Halloween Pet Safety Tips for Dogs and Cats

Halloween Pet Safety: A Surrey Vet’s Checklist for Dogs and Cats

Halloween is a lot for a pet: strangers in masks, a doorbell that won’t stop, candy at nose height and fireworks in the distance. This year it falls on Saturday, October 31. Here’s how to keep the night fun for the family and uneventful for your dog or cat.

“Halloween pet safety tips”

No Halloween candy or treats for pets
ID on: collar and tags, plus a microchip with current contact details
Candles and jack o lanterns out of reach
Glow sticks, batteries and costume pieces kept away from pets
Costumes only if they fit well and don’t block sight, hearing, breathing, the mouth or movement
A quiet room away from the front door
Pets kept indoors

“Is it safe to put a costume on my dog?”

It can be, if your dog is comfortable in it. A good costume fits properly, has no small pieces that can be chewed off, and doesn’t block your pet’s eyes, ears, breathing, mouth or movement. Try it on for short stretches in the days before Halloween, and never leave a pet alone in a costume.

If your dog freezes, tries to rub it off, tucks their tail or just looks miserable, skip it. A festive bandana works just as well for photos.

“Should I keep my cat inside on Halloween?”

Yes. Fireworks, crowds and traffic can send a frightened cat running, and a spooked cat can be hard to find. Bring outdoor cats in before dark and keep them in through the fireworks weekend.

“How do I keep my dog calm when trick or treaters come?”

Walk your dog before trick or treating starts.
Set up a quiet room with the door shut, a chew and some background noise.
Or use a baby gate so your dog can’t reach the front door.
Answer the door yourself so nobody lets the dog out by accident.
Keep your dog on leash if they need to be near the door.
Consider sitting outside with the candy bowl so the doorbell never rings.

Even friendly dogs can nip when they’re overwhelmed by masks, noise and strangers, so give them space.

“My dog ate a glow stick”

The liquid inside glow sticks and glow jewelry tastes very bitter. It usually causes a lot of drooling and some strange behaviour, but it isn’t likely to be harmful. Offer some water or a little food to help clear the taste, and wipe any liquid off their fur.

If your pet swallowed pieces of plastic, or seems unwell afterwards, call your vet.

“Are jack o lanterns safe for pets?”

Lit candles can burn curious noses and tails, and tip over. Use battery tea lights, and keep pumpkins out of reach.
Old carved pumpkins can grow mould after a few days outside. Don’t let your dog snack on them.
Decorations like fake cobwebs, small props, batteries and cords can cause choking or a blockage if chewed or swallowed. Keep cats who love string away from cobweb style decorations.

“What to do if your pet eats Halloween candy”

Call your vet right away, even if your pet seems fine, and have the wrapper handy. Chocolate and sugar free candy containing xylitol are the biggest concerns for dogs. Our full guide, My Dog Ate Chocolate, walks through exactly what to do.

Need a vet this Halloween in Surrey?

Mascot Animal Hospital is a locally owned veterinary clinic at 17767 64 Ave #109, Surrey, BC V3S 1Z2. We care for dogs and cats from across Surrey and from Langley Township, Fleetwood, Walnut Grove, Willoughby and Cloverdale, and we’re open every day from 8am to 11pm.

If something happens on Halloween night, call us before you come in so our team is ready. Overnight, go to the nearest 24 hour emergency hospital.

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