You know how crucial it is for children to remain safe while they’re trick-or-treating on Halloween. If you have fur babies, however, it’s just as essential to keep them safe on the spookiest night of the year. Veterinarians have a variety of suggestions for their protection.

How to Protect Your Pet on Halloween

1. Avoid Feeding Them Candy

It’s best not to take a chance with Halloween candy, according to veterinarians, even if your furry friend does seem particularly interested in your child’s treats. Xylitol, an ingredient often found in sugar-free candies, can cause a dog’s blood sugar to plummet and even lead to liver failure. Chocolate, meanwhile, contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs and may cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures.  

2. Check for Proper Identification

Your pet should always have an identification tag on, but you should double-check on Halloween since that’s one of the rare days when you’re likely to open and close the door frequently as you pass out candy to the neighborhood kids. Intrepid dogs can easily dart outside quicker than you can stop them, and it may be difficult to find them alone. Having a tag with contact information on it can help reunite you with your furry friend.

3. Watch for Costume Malfunctions

Some pet owners love to dress up their furry friends for Halloween. That’s perfectly fine, so long as the costume fits well and doesn’t pose any problems for him. For example, they should move freely without any restrictions.

The costume shouldn’t be so snug that it interferes with breathing, and it should never cover the face. Put the outfit on your pet a couple of times in advance of the holiday, so they have time to grow accustomed to wearing it.

If you love celebrating Halloween with your pet, don’t hesitate to have them join in on the festivities; just make sure they’re safe. If you need some help from a qualified veterinarian, turn to Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinic in Missouri. Proudly serving pet owners throughout Lincoln and St. Charles counties, they provide a wide range of services, including pet wellness exams, flea and tick control, vaccinations, and neutering. Visit them online for information, or call (636) 528-4534 to schedule an appointment.