Health library

Oct. 28, 2022—With its scrumptious treats and imaginative costumes, Halloween can be lots of fun for kiddos and kids at heart. The same isn't always true for pets. In fact, some aspects of the celebration can be stressful, and even dangerous, for pets.

Here are some ways to keep the pets in your life safe this Halloween, courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:

Don't let pets sample the sweets. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats. But that's not the only reason to keep your pet from nosing the treat dish. Other treats, like sugar-free candy that contains xylitol, can be bad for pets too.

Use caution with candles. Be sure to keep your furry friend away from open flames, including candle-lit jack-o'-lanterns. Better yet, use a battery-powered candle to make your front-porch gourd glow.

Consider costumes carefully. Just like people, not every pet enjoys dressing up. It may be too stressful for some. So if you want to put your pet in a costume, try it out before Halloween night. Also make sure the costume is comfortable and well-fitting and allows your pet to see, move and breathe freely. Check for any loose parts that could be chewed or swallowed.

Give your pet a break. A steady parade of trick-or-treaters at the door may be fun for you, but it can be stressful for animals. Unless your pet is very relaxed around people, you may want to keep them in a separate room until the trick-or-treating is done.

Make sure your pet has ID. If your pet gets out while you're opening the door for trick-or-treaters, having a microchip or collar with tags will increase the chances of a safe return.