Preventing Pet Poisoning: Common Household Hazards (Halloween Edition)

The spookiest holiday season is here, and with it comes Halloween pet hazards that can be downright scary without the proper precautions. At Western Veterinary Center, Medical & Surgical Center, we take pet safety seriously, and in this blog, we describe common Halloween pet hazards so your pet can enjoy pet-safe treats without tricks this season.

Candy and Pets Don’t Mix

The hallmark of any successful trick-or-treating excursion is the candy haul at the end of the evening. Pet poisons, however, lurk in these delicious sweets, including chocolate and xylitol (an artificial sweetener), which are both extremely toxic to pets and could result in a pet emergency. Protect your pet from ingesting these pet poisons by taking the following precautions:

• Keep all candy before and after Halloween in a high cabinet out of reach of curious pets.
• Make sure that all kids coming and going know that sharing the loot is strictly a no-no.
• Consider keeping pets in a safe room during trick-or-treating. This can protect them from pet anxiety and keep kids from being tempted to share their goodies.
• Leave pets at home when trick-or-treating.
• Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately if your pet ingests something toxic.

Beware of Dangerous Halloween Décor 

Creating an eerie atmosphere is all part of the Halloween fun, but some of these decorations pose Halloween pet hazards, particularly for curious cats and playful pups who are drawn to new sights and smells. Beware of the following Halloween pet hazards, and avoid using them or keep them out of reach of pets:

• Lit candles
• Small items like googly eyes and tiny plastic spiders (pose choking hazards or could cause blockages if ingested)
• Halloween makeup and fake blood (potential pet poisons)
• Artificial cobwebs (can entangle or choke pets)
• Strands of electric lights
• Candy wrappers (choking hazards)
• Fall plants like mums (toxic to pets)

Seasonal Household Toxins for Pets to Avoid

As we prepare our homes, yards, and vehicles for cooler weather, it’s important to remember that many common household products can be poisonous to pets, including the following:

• Antifreeze: The sweet smell and taste of antifreeze can attract pets. Keep this highly toxic material stored safely and clean up spills immediately.
• Rodenticides and pesticides: As mice and bugs migrate indoors where it’s warmer, many homeowners are tempted to use poisons to protect their home from pests, but these chemicals pose serious risks for pets.
• Home improvement items like paints and adhesives: If you’re scurrying to finish up home improvement projects before winter, keep all supplies in proper containers out of reach of pets.

We want you and your pets to have a fun-filled Halloween. For more pet safety tips or if it’s time for your pet’s checkup, contact our team at (805) 957-PETS (7387).