Avoid feeding your pets Halloween treats as they are not safe for them. Many common goods like chocolate, gum, and anything containing xylitol (a sugar substitute) are toxic to animals. Since you can’t always tell what's in a piece of candy just by looking, it’s best to stash all sweets out of reach, especially during trick-or-treating. Ensure that children know not to share their candy with pets because it can be tempting to share their loot with their best friends. Make sure they know the difference between a treat for them and a treat for the animals. 

Foods to Keep Away from Your Pets:

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to pets. These substances can cause a range of symptoms from vomiting and diarrhea to severe issues like high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, seizures, and in some cases, even be fatal. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous due to their higher theobromine content.
• Candy with Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, and baked goods. In dogs, it can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to a sudden and life-threatening drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms include vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and, in severe cases, liver failure. While the effects on cats are not well-studied, it's safest to keep them away from any product containing xylitol.
• Grapes and Raisins: Dogs should never have any grapes, as even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause kidney damage, potentially leading to kidney failure. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and signs of kidney failure, such as increased thirst and urination.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Though not toxic, pumpkin seeds can be hard for pets to digest, especially if they are salted or roasted. Consuming large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. 

Be mindful of discarded candy wrappers too, as they can cause choking or blockages if swallowed. If you want to treat your pet, stick to pet-friendly snacks made just for them.

Keep the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline handy: 888-426-4435 (The hotline may charge a consultation fee).

If your pet eats something dangerous or gets into something they shouldn’t, call your vet or the Poison Control Center immediately.

Dressing up your pet for Halloween can be a fun way to include them in the festivities, but it’s important to keep their comfort and safety top of mind. While costumes can be cute, not every pet enjoys wearing a costume, so always prioritize their comfort and well-being! Here’s how to make sure your pet enjoys the holiday just as much as you do:

• Ensure Comfort and Fit: Choose a costume that fits well and allows your pet to move, breathe, and see easily. A tight or bulky costume can lead to discomfort or even injury. Always try on costumes before the big day to ensure you have time to make adjustments.
• Avoid Small Parts: Steer clear of costumes with small, detachable parts like buttons or sequins that could become choking hazards if they come loose or get chewed on.
• Check for Allergic Reactions: Keep an eye out for signs of irritation, like itching or redness. Your pet might have a sensitivity to certain materials.
• Use Non-Toxic Materials: Make sure the costume is made from pet-safe, non-toxic materials. Avoid any chemicals or dyes that could be harmful if ingested.
• Avoid Masks or Headpieces: Masks and headpieces can block your pet’s vision or hearing, leading to disorientation or anxiety. Stick to simpler accessories.
• Supervise Your Pet: Always keep a close watch on your pet while they’re in costume to prevent them from getting tangled or feeling uncomfortable.
• Consider Your Pet’s Temperament: If your pet seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior in their costume, it’s best to skip it and opt for a festive bandana or collar instead or consider skipping on any accessories all together. After all, the goal is for everyone to have a great time! 
  

Halloween is a time of excitement and spooky activities, but it can also be a source of stress for our furry friends. The constant ringing of doorbells, strange costumes, and increased activity around the house can be overwhelming for pets. To ensure they remain calm and safe, consider these tips:

• Create a Safe Haven: Before trick-or-treating begins or if you are hosting a Halloween party we recommend setting up a quiet, secure room for your pet away from the festivities. Masks and costumes can make familiar people seem frightening to your pets, so a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door will help guests respect their space. This could be a quiet room with some of their favorite toys, a cozy bed, and calming background noise, such as music or a TV, to drown out the sounds of Halloween and the doorbell ringing. Interactive toys, such as treat-dispensing puzzles, can help keep your pet engaged and distracted.
• Manage Anxious Pets: Ensure your pet has access to their favorite toys and treats, and consider using calming products like pheromone diffusers or thundershirts to help manage their stress. If your pet is prone to anxiety, consult your veterinarian about mild sedatives or anxiety-reducing supplements. Make sure to test any new medication or product before the holiday to ensure it’s effective and doesn’t have adverse effects on your pet. 
• Minimize Noise and Distractions: Reduce doorbell disturbances by greeting trick-or-treaters outside or intercepting them before they reach your door. If your dog remains with you, keep them on a leash to control their movements and prevent them from bolting if they become startled.
• Leave Dogs at Home: If you plan to go out trick-or-treating, it’s best to leave your dog at home. The chaotic environment can lead to stress or confusion, increasing the risk of them getting lost or engaging in undesirable behavior.
  

Halloween brings a festive atmosphere with its vibrant, spooky decorations, but it's important to consider how these decorations might affect your pets. Consider introducing your pets to their “safe room” before you decorate indoors because changes to your home can sometimes make your pets, especially cats, anxious or disoriented.

1. Keep Candles Out of Reach: Flickering candles or tealights can cause burns or start fires if knocked over by curious pets. We suggest opting for flameless candles to avoid these risks.
2. Secure Electrical Cords: Holiday lights and power cords can be tempting for pets to chew on, potentially leading to shocks or accidents. Use cord covers or secure cords out of reach.
3. Avoid Small or Sharp Objects: Decorations like plastic spiders or fake bones can pose choking hazards or cause injuries so make sure to keep them out of reach.
4. Keep Battery-Operated Toys and Décor Out of Reach: Pets may chew on or swallow battery-operated items, which could require an emergency vet visit.
5. Beware of Glow Sticks: Glow sticks and similar items can look like toys to pets. Although the liquid is usually non-toxic, it is extremely bitter and can cause pets to act erratically. If punctured, the liquid inside can cause mouth pain, irritation, and excessive drooling.
6. Choose Pet-Safe Plants: Some Halloween plants, like autumn leaves and certain decorations, can be toxic to pets. Opt for pet-friendly alternatives or keep any plants well out of reach. For example, while pumpkin is generally safe, consuming large amounts can upset a pet’s stomach.
7. Mind Hanging Décor: Decorations hanging from walls or ceilings can be enticing to pets, leading to accidental ingestion or injury. Secure these items firmly and avoid easily reachable decorations.
8. Watch for Tinsel and Strings: Pets are often attracted to tinsel and string-like decorations, which can cause gastrointestinal issues if swallowed so keep these decorations away from curious pets.
   

 Wildlife Safety

To protect local wildlife during Halloween, start by thoroughly inspecting decorations for hidden critters, as small animals like birds and squirrels may seek shelter in or around them. Avoid using harmful materials, such as toxic paints or chemicals, in your decorations to prevent wildlife from ingesting them and potentially becoming poisoned. Make sure jack-o’-lantern candles or lights are securely placed and monitored to keep wild animals at a safe distance. Opt for outdoor lighting that minimizes glare to avoid attracting nocturnal animals, and keep garbage cans tightly sealed to deter scavenging. 

When decorating your outdoor space for Halloween, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Secure Decorations: Anchor decorations firmly to prevent them from becoming tripping hazards for pets and potential traps for wildlife.
• Use Pet-Safe Lighting: Install outdoor lights securely and avoid exposed wires that could be chewed on by pets or harm wildlife.
• Avoid Toxic Plants: Choose non-toxic Halloween-themed plants and keep potentially harmful ones out of reach of both pets and wildlife.
• Keep Candy Out of Reach: Place candy bowls in areas inaccessible to pets and wildlife, as chocolate and other sweets can be toxic.
• Control Noise and Spooky Effects: Ensure spooky sounds and animations are not excessively startling for pets or wildlife, as loud noises can cause unnecessary stress.
• Avoid Tangling Hazards: Refrain from using fake spider webs, string-like decorations, or decorations with loops, circles, and lines that can entangle or trap birds and small animals. If you do continue to use them, check them daily for trapped critters.