The Holidays are fast approaching. When it comes to Halloween, our family pets often find the evening full of people, costumes, and noises overwhelming and even scary.

Here are a few things to consider when preparing for the festivities:

Candy

There are many potential toxic goodies this time of year.  Chocolate is the most concerning Halloween treat; eating even small amounts can lead to gastrointestinal upset, but in sufficient quantities it can be fatal. Raisins are another possible toxin and ingesting even a few can lead to kidney failure. Candy wrappers can become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract leading to bowel obstruction. Xylitol found in chewing gum can lead to fatally low blood sugar and liver toxicity. Overindulgence of candy in general can lead to painful and sometimes fatal pancreatic inflammation. It is not surprising that Halloween is the busiest holiday for poison control hotlines.

Decorations

Lit candles can easily get knocked over by wagging tails or cause burns to curious pets. Cats find glow sticks intriguing and if punctured the contents can cause painful oral irritation.

Escape

With all of the commotion and a constantly open front door, many pets escape and flee. Before the trick-or-treaters arrive, place pets in a separate room for safety.  Always be sure pets have proper tags and IDs, including a microchip.  Also be sure the tags and microchip are up to date with your most current contact information. If you have questions, we’re happy to check for a chip, place one if needed, and help you to make sure your pet is properly registered.

Noises

The constant ring of the doorbell, unknown voices and the sounds of children yelling and laughing can lead to anxiety..  Turning on the television or playing music to help cover the noises can be helpful.  Pets with excessive anxiety may benefit from behavioral modification training or additional medical support.  We can help you decide how best to treat your pet.

Pet Costumes

It is important to make sure that pet costumes fit appropriately. Pets can easily get entangled and may chew up and ingest costumes leading to intestinal obstruction.  Some pets find costumes to be upsetting and are best left out of the season’s entertainment.  No pet should be left unattended while wearing a costume.

Seattle Veterinary Associates is here to help you and your pet have a great and safe holiday season.  Please contact us if you have questions or concerns on how best to keep your pet healthy and happy!

Valissitie Heeren, DVM

Northwest Veterinary Hospital