5 Halloween Pet Emergencies

Halloween is such an exciting time of the year! However, veterinary emergency rooms see a spike in holiday-related emergencies. Here are 5 common Halloween pet emergencies that we see each year. Be sure to keep you and your pet safe this holiday season!

  1. Candy Ingestion (Chocolate Toxicity)
    • Candy ingestion is by far one of the most common Halloween-related emergencies that we see. Many candies can potentially cause pancreatitis in our patients. However, chocolate is the most toxic of them all. Chocolate toxicity in pets can potentially lead to life threatening cardiac arrhythmias and neurologic disease. Take your pet to the vet immediately if they have ingested chocolate.
    • The wrappers of candy can also cause intestinal blockage in pets which can become a serious emergency and require surgery. Be sure to keep those wrappers out of reach from your pets!
  2. Pet Escape
    • As trick-or-treaters approach your door, pets will often find a way to leave the house. With all of the festivities going on and sometimes loud stimuli (fireworks, music, screams, lights, etc.), pets will become afraid and run away. We see many pets that have been hit by cars on holidays due to this reason. Be sure to keep your pet indoors and locked away if you are expecting guests.
  3. Ditch the Glow Sticks
    • If pets ingest or puncture glow sticks, it can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Common signs that you may see in pets is drooling, gagging, retching, pawing at the mouth, and vomiting. Be sure to take your pet to the vet if you notice any of these clinical signs.
  4. Dangerous Costumes 
    • Who doesn’t love seeing a daschund dressed as a hotdog on halloween? Although pets wearing costumes are the cutest thing ever, some costumes can be dangerous to pets. Be sure to properly fit the costume to your pet as some can inhibit their breathing or movement. Some pets will have an increase in anxiety while being dressed up. If you notice your pet struggling or being uncomfortable, be sure to remove the costume immediately.
  5. Electrical Cords
    • Many families love to decorate the yard or inside of the house with Halloween decorations. These decorations could be a safety hazard for pets. Electrical cords can cause burns inside the mouth or the pet could be electrocuted which could lead to life-threatening problems.

These are some of the most common Halloween-related emergencies. Please keep your pet safe during this Halloween season!

Happy Howl-o-ween!!