Share:

Like many holidays, Halloween is a fantastic time of the year, but it can pose a threat to your pet’s health and comfort. The increased activity and abundance of people can stress them out, and treats like candy and feasts can cause them to need veterinary care. To help keep your pet safe, below are several tips you can follow.

How to Prevent the Need for Veterinary Care This Halloween 

1. Keep Them Inside

Dogs and cats alike may run off when they’re scared, and if you’re having a (socially-distanced) party or passing out candy, it creates an opportunity for your pet to run out the door. To prevent this, keep your pet in a secure, comfy part of your home, like your bedroom, with water and food. You could also set up baby gates to keep them away from outside doors, and you should microchip your pet so they can be traced back to you if they escape.

2. Keep Candy & Treats Out of Their Reach

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which stimulates your pet’s nervous system and is hard for them to metabolize, resulting in illness. It’s unhealthy for dogs and cats alike, and ingestion can cause an upset stomach, fast breathing, and seizures. Some treats also have xylitol in them, a sweetener sometimes found in gum, nut butters, baked goods, and sugar-free sweets. For dogs, it can cause hypoglycemia, which can be deadly. 

Make sure food and treats are out of reach and that guests don’t leave any around. If your pet ingests anything, contact your animal hospital immediately.

3. Keep Them Calm & Distracted

veterinary careStress and anxiety make pets more prone to illness and poor behavior. Keep your pet somewhere safe and quiet, with a TV turned on to cover other sounds. Give them safe treats to stay busy—like a toy stuffed with biscuits or a catnip mouse—and put familiar items with them, like their bedding or cat tree. If your pet is prone to anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about solutions, like anxiety vests, supplements, or medications.

4. Keep an Eye On Them

Check on your pet every hour or two, and note any changes in their behavior or appearance. If they seem agitated, unresponsive, or have signs of an upset stomach, call your animal hospital for guidance. Continue to pay close attention to them over the next week or two in case they find any forgotten pieces of candy or food around the house. If anything seems off, like a decrease in appetite or sudden lethargy, get them checked out.

 

Your pet deserves experienced veterinary care from a team who can handle emergencies. Montgomery Animal Hospital in Cincinnati, OH, is one of a limited number of AAHA-accredited vets in the state, holding themselves to rigorous standards. For over 65 years, their veterinarians have provided preventive, diagnostic, acute, surgical, and emergency care for companion and exotic pets. Learn more about their services online, and call (513) 791-7912 for an appointment.

tracking