Halloween is a favorite holiday for many people—children and adults alike! Whatever your plans are for this year’s Halloween celebration, we want to help you make sure your pet has a good time, too.
Without proper precautions Halloween can actually be a dangerous time for your dog or cat—but with some thought and planning, your pet can enjoy the holiday as much as you do! Here are some tips and things to think about as you get ready for Halloween:
- Do not, under any circumstances, feed candy to your pet or allow others to do so. You probably know that chocolate is toxic to your pet, but there is also a dangerous food additive in many types of gum and candy: xylitol. This artificial sweetener is highly toxic and should be strictly avoided. In addition, candy (and wrappers) can also pose a choking hazard for small animals. Your best bet is to keep your pet away from any and all candy.
- If you are planning to pass out candy at your door, keep your pet either on a lease or in another room altogether. It is easy for pets to slip out the door unnoticed if you are focused on greeting trick-or-treat guests. If you plan to walk around your neighborhood on Halloween night, be sure to keep your pet on a leash as well.
- Many pet owners like to dress up their dogs and cats in cute Halloween costumes. If you plan to do this, make sure your pet’s costume is comfortable and safe—less is definitely more here. Also, do not ever remove your pet’s ID tags, even if your pet is wearing a costume.
- If you have a jack-o’-lantern with a lit candle in it, be careful to keep your pet away from the flame. Candles can be knocked over by excited or frightened pets, causing injuries and damage to property.
- Many children use glow sticks on Halloween night; these glow sticks should also be kept away from your pet because your dog or cat might try to chew on it, causing the chemicals to leak out.
- If you are a cat owner, be aware that cats (especially black ones) tend to be targeted for unkind pranks and abuse on Halloween.
If you are looking for some special treats to make for your pet to celebrate Halloween, take a look at this link, which includes recipes for blueberry dog biscuits, paw-print dog treats, apple-cheddar dog biscuits, and more.
The veterinary staff at Hudson Animal Hospital is here to help keep all pets on the Upper West Side safe this Halloween. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call us at 212-706-4088.
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