Halloween Safety
Pet Safety
Trick or Treat!? Halloween Hazards That Land Pets in Surgery
Halloween is a thrilling time for costumes, candy, and spooky fun, but it can also be a risky holiday for our furry friends. At Animal Specialty & Emergency Center of Brevard (ASEC), we see firsthand how Halloween hazards can quickly turn into emergency surgeries. Here’s what every pet owner should know to keep their companions safe this Halloween.
Candy: Sweet Danger
Chocolate and many sugar-free candies can be toxic to pets.
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is harmful to dogs and cats. Even a small amount of dark chocolate can trigger vomiting, rapid heartbeat, seizures, or worse.
Xylitol, a common sugar substitute in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, can cause severe drops in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
Even if your pet only nibbles a piece “by accident,” it can land them in our emergency room faster than you can say “Trick or Treat.”
Tip: Keep all candy out of reach and educate trick-or-treaters not to feed your pets.
Costumes: More Than Just Cute
Dressing up your pet can be adorable, but costumes can pose dangers if they are restrictive or have small, chewable parts.
Tight-fitting outfits may interfere with breathing or mobility.
Small buttons, beads, or ribbons can be ingested, causing intestinal blockages that often require surgery.
Masks or headpieces can obstruct vision or hearing, causing panic or accidents.
Tip: If your pet isn’t comfortable in a costume, skip it. A festive bandana is a safer alternative.
Decorations: A Chewy Temptation
Halloween decorations can be intriguing but hazardous for pets.
Jack-o’-lanterns: Candles can lead to burns if knocked over.
Artificial cobwebs and tinsel: Can cause blockages if swallowed.
Glow sticks and batteries: Toxic if punctured or ingested.
Tip: Keep decorations out of paw’s reach and supervise your pet in decorated areas.
Parties and Trick-or-Treaters: Stress and Chaos
Crowded houses, strangers, and loud noises can cause pets to panic. Stress may lead to escape attempts, fights, or injury.
Tip: Provide a quiet, safe space where your pet can relax away from the Halloween chaos.
When to Call Us
If your pet ingests chocolate, xylitol, decorations, or shows signs of choking, vomiting, seizures, or lethargy, call our 24/7 emergency team immediately. Early intervention can be lifesaving, and some situations may require emergency surgery.
