The Holidays are fast approaching and 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 – Chocolate is the most concerning toxicity. Mild toxicity can lead to gastrointestinal upset, but if ingested in sufficient quantities it can be fatal. Raisins are another possible toxin and ingesting even small quantities can lead to renal failure. Candy wrappers can become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract leading to bowel obstruction. Xylitol found in chewing gum can lead to hypoglycemia and liver toxicity. Overindulgence of candy in general can lead to pancreatitis. It is not surprising that Halloween is the busiest holiday for poison control hotlines. Please do not leave the treat bowl unattended and keep all candy out of reach.
Decorations – Lit candles can easily get knocked over by wagging tails. 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 and be sure all pets have proper tags and IDs, including a microchip, just in case.
Noises – The constant ring of the doorbell can lead to anxiety. Additionally, many pets are unnerved by unknown voices and the sounds of children yelling and laughing.
Pet Costumes – It is important to make sure that pet costumes fit appropriately. Pets can easily get entangled and if left unattended may chew up and ingest costumes leading to intestinal obstruction.
Blog Author: Dr. Heeren
Dr. Heeren earned her degree from Iowa State University. She interned in small animal medicine and surgery at Denver Veterinary Specialists in Colorado and earned a B.A. in Medical Biology from Beloit College in Wisconsin.
She has a strong passion for surgery and emergency medicine, and volunteers her time spaying and neutering feral cats with the Feral Cat Project. She also provides veterinary care at the Doney Clinic.
She has one pet – a white domestic short hair named Dexter – and likes to spend time gardening or exploring the hiking trails in the Seattle area.