Halloween is an exciting time for everyone. It’s the awaited time of the year where you get to enjoy dressing up in your favourite costumes, go around the neighbourhood for some treats, and decorating your house. If taken lightly, the kind of Halloween we enjoy may lead to a nightmare not just to all pet owners, but most importantly to our furry friends. It’s all about ensuring them with a pet-friendly Halloween celebration.
It’s easy to get excited and just go along with the spooky holiday. However, it’s important to remember that as responsible pet owners, we continue to care for our furry friends. To avoid any accidents and Halloween nightmares, we’ve prepared a list below to help you ensure your pet’s safety.
Common Halloween hazards to avoid
1. Toxic substances like chocolate
It is important to note that chocolate and raisins are toxic to dogs, and should therefore be kept away from them at all times, especially during Halloween. Both are regularly found around the house at Halloween from children’s trick-or-treat bags to the homemade sweets in your kitchen.
Other sweets can also pose a risk to your dog, especially if they have a strong appetite and ingest a large amount. For example, sugar-free treats containing xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels that can lead to a life-threatening situation if untreated. To understand the hazard this poses, we’ve covered it in detail in our blog on what you shouldn’t feed your dog.
2. Scattered candy wrappers and sticks
Scattered candy wrappers and sticks can present choking hazards to your dog. Foreign objects can cause obstruction and can lead to a life-threatening situation if they are left unattended. Always keep an eye on your dog if they have chewed on anything or if they are experiencing symptoms of choking.
In their nature to be curious, dogs can pick up on our trash and leftovers without knowing it can be toxic to them. If your dog shows signs of choking or if you spot them get into some candy wrappers, immediately call our 24/7 Pet Health Hotline where they can get expert advice from our team of registered veterinary nurses. You can also consult with our vet nurses on pet-friendly Halloween treats.
3. Lit pumpkins and candles
Jack-o’-lanterns are one of the most fun parts of Halloween. However, it’s the finishing touches of a jack-o-lantern that you should start thinking twice. Lit pumpkins and candles can also pose a fire risk both to the dog or within the house. If you do use candles, be sure to keep them out of reach of your pet and supervise them at all times.
Batteries in electric candles are also toxic but might be a better choice if you are able to secure it away from direct contact with your dogs. Also, when jack-o’-lanterns are past their best and start to rot, the moulds that come with this process can be toxic to dogs if ingested. So, keep all pumpkins in whatever form out of reach of dogs.
4. Environmental triggers like trick-or-treaters & fireworks
Continuous ringing of doorbells, opening of front doors, loud greetings and strangely-dressed trick-or-treaters can be stressful for your dog. Some dogs find it difficult to interact with people, let alone strangers, if their face is concealed and if their costumes frighten them. If your dog is likely to react negatively, then avoid having them by the front door and keep them distracted.
If your dog is sensitive to loud noises such as fireworks, create an environment indoors that can make your pets feel most comfortable. Turning on the television or playing serene music will be helpful for dogs not to get anxious. Keep them busy with their toys or a bowl filled with their favourite food.
Even for social dogs, certain aspects of Halloween can still trigger fear. If you plan on taking them out around the neighbourhood, make sure to dress them up in bright colours or reflective gear. This would help trick-or-treaters to recognize pets easily and be more cautious.
Ensuring your pet’s safety is paramount
Keeping your dogs away from the Halloween action is a great way to ensure their safety while being able to enjoy your Halloween activities. As responsible pet owners, check on them once in a while to make sure they are feeling comfortable.
Pet insurance is important during these times. To help you understand why, we share with you the importance of ensuring your pet. At Knose Pet Insurance it takes under 2 minutes to obtain a quote, and you can get one right here.
For any accidents or pet concerns, be sure to ring in right away and contact our team of veterinarians in our 24/7 Pet Health Hotline. Knose has a team of registered vet nurses who are ready to provide the utmost care and support for your furry friend.
