Dog and cat owners have been warned about several hidden Halloween dangers (Image: Getty)
Dog and cat owners have been warned about several hidden dangers that could put their pets at risk this Halloween. Millions of families will be getting ready for a weekend of costumes, decorations, parties and trick-or-treaters. But some of the things that make Halloween fun for people can be frightening or even dangerous for our pets. One particular danger can be found in some sugar-free sweets and could cause serious health problems if eaten by a dog.
David Martin, group director of animal welfare at inspiring vet care, is urging owners to be careful about xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be toxic to dogs. He said: “Halloween can be an exciting time for families but some pets may experience these festivities differently.
“From more guests in the house and frequent doorbell ringing, to hidden toxins in sugar-free sweets, there are some lesser-known, unexpected risks owners should be aware of as we head into spooky season.”
Most owners will already know they need to keep chocolate and sweets away from their animals. However, Mr Martin warned that xylitol is one danger people may be less familiar with.
He said: “Many know that Halloween sweets and chocolate can be extremely dangerous for pets, but one lesser-known danger is xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free sweets. In dogs, even small amounts can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and potentially liver damage. With this in mind, it’s worth staying vigilant if your pets are going to be socialising whilst you celebrate. Keep sweets away from pets, and remind your guests and little ones to do the same – and if you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful, contact your vet immediately.”
Owners should be careful with Halloween treats (Image: Getty)
Food isn’t the only potential problem owners should be thinking about. Repeated knocks on the door, the doorbell ringing and strangers arriving at the house can cause stress to build up in some pets.
Mr Martin said: “Constant doorbell ringing, knocking and unfamiliar visitors can cause what’s known as ‘trigger-stacking’ in pets. This is when multiple stressful experiences build up, leaving an animal feeling anxious and frightened. A normally friendly dog may become reactive to this, while a frightened pet may try to bolt through the open door.”
Owners could turn off their doorbell or leave sweets outside for trick-or-treaters to reduce the number of interruptions.
Pets can also be given a quiet room with familiar bedding, toys and fresh water, while having the TV or radio playing may help distract them from noises outside.
Halloween decorations can bring their own risks. Glow sticks can cause excessive drooling and irritation around the mouth if bitten, while their plastic casing could become a choking hazard.
Fake cobwebs, ribbons and string can also be dangerous if swallowed, while electrical cables should be kept away from pets.
Repeated knocks on doors or strangers in the house can cause stress to build up in some pets (Image: Getty)
Owners using candles inside pumpkins should also make sure they are kept somewhere their pet cannot reach them.
Mr Martin said: “If your pet accidentally knocks them over or gets too close, there is a risk of painful burns and potentially causing a fire.”
He also advised against dressing dogs and cats in Halloween costumes.
He said: “Although dressing your pet up for Halloween might seem cute and entertaining, costumes can cause pets to overheat, restrict their breathing or movement and make it harder for them to communicate through body language such as tail wagging and ear movements.
“Therefore, we do not recommend dressing your pet up and instead let them enjoy Halloween without a costume.”
Alcoholic drinks should also be kept out of reach because alcohol is toxic to pets if swallowed.
Owners should make sure their pet’s microchip details and ID tags are up to date in case they manage to escape while guests are entering or leaving the home.
Mr Martin added: “Pets don’t necessarily understand what’s happening at Halloween and what people find fun can be potentially frightening or dangerous for animals – so being mindful of these hazards, providing a quiet place to retreat to and keeping food and decorations out of reach can all help.
“If your pet seems anxious, give them space rather than forcing them to join in. If you suspect they’ve eaten something toxic or swallowed a dangerous object, the best thing to do is contact your vet immediately.”
