Halloween unleashes a night of costumes, candy, and spooky celebrations. Hounds love Halloween too, but this tradition can bring many hazards to our four-legged friends. Did you know during the week of Halloween, calls to veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline increase by 12 percent, making it the call center’s busiest time of year? As “Howl O’Ween” approaches, I thought I should share some safety tips to keep your furry friends safe.

Excited trick-or-treaters will be chiming the doorbell in anticipation of treats. Having friends test out coming to the front door gets us accustomed to visitors.  No one likes “paw pressure”! Please allow us to sniff and inspect costumes and decorations at our own pace. If you plan to dress up your pet in a costume, please make sure we can comfortably maintain normal mobility.  Don’t I look cute in my costume? In addition, check for any frills or beads that can be ingested or toxic to pets.  

When it comes to tasty treats, we sometimes cannot resist, so keep all chocolate and candy out of our reach. Chocolate contains several active chemicals, including theobromine and caffeine that are toxic to pets. Hard candies can be problematic for dogs, especially sugar-free varieties that may contain xylitol. Dogs are not designed to metabolize these as well as humans are, meaning that these chemicals are far more powerful in dogs. If ingested, these treats can not only be toxic but can cause other complications like blockages or pancreatitis.

Creating a cozy quiet room for us to take a break is the best treat you can offer. With the hustle and bustle of Halloween activities, the increased foot traffic, and the potential for unexpected situations, having your dog properly identified can be a lifesaver. Proper identification is a critical aspect of ensuring your dog’s safety.

Before Halloween arrives, research and jot down the contact information of emergency veterinary clinics in your area. Accidents can happen, and you want to be prepared in case your dog ingests something harmful or gets injured. Having this information readily available can save valuable time in an emergency. 

Pets’ Halloween safety requires a bit of planning by pet owners, but your dog will thank you in both the short and long runs. Whether you’re throwing a party or simply handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, make this a fun holiday for both you and all our furry friends.