Have a Pet Safe Halloween

Updated: October 28th, 2022

Plan a Pet Safe Halloween!

Like many holidays, Halloween is a great excuse to stock up on sweets and treats. Having all of these extra goodies around is not only a major temptation to people but also our pets. As our friend Dr. Ted Purcell says; “Have a plan for today!”

“Treats and candies are not safe in a bag on the floor or on a chair or bench – you need to be very mindful on Halloween, not just during but before and after.”

Here are some things for pet guardians to keep in mind to ensure they and their pets have an enjoyable evening.

1. Amongst all the candies, chocolate is one of the most toxic for pets – Smaller chocolate covered items such as raisins are double trouble. Not only are both chocolate and grapes toxic to pets, but the size and shape mimic many of the popular treats our companion animals may be used to scavenging from under chairs or tucked in cushions. The effect on a pet will depend on the amount and type of chocolate as well as the size of pet.

Should your pet ingest something dangerous – we recommend you contact your veterinarian or for a $59 USD fee, you can seek guidance from the 24/h Pet Poison Hotline at 1-855-764-7661. Please note we are not affiliated with this service.

You may also find it handy to learn about potential risks by downloading out the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center App or for more in-depth information the Pet Poison App by VET CPD.

2. Glow sticks are a commonly hazard around this time of year – These items can have some harmful ingredients and like chocolate, if your animal has chewed on or ingested the contents or container of a glow stick, we advise you to call your vet.

3. Sticks and wrappers are just as tempting as the real thing – Garbage left from our indulgences will most likely still have the odor and taste of candies and can be an irresistible temptation to curious critters. Ingestion of any foreign substances can cause significant digestion issues and these are no exception.

4. Artificial sweeteners, such as Xylitol are also harmful and will negatively affect our animals – With more and more alternatives to white sugar, watching for these hazards is not just limited to Halloween treats as they are often found in more common daily items, like breath mints, sugar free gum and sugar free peanut butter.

Dr. Michelle Meckelborg, head shelter veterinarian at the EHS advises that:
“Xylitol causes a rapid drop in blood sugar resulting in hypoglycemia, which typically manifests as weakness, stumbling and glassy eyed appearance. It can progress to seizures within 8-12 hours of ingestion”

5. Decorations and lit candles can create a lot of curiosity, especially for younger animals – Pet guardians should be mindful of anything that is left out that could be chewed on or swallowed or poses a new hazard in a space where your animals may be used to freely accessing. If you have pets roaming your home, consider using electric candles rather than real ones to prevent an accidental fire.

6. Strange sounds, kids yelling, and lots of visitors in short periods of time are a big routine change – Our pets thrive when they have a reliable routine. Halloween can be a big upset to the usual evening activities so be mindful to keep an extra eye on the door if you are opening it frequently, as well as the extra sounds triggering reactive behaviour such as hiding for cats and barking for dogs.

When trick-or-treaters are coming by, it’s a good idea to have a safe space such as a separate room or gated area for your pet to be with their own favourite (and pet friendly!) treat to keep the occupied and reduce risk of escaping or stress from the ghosts and goblins at the door.

Another option for guardians to consider if anxiety is a concern is pheromone diffusers or sprays such as Adaptil or Feliway (available to order from Bingo’s Petshop or your local pet store).

7. Costumes might be fun for us but they should also be comfortable and enjoyable for your pets – Wearing a strange outfit can be stressful for our pets if they haven’t been properly introduced to the costume over time with lots of positive encouragement, which could lead to behavioural issues. Costumes can also be restrictive, create hazards for pets to get caught on and reduce their ability to navigate familiar obstacles like stairs.

If you put a costume on your pet and notice signs of stress such as:

Stiff or lowered posture
Attempts to physically avoid or remove the costume
Lip licking
Tail tucking or swishing tail for cats
Flattened ears

Then it is best to let them enjoy Halloween costume free! A Halloween themed collar or bandana can be a more comfortable alternative. For more information check out our full resource guide on Costumes & Pets.

8. While your costume might not scare your neighbour’s kids, theirs and your own could frighten pets – From face paint to Werewolf masks, the sudden influx of strange people and unfamiliar apparel or objects can come as a big shock to our companion animals and cause them anxiety or to react fearfully or aggressive towards perceived threats. Talk to your veterinarian about possible calming aids and check out our resource on managing fear in canines.

9. If you are out trick-or-treating or attending an event, ensure your pet is visible – With ever shorter days it’s especially important that if out after dusk, it is recommended that both you and your pet should have reflective or high-visibility wear, including leashes or collars for your pet that will help evening motorists see you more clearly.

From the entire EHS family to yours, we wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween!

Originally Posted: October 28, 2020

For more resources and advice on how to cultivate good interactions with your companion animals, check out our Behavioural Resources Page and for fun ways to connect with your pets at home, check out our Humane Education at Home page make a treat your pet is sure to love.