Halloween is a favorite holiday for many U.S. pet owners, but many dogs and cats don’t share the same sentiment about the spookiest night of the year. Whether your pet loves or loathes All Hallow’s Eve, use these five tips from Oliver Animal Hospital, your preferred south Austin vet, to ensure everyone has a fun and fright-free Halloween.

#1: Keep candy away from prying pet paws

No one can resist the siren song of sugary candy, including pets. Unfortunately for pets, most sweet treats contain harmful or toxic ingredients that can result in a dangerous veterinary emergency.

Because determining the exact ingredients in many candies, or knowing exactly what your pet ate, can be challenging, we recommend keeping all foods out of reach and in closed pet-proof containers. Never feed your dog or cat any holiday food item or candy containing known pet toxins, such as:

  • Chocolate
  • Raisins, grapes, or currants
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Xylitol — This natural sugar substitute can cause severe hypoglycemia and potential liver damage.

Pets can also choke on or experience gastrointestinal (GI) blockage from eating candy wrappers or other inedible pieces. Ensure you carefully dispose of all candy-related paraphernalia (e.g., chewed gum, lollipop sticks, tinfoil, ribbons, and cellophane) in a closed trash can. 

#2: Ensure everyone can easily identify your pet

Don’t leave anyone guessing what or who your pet is supposed to be this Halloween. Ensure they wear a well-fitted collar displaying your contact information at all times. If your pet is microchipped, stop by Oliver Animal Hospital to ensure the chip is in good working order and registered with current information in the manufacturer’s database. Forgetting this simple but crucial step can result in a delay in your missing pet’s safe return. 

Finally, if your pet isn’t microchipped, your preferred vet in South Austin can quickly perform this safe and painless process during any outpatient appointment. Contact us to schedule an appointment. 

#3: Decorate with an eye for pet safety

Showing restraint with Halloween decorations can be difficult, but bigger—and spookier—displays can create literal horrors for dogs and cats, such as:

  • Fear and stress — Pets can’t rationalize oversized inflatable characters on the lawn and gruesome goblin statues in their home. Such unusual objects in their once-familiar environment can increase stress and anxiety or startle pets, who may run away.
  • Entrapment — Dogs and cats who become tangled or trapped in dangling decorations may panic and be injured.
  • Ingestion-related hazards — Ribbons, strings, and small objects often lead to choking or intestinal blockages that require life-saving surgery.

#4: Give scaredy cats and dogs a quiet place to hide

Like people, not every pet enjoys Halloween festivities. If your pet is anxious, nervous, or generally uncomfortable around loud noises, unfamiliar people, or unusual activities, they should be confined to a safe and secure area (e.g., a small room, covered crate, or secure exercise pen) until the party is over.

Set up your pet’s retreat several days before Halloween and acclimate them by spending time together in or near the space. Reward your pet with long-lasting treats or puzzle toys. On Halloween, exercise your pet in the early afternoon so they’ll be ready to rest. Drown out scary noises with calming music and keep them preoccupied with a long-lasting treat, such as a frozen food-stuffed Kong.

If your pet struggles with noise phobia or generalized anxiety, contact Oliver Animal Hospital to find out if medication can help.

#5: Test your pet’s costume before the big night

The Oliver Animal Hospital team loves a cute dog or cat costume as much as any pet lover, but poorly fitted disguises can threaten pet safety, while other costumes simply make pets anxious or stressed.

Ensure your pet is dressed for success by conducting a pre-Halloween fitting that tests for:

  • Fit — Ensure your pet can move freely and their costume is not too loose or too tight, especially around the neck and limbs. Double check hats, hoods, and headbands to ensure they don’t block your pet’s vision. 
  • Comfort — Watch your pet’s behavior for stress signs (e.g., panting, freezing, chewing at their costume, restlessness, or whale eye), and replace the costume with a  decorative collar or bow tie if they seem irritated or uncomfortable.
  • Choking or tripping hazards — Secure or remove any dangling decorations, buttons, strings, ribbon, or rope to prevent your pet from falling, getting tangled, or swallowing small items. 

Don’t let Halloween pet hazards scare you and your four-legged friend. Turn tricks into treats with our five tips and do not hesitate to contact the Oliver Animal Hospital team if you have additional questions or veterinary needs. Simply call, text, or email our team during normal business hours. For after-hours emergencies, including Halloween night, contact one of our trusted Austin-area veterinary emergency centers.