Halloween Pet Safety Tips

These tips are provided by VESCONE Animal Hospital in Waltham

Happy Halloween!

Don't let a fun night turn into a scare. Show your pets how much they are appreciated by keeping them safe this Halloween.

Pet Safety Tips

Even if Fido does tricks - no treats! Chocolate, in all forms, is toxic to dogs as well as cats. Symptoms
of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst,
urination and heart rate - and even siezures.

Keep an eye out for foil and cellophane wrappers. If these are ingested by your pet they can become a
choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage.

Keep cords and wires from decorations out of reach from your pets. A wagging tail or a curious kitty
could knock a jack-o-lantern over causing fire and/or injury to your pet.

Costumes are cute but not meant for all pets. If your pet isn't in love with dressing up let them go "au
natural." With all the trick or treaters and festivities of the night there is no need to add undue
stress on your pet.

Keep nervous or anxious pets away from the front door during peak trick or treat hours. With all the
excitement, various costumes and strangers coming to the door it can be scary, confusing and stressful to your pet.

Be careful when opening the door to give out treats - you do not want your pet running off into the night.

Keep IDs on your pet, even if they are typically removed at night. If, for any reason, your pet escapes
and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances that he or she will be
returned to you.

If you are hosting a party make sure all food and alcohol is located out of your pet's reach. Unless
your pet is super friendly it may be better to keep it in a separate room with appropriate treats and ample water.


VESCONE is a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital providing pet owners comprehensive coverage, advanced veterinary medicine and caring professionals. We are easily accessible from Route 95 and are located at 180 Bear Hill Road in Waltham—directly across from Pizzeria Uno.