October 22, 2024 (AUSTIN, Texas)—As ghosts, goblins, and candy take center stage this Halloween, pet owners need to stay vigilant to keep their furry family members safe from hidden hazards. Thrive Pet Healthcare’s Vice President of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Anthony Coronado, shares five essential tips to ensure your pets have a safe and happy Halloween.
Candy wrappers, lollipop sticks, and costume accessories can all be harmful to pets if swallowed.
Candy Is for Trick-or-Treaters, Not Pets – Chocolate and candies containing Xylitol are dangerous to pets. Xylitol is a common artificial sweetener found in gum, mints and other popular sugar-free candies. “Just a small amount of Xylitol can lead to serious health issues in dogs and cats, including seizures, organ failure, or worse,” warns Dr. Coronado. “Dark and bakers’ chocolate are very toxic if ingested because it has the highest concentration of theobromine. While milk and white chocolate have less of the toxic ingredients, they can still cause signs, and the fat content can cause pancreatitis. Depending on the type and amount of chocolate consumed, chocolate toxicity can cause everything from vomiting and diarrhea to tremors, seizures and even death.”
Beware of Colorful Candy Wrappers and Lollipop Sticks – Bright wrappers and sticks might look tempting to curious pets, but they can cause choking or even blockages in their intestines. “Candy wrappers and lollipop sticks might seem harmless, but they can pose life-threatening risks to pets if swallowed,” says Dr. Coronado.
Costumes Aren’t for Every Pet – If your pet doesn’t like dressing up, don’t force it. Some pets find costumes uncomfortable or even frightening, which can increase stress levels. Also, as curious as pets are, little costume pieces could be chewed and ingested, leading to a choking hazard and/or gastrointestinal blockages. Instead, opt for a festive collar or bandana if your pet isn’t comfortable in a full outfit.
Pet-Proof Your Decorations – Keep lit pumpkins, candles, and decorations with cords out of your pet’s reach. Pets are naturally curious and may knock over a candle or chew on electrical cords, leading to burns or shocks. Decorations made with food items can be especially tempting, so don’t forget to move them out of your pet’s reach.
Manage Halloween Anxiety—If your dog gets anxious when someone knocks on the door or rings the doorbell, consider crating them in a quiet room away from the front door. Ensure your pet’s microchip information is updated in case of an escape. “Halloween can be overwhelming for pets, and the last thing you want is your dog running out the door or scaring trick-or-treaters,” Dr. Coronado advises.
Recognizing Signs of Harmful Ingestion
Some of the common symptoms that your pet has ingested something harmful include:
Gastrointestinal Issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.
Behavioral Changes: Lethargy, depression and weakness.
Neurologic Signs: Tremors, trouble walking/staggering, or seizures.
In severe cases, pets may display elevated heart and respiratory rates, pale gums or loss of consciousness. Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home, as it can be difficult and unsafe.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Pet owners are advised to act promptly if they witness or suspect their pet has ingested something toxic. Call your veterinarian immediately or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. Early intervention and decontamination can prevent life-threatening complications.
Dr. Coronado emphasizes, “When it comes to your pet’s health, regardless of the time of day, never hesitate to contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital if you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful. A simple phone call could save your pet’s life. If you are concerned, make the call.”
To locate a Thrive Pet Healthcare location near you, including primary, specialty, urgent and emergency veterinary care services, visit
www.ThrivePetCare.com.
About Thrive Pet Healthcare:
Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service community that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and more than 380 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit
www.thrivepetcare.com.
