Halloween Pet Saftey
Halloween is a lot of fun for people. For pets it can mean candy left in reach, a doorbell that rings all night, and costumes they never asked to wear. Here's what we watch for in our own homes, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Keep the Candy Bowl Out of Reach
Chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine, and dogs process it much more slowly than people do. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Milk chocolate is less concentrated, but a small dog getting into a bag of it can still get sick.
Xylitol. This sugar substitute shows up in sugar-free gum, mints, some candies, and even some peanut butters. In dogs it can cause a fast drop in blood sugar, and it has been linked to liver damage. If you keep sugar-free gum in a purse or jacket pocket, put it somewhere your dog can't get to.
Raisins. Little boxes of raisins are a common trick-or-treat handout. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage in dogs, and there's no known "safe" amount, so keep them away completely.
Wrappers and sticks. A dog that eats candy whole often eats the wrapper or lollipop stick too. Foil and plastic can cause a blockage. Watch for vomiting, straining, or a dog that suddenly stops eating.
The Front Door Is the Real Risk
On Halloween night the front door opens again and again for strangers in masks. Even a calm dog can bolt, and an anxious one can panic.
- Give your dog or cat a quiet room away from the door, with water and something to chew on.
- Make sure your pet's collar has a current ID tag, and that their microchip registration has your current phone number.
- If your dog is reactive to the doorbell, try sitting outside with the candy bowl so the bell doesn't ring at all.
Costumes: Only If Your Pet Agrees
Some pets don't mind a costume. Many do. If your pet freezes, tucks its tail, or keeps trying to get out of the costume, take it off. If you do dress them up, make sure the costume doesn't cover their eyes, ears, or mouth, and doesn't have small pieces they could chew off and swallow. Never leave a pet alone while it's wearing a costume.
Candles, Glow Sticks, and Decorations
A jack-o'-lantern with a real candle can be knocked over by a wagging tail or a curious cat, so use battery-operated lights instead. Cats like to bite glow sticks. The liquid inside tastes very bitter and usually causes drooling and pawing at the mouth, which is alarming, so keep glow sticks put away. Fake cobwebs and decoration cords can also tangle or get swallowed.
If Your Pet Eats Something It Shouldn't
Don't wait for symptoms. Call your veterinarian right away, or one of these 24/7 poison hotlines (both charge a consultation fee):
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Have the wrapper or package with you so you can tell them exactly what your pet ate and about how much.
Treats They Can Actually Have
Your pet doesn't have to miss out. Both of our stores carry pet-safe treats, including seasonal ones. If you're not sure what's right for your dog or cat, ask anyone on our team.
Happy Halloween from all of us at Agri Feed Pet Supply.
Middlebrook Pike — 5716 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921 · (865) 584-3959
Kingston Pike — 10420 Kingston Pike, Suite C, Knoxville, TN 37922 · (865) 691-7787
Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM