Halloween Hazards for Pets

Halloween is just around the corner! Even if this year’s events are a bit subdued, due to the coronavirus, there will likely still be some seasonal activities and festivities. This can be a dangerous holiday for pets, so you’ll want to take some precautions to keep your furry buddy safe and healthy when the ghosts and ghouls come out to play. Read on as a local New Orleans, LA vet lists some dangers for pet owners to be aware of. 

Costumes

We don’t recommend trying to put Fluffy in an outfit. That’s a good way to get scratched! However, you can definitely have some fun with your canine buddy. If you do dress Fido up, make sure that his costume fits well, and isn’t too hot, tight, itchy, or restricting. Avoid anything flammable, as well as outfits with zippers and/or small parts, like buttons, that your pet may try to eat. 

Fires/Candles

Jack-o-lanterns, fireplaces, heaters, and potpourri burners should all be considered hazardous to pets. It’s very easy for a dog or cat to knock something over and start a fire! 

Candies

Those delicious sweet treats are a central part of most Halloween celebrations. However, they are definitely not suitable for your furry pal. Many of those yummy goodies contain things that are toxic to pets. Chocolate, raisins, sugar, nuts, grapes, and xylitol are a few examples. Hard candies and candy wrappers can also pose choking hazards.

Traffic 

There may be more people than usual out and about around Halloween. If your dog has a yard, limit his outdoor time on and around Halloween. Fido may get agitated by people in masks and costumes. There’s also a chance that someone could give him something that isn’t safe for him. Cats are also at risk around the autumn holiday. It just isn’t safe for Fluffy to be outside at this time. Black cats are particularly at risk, due to old (and untrue) myths that connect them to witchcraft and superstitions. Keep Fluffy indoors! 

Decorations

Pets are very playful. This is of course adorable, but can get them into trouble. Keep your furry buddy in mind when hanging decorations. Dogs and cats can choke on things like fake spiderwebs. Small or sharp objects are also unsafe. 

Please contact us, your local New Orleans, LA veterinary hospital, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!