Trick-or-Treat, Smell My Paws!
By Nancy Moser, DVM
Many pet owners love to include their pets in Halloween celebrations, including dressing them up in costumes and going trick-or-treating. To ensure everyone can join in on the fun, a few extra safety precautions you should prepare for include:
1) When picking out your pet’s costume, try it on them ahead of time to make sure they are comfortable, it is not too tight, there are no loose pieces that can be chewed off, and that your pet will not get overheated walking around in it for an extended period of time. Pets prone to heat stroke (English Bulldogs, Frenchies, etc.) would be best kept at home in the air conditioning.
2) Some pets may become scared of various costumes, loud noises and decorations, causing them to get away from their owner and run away. These pets may enjoy staying home in a separate room, away from the front door. If your pet is prone to running away, you may want to ensure their ID tag on their collar and/or microchip information is up to date.
3) Make sure to keep the Halloween candy, lit candles, glow sticks, party favors in a safe place where pets cannot reach it. Not only are raisins and chocolate toxic to dogs but so is xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can cause liver failure.
If you have any concerns about your pet, your veterinarian can help you make a safety plan based on your pets’ medical and behavioral needs.