Halloween will most likely look different this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. While costume parties and trick-or-treating may undergo some changes, the traditional Halloween pet hazards remain.
All Hallows’ Eve, in addition to ghosts and goblins, provides plenty of scares for pet parents. Halloween dangers for dogs and cats lurk in the shadows—and sometimes in plain sight—from tempting candy treats to hazardous décor to problematic pumpkins.
Despite the fun, treats, and excitement that Halloween brings, pets face some unexpected threats and hazards. The following are the top Halloween pet dangers:
Accidental Poisoning
It is the most common pet risk during Halloween. Even in small amounts, most Halloween candies, including chocolate, as well as various types of sugar-free treats, raisins, and other snacks, are dangerously toxic to cats and dogs. Additionally, dyes found in Halloween decorations, painted pumpkins, glow sticks, simmering potpourri, and other chemicals can poison pets.
Uncomfortable Costumes
When pets wear costumes that are too small for them, their vision, hearing, scent, and airways may be obstructed, resulting in injuries. Additionally, costume materials may be chewed and swallowed, posing choking or toxicity risks. If the animal’s movement is restricted by the costume, they may experience falls, joint dislocations, and other mishaps.
Suffocate or Choking
Small decorative items, such as fake eyeballs, tabletop baubles, and glittery accents, can cause pets to choke. Costume shards from pets and humans, as well as discarded craft project parts, candy wrappers, and small Halloween toys, can all become inadvertent choke hazards. If these items are swallowed by pets, they can cause bowel obstructions, which can be fatal.
Decorative Tangles
Draped decorations can cause tangle hazards for pets who enjoy exploring cozy spaces, especially if the animal is startled or frightened and runs into the tangles. Artificial cobwebs, netting, ghost cloths, and twinkle lights can all cause dangerous tangles that snag and ensnare pets.
Flames & Candles
Candles and other fires are popular Halloween decorations, from jack-o-lanterns to spooky lighting on every surface to backyard fire pits for autumn s’mores. Pets, on the other hand, can easily be burned if they sniff too close to the decoration or accidentally brush against it. Pets may also knock candles over inadvertently, resulting in devastating fires.
Getting Lost
Losing a pet can be traumatic and dangerous. Due to the frequency with which doors open and close for trick-or-treaters, it would be easy for a pet to slip outside unnoticed on Halloween, and roaming crowds, spooky sounds, and unfamiliar costumes can startle and disorient any pet. A lost pet is vulnerable to vehicle collisions, predators, and a variety of other outdoor hazards.
Pranks
Halloween is a time for pranks, and not all of them are well-intentioned or innocent fun. Malicious pranksters may target and tease lost or outdoor pets, causing serious injury, theft, or even death. Music on high volume or pranks with loud noise can also scare and startle pets, resulting in aggression or escape instincts that may lead to the pet becoming lost.
All Hallows’ Eve can be terrifying for dogs and cats. Keep candy, cocktails, decorations, and the night’s commotion in mind to keep your pets safe this Halloween. We wish you a joyous holiday season full of treats and no tricks!
Stay Safe And Keep Your Furry Friend Safe!
