At Brentwood Veterinary Center, we want your pets to enjoy the fall season just as much as you do! Whether you’re welcoming trick-or-treaters, decorating your home, or getting your pet dressed up for the occasion, a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe.
1. Keep the Candy Bowl Out of Paw’s Reach
Halloween candy may be delicious for us, but some treats can be dangerous—even life-threatening—for pets.
Watch out for:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and other serious complications.
- Xylitol: This sweetener, also called birch sugar, is found in some sugar-free candies and gums and can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver injury in dogs.
- Raisins: Even small amounts can cause kidney injury in some dogs.
- Candy wrappers: Foil and plastic wrappers can cause choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed.
Our advice: Keep all Halloween candy in a secure location, and remind children that sharing their treats with pets isn’t safe.
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
2. Costumes Should Be Cute AND Comfortable
We love a good pet costume as much as anyone! But not every pet enjoys dressing up.
If your pet participates in the Halloween festivities, make sure their costume:
- Allows them to move, breathe, see, and hear normally.
- Doesn’t have small pieces that could be chewed off or swallowed.
- Fits comfortably without restricting movement.
- Doesn’t cause overheating or unnecessary stress.
If your pet seems uncomfortable, skip the costume! A festive bandana or Halloween-themed collar can be just as adorable.
3. Beware of the Doorbell!
For many pets, Halloween night means unfamiliar faces, strange costumes, and a constantly ringing doorbell.
Even pets who are normally friendly may become frightened or overwhelmed.
Consider setting up a quiet, comfortable space away from the front door with their favorite bed, toys, and some calming background noise.
Bonus tip: Make sure your pet’s identification tags and microchip registration information are current. With doors opening and closing throughout the evening, accidental escapes can happen quickly.
4. Decorations Can Be Dangerous, Too
Pumpkins, glowing lights, and spooky decorations make Halloween festive, but some decorations present hazards to curious pets.
Keep an eye out for:
- Candles: Wagging tails and curious whiskers can easily lead to burns or fires.
- Electrical cords: Chewing on cords can cause serious injuries.
- Glow sticks: The liquid inside can irritate the mouth and cause significant drooling.
- Decorative corn and other seasonal displays: These can cause digestive upset or intestinal blockages if swallowed.
Consider battery-operated candles and placing decorations where pets can’t reach them.
5. Don’t Forget About Fall Wellness
Halloween isn’t the only thing to think about this season!
As temperatures begin to cool in eastern North Carolina, it’s important to continue year-round heartworm, flea, and tick prevention.
Fall is also a wonderful time to check in on your pet’s overall health, especially senior pets who may experience stiffness or mobility challenges.
Regular wellness examinations allow our veterinary team to identify potential concerns early and help keep your pet feeling their best.
We’re Here for You and Your Pets!
At Brentwood Veterinary Center, we believe that keeping pets healthy starts with helping their families stay informed.
Whether you have questions about Halloween hazards, preventive care, or changes in your pet’s health, our team is always happy to help.
From all of us at Brentwood Veterinary Center, we wish you and your furry family members a safe, happy, and not-too-spooky Halloween!