As ghosts and goblins head out trick-or-treating this Halloween, the Ontario SPCA wants to remind pet owners to take precautions to keep their four-legged family members safe.
Don’t let sweet treats sour the night:
Halloween candy can be dangerous for pets, so keep it out of your pet's reach. Chocolate is particularly poisonous, but raw sugar, or sugar substitutes like xylitol, can also cause health problems.
Candy wrappers are equally dangerous. Not only could those wrappers lead to choking or even an intestinal blockage, many plastic wrappers are made with petroleum by-products, which are not good for pets.
Dress for success:
Pet owners thinking of dressing up their pets for Halloween should first test how their animal will react by clipping something like a bath towel over their back. When introducing the costume, set the tone that this will be a good experience by taking it slow, and offering lots of treats.
It’s also important to ensure the costume doesn’t cause the animal distress and doesn’t interfere with normal restraints, like a halter, collar, or vest. With children running around in masks or long costumes, pet owners also need to be aware of where their pets are so they don’t trample their feet, tails or paws.
Pick pet-safe décor:
Be aware of Halloween decorations that could be a danger to your pets. Seasonal décor such as corn stalks or dried gourds can cause digestive problems if ingested, potentially leading to blockages requiring surgery. If candles are part of your décor, avoid placing them where pets can knock them over.
To trick or treat or hold down the fort?
When considering whether to bring your pet outside on Halloween, think about how the pet normally reacts with strangers. Remember that it will be dark, with more strangers around, many of whom will be dressed in costumes. If in doubt of how your pet will react, consider leaving them at home and taking a family photo at the end of the evening once the excitement has died down.
Some animals also find it stressful at home with so many people coming to the door trick or treating. Consider relocating them to a quiet room and leave a radio turned on low to distract them from the noise of visitors.
“Halloween can be a confusing and stressful time for many animals, which is why it’s so important to take the necessary precautions to keep your pets safe,” said Tonya Martin, director, animal centres and humane programming.
“We want to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable Halloween.”
For more safety tips, visit ontariospca.ca/blog.
