Halloween horrors for pets... and other pet-friendly tips

Written by Dr. Patty Khuly

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Halloween is on the way and there’s no better time to review the pet safety issues you’ll likely confront. Here’s my run-down, with a few bells and whistles thrown in just for fun.

1) Beware the Xylitol!

Human candies of the sugar-free variety (especially gums and mints) are increasingly including Xylitol, a natural sugar substitute made from the bark of the birch tree. Beware these, as even small quantities can kill dogs by lowering their blood sugar drastically and later leading to liver failure. Read your labels before buying any sugar-free holiday fare. (And during the rest of the year, too.)

2) Chocolate is a killer

I probably didn’t have to mention this but no holiday horrors list would be complete without a mention of this. To cut down on your pet’s risk, shy away from the chocolates—especially of the dark variety. White chocolate, however, is OK—no real chocolate there.

3) Raising Cain with raisins

Don’t give away little boxed raisins to the trick-or-treaters (like my mom did every Halloween). Not only will it mark your place for life as the house to skip, dogs that get into stashes of these can suffer kidney failure.

4) Secure pets during trick-or-treat time

As friendly as your pets may be, Halloween is not the time to challenge some pets’ fears with the ridiculous outfits, nor is it helpful to the more sensitive children in our midst. Furthermore, opening and closing doors don’t make for safe pets.

5) Keep black pets indoors, especially cats

In Miami, where I live, black cats are targeted on Halloween as part of a violent and deranged spree some kids consider fun. Don’t let your loved ones become a target.

6) Candy wrapper Hell

One year I extracted a huge wad of balled up wrappers from a cat’s stomach. ‘Nuff said.

7) Ornamental nightmares

Pet proof your Halloween ornaments—everything’s a chew toy for some pets. Exposed wiring is an especially common hazard so keep any decorative wiring well out of reach.

8) Channel your inner Martha…

…and design your own pet costume. My favorite one for this year? The lion. Buy a fluffy bit of faux fur at the fabric store and fashion a collar-attachable mane from it. For best results, get your long-haired pet a dramatic “lion cut” at the groomer’s.

9) Trick or treat with your buddy

Include your pet in your kids’ costumes—or your own (for example, dress up as a lion-tamer or safari traveler to match your lion buddy). Or consider throwing a pets-welcome party for well-behaved pooches. But don’t spike the punch, please!