10/29/2026
🎃 Halloween Pet Safety: Keep Your Pets Safe & Spooky! 🐾
Halloween is full of treats, costumes, and visitors but some of the festivities can pose serious risks to our pets. A little preparation can help keep your furry family members safe this Halloween!
🚪 Watch Out for Open Doors
Constant doorbell ringing, trick-or-treaters, and unfamiliar costumes can cause stress and create opportunities for pets to escape. Keep pets in a quiet, secure room away from the front door. Make sure they’re wearing identification and have a registered microchip in case they slip out.
🍫 Keep Candy Out of Paws' Reach
Chocolate, sugar-free treats containing xylitol, and THC-infused edibles can be toxic to pets. Candy wrappers can also cause gastrointestinal irritation or potentially dangerous intestinal obstructions. Keep all treats safely stored and remind children not to share their Halloween goodies with pets!
👻 Choose Costumes Carefully
If your pet enjoys dressing up, choose a comfortable costume that allows normal movement, breathing, and clear vision. Avoid small, chewable pieces, loose decorations, and anything that could become tangled. If your pet seems stressed or uncomfortable, a festive bandana is a great alternative!
🐈 Skip the Glow Sticks & Costume Jewelry
Chewing on glow sticks or costume jewelry can expose pets to irritating chemicals and may cause drooling, oral discomfort, or gastrointestinal upset. Keep these items out of reach and dispose of them safely after use.
🐕 Know Your Pet's Comfort Level
Not every pet enjoys Halloween festivities! Costumes, crowds, and trick-or-treating can be overwhelming. Let your pet's comfort guide your plans, and never force them to participate.
🚨 Know What to Do in an Emergency
If your pet eats chocolate, xylitol-containing candy, THC edibles, or another potentially toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control service promptly. Don't wait for symptoms to develop. If your pet shows signs of illness, injury, or distress, seek veterinary care immediately.
📞 Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
📞 ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435
🧡 From all of us at Whitelands Animal Hospital Happy Halloween!