Animal Care Services Offers Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Published on October 30, 2024

SAN ANTONIO (October 30, 2024) – Halloween is traditionally a family-oriented holiday, and many people like to include their pets in the festivities. However, good intentions can go bad if you do not keep in mind the many dangers pets can face at this time of year. Remember these tips as your family enjoys the trick-or-treating season:

• Chocolate of any type, even a nibble, can be toxic and potentially fatal to dogs and cats. Keep holiday goodies like candies and cookies away from your pets.
• Talk to your kids about the danger of giving your pet Halloween treats. 
• Cellophane and foil wrappers, lollipop sticks, and caramel apple sticks should be thrown away immediately. If swallowed, they pose a choking hazard to pets. 
• Trick-or-treating may be fun for the family, but the constant ringing of the doorbell can scare your pet. Provide a quiet, safe place for your pet to relax. 
• Although it may be tempting to bring Fido along while trick-or-treating, the masks and costumes could be threatening to your family pet. Fear can lead to protective or aggressive behavior like biting and growling. Leave your pet at home.
• Keep your pet safe inside for the evening if you are worried trick-or-treaters may scare or bother your outdoor pet. 
• Halloween decorations, such as jack-o-lantern candles and electric strings of lights, can spark curiosity in pets. Keep them out of reach.
• Not all pets will tolerate wearing a costume or embellished collar. To get your pet in on the Halloween fun, provide a pet-safe, holiday-themed treat for them to enjoy.