Ah, Halloween—the time of year when ghosts, goblins, and ghoulish decorations take over the neighborhood! As much as we love the spooky vibes, Halloween can be a tricky (or should we say, "treat-y"?) time for our furry friends. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to make sure your pets stay safe and stress-free during all the festive fun. Here’s what to keep an eye on this Halloween! North Vancouver Vet
1. Treats Are for Humans, Not Pets!
We all love a good candy haul, but some of those delicious treats can be dangerous for cats and dogs. Chocolate, especially dark or baking chocolate, is toxic to dogs and cats. Also, be cautious of sugar-free candies and gum containing xylitol, which can cause serious health issues in pets.
Pro Tip: Set up a pet-safe zone where they can't reach any candy left out for trick-or-treaters. And while you’re at it, give your pet their own special (and safe) treat! Pumpkin-flavored treats, anyone? North Vancouver Vet
2. Spooky Decorations = Sneaky Hazards
Cobwebs, string lights, and glow sticks might make your house the most haunted on the block, but curious paws and whiskers could get tangled up in them. Cats, especially, love to bat at dangling decorations! Watch out for:
Lit candles (nobody wants a singed tail!)
Glow sticks (they taste gross and could make your pet drool excessively)
Tinsel and string (they can be swallowed and cause blockages)
North Vancouver Vet
3. Costume Caution
Who doesn’t love a dressed-up dog or a cat in a tiny witch hat? While pet costumes are adorable, they can also be uncomfortable or even dangerous if they restrict movement or breathing. If you do decide to dress up your pet, make sure the costume:
Doesn’t cover their face or restrict breathing
Allows for easy movement
Is free of small parts that can be chewed off
If your pet doesn’t like costumes, that’s okay! A festive bandana can be just as stylish (and less stressful). North Vancouver Vet
4. Watch for Door Dashers!
Halloween means a lot of visitors ringing the doorbell, which can be exciting—or overwhelming—for your pets. Cats and dogs who aren’t fans of strangers or loud noises may bolt out the door if they get spooked. To prevent escape artists:
Create a cozy, quiet space where your pet can relax away from the front door.
Use gates or barriers to keep pets from making a break for it.
Make sure your pet is microchipped and wearing up-to-date ID tags—just in case!
North Vancouver Vet
5. Noise and Anxiety
All the doorbell ringing, laughing kids, and spooky sounds might not be as fun for your pets as it is for you. Dogs and cats can experience heightened anxiety on Halloween night. Consider:
Playing calming music or using white noise machines to drown out the scary sounds.
Using pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps to help ease their stress.
North Vancouver Vet
Bonus Tip: Pumpkin Love!
Pumpkin is not only a Halloween favorite for humans, but it’s also a great, healthy treat for dogs and cats! Plain, canned pumpkin (not the sugary pie filling) can aid digestion and is full of fiber and vitamins. So, go ahead—share a little pumpkin love with your furry friend!
Halloween should be fun for the whole family—pets included! By following these tips, you can ensure that your cat or dog stays safe, happy, and far away from any real-life scares. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a howl at Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic! We’re here to help keep your pets safe year-round. North Vancouver Vet