Halloween Pet Safety
in Wilton Manors, FL
It’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of Halloween, so pet safety may not be the first thing on your mind. Candy, decorations, costumes, and jack o’ lanterns are Halloween staples, but they can also potentially be dangerous for your four-legged family members. At Arbor Pet Hospital, it’s not uncommon for us to see pets for illnesses or injuries resulting from holiday mishaps. Luckily, these incidents can be prevented if you plan ahead. Read our Halloween pet safety tips below to learn how! If you have any questions, give us a call at (954) 565-1896.
Safety Tips
- Keep candy stored out of your pet’s reach and avoid leaving pieces of candy (or candy wrappers) sitting around where your pet can easily grab them. A lot of candies and gum contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic for animals. Chocolate can also be harmful, particularly in large quantities.
- Decorate wisely. Does your cat like to climb? Does your dog frequently stick their nose where it doesn’t belong? Avoid decorations that make tempting playthings for your pet or place them well out of their reach. If you set out jack o’ lanterns, consider using artificial candles instead of real ones.
- Check costumes for small, detachable pieces that can pose a choking hazard. Don’t leave face makeup sitting around, and avoid wearing a mask around your pet. As silly as it may seem, your pet doesn’t realize that you’re just in costume. Not being able to recognize you could be very stressful for them.
- To keep your pet calm when the trick or treaters come calling, take them to a quiet room away from the noise where they can try to relax. Bring their favorite bedding, toys, and a few treats. A continuous flow of strangers to your front door could cause a lot of stress for your pet.
- Are your pet’s ID tags up to date? Are they microchipped? They should be. Whether you take your pet trick or treating with the family or have them out in the yard, there is a chance that they could run off and get lost. Updated tags and a microchip greatly increase your chances of a reunion.
Let us know if you have any concerns about your pet’s safety this holiday. Just call (954) 565-1896 and our team will be happy to help you.