Fall and Halloween Pet Safety

You don’t have to be a “helicopter parent” for your pet every time the season changes, but it does help to stay informed about common safety hazards and how to avoid them. Just like any other member of your family, you care about their safety (and our veterinarians do, too), and the fall and Halloween pet safety tips we offer can help you make the season a worry-free one for your best friend and for you.

Prepare Your Pet for Sweater Weather

It gets cold up here in White Bear Lake, and now is the time to invest in a sweater and/or jacket that can keep your pet warm when they venture outside. A fur coat can only go so far, especially if your pet is not made for harsh weather (like Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes). Pets can get hypothermia too! When looking for a jacket for your pet, consider something waterproof as well, because fall weather can get damp.

Fall & Halloween Pet Safety in White Bear Lake: A Dog Dressed Up as a Witch for Halloween
Fall & Halloween Pet Safety in White Bear Lake: A Black Cat Inspects a Pumpkin on the Ground

Parasites May Still Be Lurking

And this means that your pet should still be receiving their parasite preventatives. We recommend year-round protection thanks to the tenacity of fleas and ticks, so don’t skip a dose—keep up with your pet’s prevention schedule and make sure they’re stocked up on preventatives.

Be Wary of Wild Fungus

There are a few types of wild mushrooms that are deadly if eaten, including the death cap. Death cap mushrooms typically grow around tree roots and are gaining more territory around the US. Remove any mushrooms you find in your yard just to be safe, and don’t let your pet eat any that they happen to encounter on walks.

Halloween Reminders

Your pet can be safe and enjoy Halloween at the same time. Just keep these suggestions in mind!

  • Store candy and other sweets up in a cabinet or in a pantry where your pet can’t get to it. Chocolate, candy apples, taffy, lollipops, and sugar free gum can be just as tempting for them as it can be for us! Nowadays, many sugar-free sweets include an ingredient called xylitol, which can cause severe illness or even death in pets. Don’t risk it; just keep the candy out of their reach!
  • Throw away candy wrappers and sticks immediately. These can cause choking if swallowed, or even result in an intestinal blockage.
  • Avoid lighting any candles in your home. All it takes is one misstep to knock over a candle, which can not only hurt your pet, but damage your home as well. Use artificial candles instead.
  • Don’t use life-size, scary decorations and overly scary costumes that could frighten your pet and cause them stress.
  • If your pet doesn’t mind wearing a costume, make sure their costume is the right size and not liable to restrict their breathing and movements in any way. On the other hand, if your pet is noticeably uncomfortable in their costume, remove it right away. Their happiness is much more important!