Keeping Our Pets Safe and Stress Free

With Halloween only a couple of days away, the team here at Glanbrook Vet Services would like to share some tips and tricks to help everyone in the family (especially our furry family members) to enjoy a safe, fun, and exciting Halloween!

As humans, our main concerns surrounding Halloween include which costume we will be wearing, where to go trick-or-treating, or wondering about how much candy we will be raking in on our big night out! When it comes to our pets though, there are a few different things to consider in order for them to also have a safe and fun evening.

The most common things that we think of as veterinary professionals that could be of concern for our pets on Halloween include NOISE, VISITORS, OPEN DOORS, COSTUMES, and TEMPTING TREATS.

In order to help set up the safest and most fun Halloween possible, we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks that you can put into place before Halloween weekend, on the night itself, and afterward, to keep your furry family members as safe as possible.

1. Set your pets up for success before Halloween

• Create a safe space.
• Set up a quiet room away from the front door with comfortable bedding, fresh water, favourite toys, and a hiding spot for cats.
• Play soft music or white noise to help muffle doorbell sounds.
• Make the environment familiar.
• Keep your pet's usual feeding, walking, play, and bedtime routines as consistent as possible.
• Plan for anxious pets.
• If your pet is frightened by loud noises, strangers, or doorbells, talk to us in advance about appropriate calming strategies or medication.
• Check identification.
• Make sure microchip registration and contact information are current, and that dogs and cats have appropriate identification in case they escape.
• Consider skipping the festivities or allowing your pet to have a safe space to spend the evening if they prefer.
• Some pets are happiest spending Halloween in a quiet home, away from trick-or-treaters and unfamiliar visitors.

2. Keep Halloween treats out of reach

Chocolate and caffeine

• Chocolate can be toxic to both dogs and cats.
• Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially concerning because they contain higher concentrations of theobromine and caffeine.
• Keep candy bowls, treat bags, and baking ingredients well out of reach.

Sugar-free sweets and xylitol

• Xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free products, can cause a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar in dogs.
• Some products may also contain other hazardous ingredients, so check labels and keep all sweets away from pets.

Wrappers, lollipop sticks and candy bags

• Foil, plastic wrappers, and sticks can cause choking or intestinal obstruction if swallowed.
• Keep garbage in a secure bin, and don't let pets investigate unattended trick-or-treat bags.

Other important reminders:

• Keep raisins, grapes, and alcoholic drinks away from pets.
• Don't offer pets candy as a Halloween treat, even in small amounts.
• Offer pet-safe treats or a favourite food puzzle instead.

If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic promptly. Don't wait for symptoms to appear, and don't induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so.

• The ASPCA Poison Control Hotline is an excellent resource if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic.
• They can be reached at 1-888-426-4435.
• There is a fee for using this service, however, the case number that they provide you with will give the veterinarian access to the ASPCA’s detailed treatment plan if urgent care is required, which helps save time and resources in an often urgent situation.

3. Make the front door a safe zone

Remember, repeated doorbell rings, excited children, masks, and unfamiliar visitors can be overwhelming for even normally friendly pets.

• Keep pets behind a closed door or secure barrier.
• A baby gate alone may not be enough for pets who are determined to escape.
• Keep cats indoors.
• Secure exterior doors, windows, and pet doors, and give cats access to hiding places where they can retreat undisturbed.
• Don't force greetings.
• Allow pets to choose whether they want interaction.
• Never force a fearful pet to approach visitors or children.
• Reduce triggers.
• Turn off the doorbell if possible, play calming music, and consider placing a sign outside asking visitors not to ring or knock.
• Use positive distractions.
• Offer a favourite chew, food puzzle, stuffed food toy, or interactive cat toy if your pet is comfortable eating and playing.

These simple environmental changes are often more helpful than trying to make a frightened pet tolerate a busy evening.

4. Recognize the signs of stress in dogs and cats

Since our pets can’t talk, they communicate their discomfort through body language BEFORE they may resort to defensive behaviour.

In dogs, watch for:

• Lip licking, yawning or panting when not hot
• Ears pinned back, tucked tail or a lowered body posture
• Pacing, trembling, hiding or excessive barking
• Turning away, refusing treats or becoming unusually still

In cats, watch for:

• Flattened ears, dilated pupils or a tucked posture
• Hiding, crouching or attempting to escape
• Tail flicking, hissing, growling or swatting
• Refusing food or avoiding interaction

If you see these behavioural hints in your pets on Halloween night:

• Give your pet space and an easy way to retreat.
• Avoid punishment for barking, hiding, growling, or other signs of fear.
• Never force an interaction in the hope that your pet will get used to it.
• If your pet is distressed, reduce the stimulation rather than asking them to cope with more.

A pet who chooses to hide in a quiet room is not missing out on Halloween. They're coping in a way that helps them feel safe.

5. Costumes: cute is optional, comfort is essential

• Let your pet opt out.
• Not every dog or cat enjoys dressing up, and a costume is never worth significant stress.
• Try it gradually.
• If your pet tolerates clothing, introduce the costume in short sessions before Halloween and pair it with treats and praise.
• Check the fit.
• The costume must not restrict breathing, movement, vision, hearing, or toileting.
• Avoid choking hazards.
• Steer clear of small, dangling, chewable, or easily swallowed pieces.
• Supervise at all times.
• Remove the costume if your pet appears uncomfortable, freezes, struggles, or tries to remove it.

A festive bandana or a quick photo beside a pumpkin can be just as cute without the stress.

6. Keep decorations pet-friendly

Halloween decorations can introduce hazards that aren't always obvious.

• Choose battery-operated candles instead of open flames in pumpkins and jack-o'-lanterns.
• Secure electrical cords and string lights to prevent chewing, burns, and electrical injuries.
• Keep fake cobwebs, strings, ribbons, plastic spiders, and small decorations out of reach.
• Swallowed materials can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.
• Store glow sticks and costume accessories safely.
• Chewed glow sticks can cause significant mouth irritation and drooling.
• Be mindful of motion-activated decorations.
• Sudden sounds, movements, and flashing lights may frighten sensitive pets.
• Keep outdoor cats inside during Halloween festivities to reduce their risk of becoming frightened, lost, or injured.

7. Walking dogs safely after dark

For families who want to include their dogs in the festivities, here are a few things to remember on Halloween evening:

• Take your dog's regular walk earlier in the day, before trick-or-treating begins.
• Keep dogs securely leashed, even in familiar neighbourhoods.
• Use reflective gear or a light-up collar for visibility.
• Avoid crowded streets, costumed strangers, and groups of excited children if your dog finds these stressful.
• Ensure your dog's ID tag and microchip information are up to date.
• Remember that a dog who is normally sociable may react differently when people are wearing masks or unusual costumes.

For many dogs, an early walk followed by a relaxing evening at home is the best Halloween plan.

8. When to call your veterinarian

Even with the best laid plans, we understand that things can happen. Please reach out and contact a veterinarian promptly if your pet:

• Eats chocolate, sugar-free candy containing xylitol, raisins, or another potentially toxic substance.
• Swallows a wrapper, string, decoration, or other foreign object.
• Chews electrical cords or sustains a burn or other injury.
• Experiences severe or persistent distress that doesn't improve when the environment becomes quieter.

Don't wait for symptoms after a suspected toxin exposure, and don't attempt home treatments without veterinary guidance. Difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, or severe weakness warrant emergency veterinary care.

If you know that your pet has a history of significant noise phobia or anxiety, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us over the next couple of days to discuss options for helping with their stress and possible anxiety surrounding Halloween.

Our wish for you and your pets this Halloween

Halloween should be fun for the whole family — including the four-legged members! With a little preparation, a safe space to retreat to, and plenty of pet-friendly treats, you can help your dog or cat enjoy a calm, comfortable weekend.

Remember, the best Halloween experience for your pet might look a little different from yours. Respect their boundaries, follow their cues, and let them celebrate in whatever way makes them feel safest.

If you have questions about your pet's anxiety, fear of loud noises, or how to prepare for Halloween, our team is always happy to help.

From all of us at Glanbrook Vet Services, have a happy, healthy, and fear-free Halloween! 🐾🎃