

There's nothing cuter than a cat or dog wearing a Halloween costume. However, to make sure your pet is comfortable, choose a costume that is neither too tight nor too loose. Your pet needs to be able to move around without tripping on the stairs.

Avoid any elastic: it can create compression around the limbs. Also, cords and small accessories can be easily chewed.

Finally, don't leave your pet alone when they're dressed up. To ensure their safety, keep an eye on them at all times.

Pumpkins are fine — just be careful

Cats and dogs are naturally curious. Have you decided to decorate your pumpkins and put a candle inside? Place your pumpkins high up to avoid the risk of burns if you use real candles.

Trick or treating with your dog

At intersections, look carefully both ways before crossing. Keep your faithful companion close to you on a short leash, because accidents happen so quickly. Choose a leash with a reflective strip so that your dog is clearly visible at night.

Also read: How to choose a good Halloween costume for your dog

Should you answer the door with your pet?

It may seem fun to answer the door and offer sweets with your pet in costume. But ideally, your dog or your cat should be in a cage or behind a barrier of some sort. Many animals run away on this festive day, with all the coming-and-going around the house.

And don't forget to identify your pet with a tag or microchip, as this will make it easier to get them back home.

Three children wearing costumes and walking a dog along the pavement

Beware of loud noises

Animals have very sensitive hearing. Loud noises can disturb them and cause behavioural problems. If your pet is reactive and anxious on this particular day, give them some peace and quiet in a separate room of the house.

With all the hustle and bustle of the party, children shouting, music and cars, some animals can become uneasy. It's in this type of situation that pet bites or accidents can happen. Even if your dog or cat is a sweetheart, be aware of the signs they give you and avoid putting them in a critical situation.

You and your pet can now enjoy a safe Halloween!