While it might seem exciting to include pets in your Halloween festivities, some aspects can hurt four-legged friends. Keep your cats and dogs safe this Halloween by practicing these pet care tips from veterinarians.

Do:

Keep them away from the door on Halloween.

If you get trick-or-treaters at your door on Halloween, your entry will open numerous times throughout the night. There will also be strangers dressed in costumes, which might scare a cat or dog into trying to escape or showing aggression. Pets are safest indoors away from visitors and vehicles, so it’s often best to confine your furry companions on Halloween night.

Make sure your pet is microchipped. 

If your pet does escape, the proper identification will increase their chances of being returned. Consult your pet’s veterinarian about having them microchipped if they aren’t already.

Microchips are painless devices inserted beneath an animal’s skin. If your pet is found, any veterinarian or animal clinic can scan them for a microchip to retrieve your contact information. If they wear a collar with an ID tag, it will also increase their chances of being returned.

Don’t:

Force them to wear a costume.

Some pets love putting on clothes, but it can cause undue stress for others. Be gentle when putting a costume on your cat or dog, and watch for signs that they are uncomfortable or stressed. Dogs will whine, yawn, drool, pant, and bite if they are experiencing discomfort, and cats will fold their ears back, become vocal, and hiss. 

If your pet seems comfortable with their costume, make sure it doesn’t limit their ability to move, breathe, use the bathroom, or eat. Remove dangling pieces that could easily be chewed.

Let them eat your treats.

Many Halloween candies and treats are toxic to cats and dogs. Sugar-free candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol can be especially dangerous for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that can cause severe reactions such as muscle tremors, seizures, and heart arrhythmia in cats and dogs.

The veterinarians at The Pet Clinic in Honolulu, HI, will advise you on additional pet care and safety tips this Halloween. This animal hospital provides comprehensive pet care services, including vaccinations, microchips, dermatology, and dentistry. Call (808) 946-5096 to make an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.