FALL UPDATES


Halloween Tips for Your Pets

Halloween is full of spooky fun, but it's a holiday that could also be 

full of dangers if people aren't cautious. People take extra care to make 

sure children's costumes, candy and trick-or-treat excursions are safe, 

but what about their pets? These same Halloween traditions can also be 

hazardous to animals.

 

Candy

 Pets may want to loot the Halloween candy as much as kids and adults,BUT 

chocolate, baked goods and other treats can be toxic to animals. A 

chemical in chocolate -- theobromine -- is toxic to dogs. They can't 

metabolize it. Chocolate also has a lot of caffeine and sodium, which in 

some cases can trigger a medical emergency. Sugar-free candy and treats 

often contain xylitol, which is also very harmful to pets. The wrappers 

can also be dangerous as they can sometimes cause reactions in the 

stomach, or can cause intestinal blockages.

 

Escaping

Halloween is the second most common holiday for pets to get lost. The 

Fourth of July is the most common. A parade of trick-or-treaters in 

colorful costumes means there are many opportunities for pets to run out 

the front door. Kids dressed up and making lots of noise can scare pets, 

and they may try to escape and part of that escape may be accidentally 

biting a child or an adult. Some animals get stressed easily and the chaos 

and excitement can cause a lot of anxiety.

 

Candles

 Burning candles or lit jack-o-lanterns may accidentally burn the nose of 

a naturally curious cat or a dog sniffing. If a candle is on a counter or 

in a window or inside a pumpkin, tails can catch on fire if it gets 

knocked over, especially true for cats.Sseasonal potpourri, in addition to 

the burn risk, can cause an electrolyte imbalance in cats that tend to 

like the taste of it. Scented items can also irritate lungs of pets.

 

Costumes

Many people choose to have their pets dress up for the holiday. Just as 

with children's costumes, pet owners should be aware of a few safety 

pointers before choosing something for their pet to wear. Be sure pets 

aren't too constricted or overheated. Costumes should allow for an 

unobstructed field of vision and should be free of decorative items that 

pets can chew or swallow. Make sure they are not going to get themselves 

tied up in it and fall down steps or injure a paw. Costumes also shouldn't 

interfere with breathing, hearing or opening the mouth.

 

Raisins

Some adults opt to give trick-or-treaters healthier snacks, and it's not 

uncommon for children to come home with little boxes of raisins among 

their stash. Raisins and grapes may be very toxic to the kidneys for 

certain dogs. The exact cause is not known and this only occurs in some 

individual dogs. Pet owners who want to offer a healthy treat should 

choose carrots or apples (NO SEEDS!) which do not cause the same 

potenially toxic effects.

 

May all enjoy a safe and happy Halloween!!!

Brought to you courtesy of Berkshire Veterinary Service ( also operating 

Berks Mobile Veterinary Service). If you have any questions or concerns 

for your pet this Halloween, please call us at 610-944-3100 for more 

information.