When the leaves begin to turn colors and pumpkins begin appearing on neighborhood porches, you know that Halloween is just around the corner. While spooky season is a fun time of the year for many people, it can also become a little too scary for pets if owners don't take precautions.
Dr. Erin Ray, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS), and Dr. Lori Teller, a VMBS clinical professor, share their veterinary advice for keeping pets safe at Halloween to help pet owners best celebrate the spooky season with their furry friends.
Halloween food safety for pets
One of the most iconic parts of Halloween is the food, including candy and party snacks like popcorn balls and caramel-covered apples. Because these foods are abundant at this time of year, pet owners should pay close attention to what treats their animals indulge in.
"It is vital to be careful with any candy and food that could be potentially toxic for your pet to ingest throughout this holiday season," Ray said.
Common ingredients that are harmful for pets include:
"Pet treats are a fun thing to give to pets, as long as they aren't too rich, don't contain toxic ingredients, can't pose a choking hazard or aren't too hard," Ray said.
If you find yourself in a situation where your pet has consumed something potentially detrimental to their health, The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control can be reached at (888) 426-4435 and the Pet Poison Helpline can be reached at 855-764-7661.
Alternatives to offering treats
If you're concerned about the contents of pet treats, another way to celebrate Halloween while keeping your pet safe is by investing in a new toy.
"Toys that can't be ripped apart, broken into pieces, or have pieces taken off of them are a great thing to give your furry friend during the holidays, with owner supervision," Ray said. "This is particularly true for string toys for cats."
Helping pets cope with crowds and noises
Visiting haunted houses and watching horror movies may be how some Halloween enthusiasts enjoy celebrating the season, but pets don't always share their owners' affinity for the frightening.
"Pets can exhibit signs of fear in new, crowded or loud situations, which would include places like haunted houses, hay mazes and even loud movies in their normal home," Ray said. "They can often mirror their owner's emotions, too, so if an owner is scared, nervous or anxious, the pet can show similar signs."
Ways that pets exhibit fear and anxiety can include:
Dogs may also show fear by barking or biting, while cats may hiss or swat.
Is trick-or-treating safe for pets?
Whether your pet should accompany you out for a night of trick-or-treating is largely dependent on their personality and how familiar they are with the activity. Even if you intend to stay at home for the night, Ray encourages owners to make sure to consider your pet's comfort when making your Halloween plans.
"Parties and trick-or-treating can be fun for some animals, such as well-socialized dogs or cats who enjoy the attention, but these activities can be stressful for others because of the scary shapes and sounds, like the doorbell ringing," Ray said. "Costumes can also scare pets if they are big, elaborate or not something that the animal has seen before."
With this in mind, Ray strongly recommends that pet owners take caution during parties where a pet could come across unsuspecting threats. If people are visiting, it's also important to communicate which treats can and cannot be shared with pets.
"A trial run with a small group of friends can be a good way to assess how your pet will respond to other people, and start getting them familiar with parties and festivities," Ray said.
Dealing with halloween decorations
Just as some people prefer to celebrate the season with harvest imagery and others lean into the spooky side, pets' love of Halloween decorations can be personality-dependent.
"Many animals do not appreciate large, new decorations that could scare them or make them nervous, while others may enjoy playing with them or trying to chew them," Ray said. "Any decorative items lying around that could be chewed on or swallowed have the opportunity to become foreign body risks."
Are pumpkins safe for pets?
In general, pumpkin can be an excellent treat for cats and dogs because it is both tasty and low in calories, making it a healthy alternative to traditional treats.
"Pumpkins are roughly 90 percent water, so they can be filling for a pet without increasing their caloric intake, which is beneficial for overweight or obese pets," Teller said.
Letting pets munch on the insides of a fresh pumpkin can provide other health benefits, specifically by providing fiber that can ease digestive issues, but only if eaten in conservative amounts.
"Because the seeds or the fibrous strands are very high in fiber, eating too much can cause stomach upset," Teller said. "When owners let their pet eat pumpkin, they should think of it like they are feeding their pet treats -- treats should make up less than 10 percent of their total caloric intake."
Halloween is a time for candy, laughs and a scare or two. With some simple adjustments, it can be a fun holiday for the entire family.