Halloween is a fun time for both children and adults alike, but it may not be nearly as much fun for your furry companion.  Here is a list of some of the things that you can do to help keep your pet happy and healthy this Halloween night.

1) Do not give your pet any chocolate or candy.
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to your dog. If enough of it is consumed (especially dark chocolate), death may result.  Smaller amounts may cause vomiting, diarrhea or even seizures and muscle tremors.  Sugary candies may cause serious intestinal upset with resulting vomiting and diarrhea.  The stick on a candy apple may pierce the intestinal tract or get lodged in the mouth.  Candy wrappers may also lacerate the intestinal tract or create an obstruction, requiring emergency surgery to correct.

2) Keep your pet indoors.
While most pranksters are fairly benign, some may be very malicious, stealing, chasing or harming your pet.  This is especially true for black cats.

3) Keep your pet away from the front door. Lock your pet away somewhere safe.
This prevents your pet from escaping when the door is repeatedly opened.  It also prevents your pet from attacking a trick-or-treater that may look very suspicious or scary to your pet.  This applies to both cats and dogs!  Remember, your dog may want to protect you and your house from all those scary “intruders.”

4) Be careful of lit candles.
Dogs, and especially cats, are attracted to the light of the candle in a dark room or outdoors.  We often see kittens with scorched fur/burned whiskers.  If they topple over a pumpkin with a candle in it- a fire may be started.

5) Be careful of your scary decorations.
Make sure that decorations are properly secured.  Some decorations, such as the fake cob-webs,  may be appealing to pets, particularly cats.  Injestion of these fake cob-webs may cause an intestinal obstruction or laceration requiring emergency surgery.

6) Loud noises.
Many trick-or-treaters will set off fire-crackers that may scare your pet.  If your pet is sensitive to these loud sounds, you may want to put your pet in a room furthest away from these noises and turn on the radio or TV loud.

Have a wonderful and safe Halloween from all the Team at Island Veterinary Hospital!