Is your pet ready for Halloween and trick-or-treat night? It’s a lot of fun to include your pet in the festivities, but not at the expense of their safety. Use your Habersham County, GA vet’s tips to keep your furry friend from harm this holiday.

Anxiety and Escape

One of the biggest pet hazards on trick-or-treat night is anxiety; pets can work themselves into a frenzy thanks to the constant ringing of the doorbell. Even worse, some pets might dart out of the door when it’s opened for trick-or-treaters. The last thing you want to be doing this holiday is searching for your lost pet in the dark of night! If necessary, confine your pet to a separate room for the evening to prevent anxiety and escape.

Costumes

Dressing your pet up in a Halloween costume is certainly adorable, but check to make sure your pet doesn’t suffer from it. Not all pets enjoy wearing clothing, especially if a costume is too baggy or tight-fitting. In addition, some costumes may have small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed, leading to an intestinal obstruction or choking. Do a “trial run” before Halloween to make sure your pet is okay with the costume and that it’s safe for them to wear.

Chocolate

Of course, chocolate is very bad for pets. It contains theobromine and caffeine, two chemicals that pets should never have. Since chocolate is found in abundance this time of year, take steps to restrict your pet’s access; store all chocolate treats in a closed cabinet or closet, and never leave it out on kitchen countertops or tables.

Candy

Candy, gum, and certain baked items are also very hazardous for pets. Many are sweetened with xylitol, an artificial sugar with toxic properties for our animal companions. Xylitol ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and worse—never leave sweets out where pets could gain access. Instead, store them in a closed container where pets can’t get to them.

Decorations

Electric Halloween decorations, like light-up ghosts or jack-o-lanterns, may have electrical cords running from them into the wall. Tie these down to prevent your pet from getting tangled or trying to chew them. Also keep an eye on holiday plants like pumpkins, fall corn, and gourds, as these may cause an upset stomach in a pet who chows down.

Call your Habersham County, GA veterinarian for more holiday safety tips.