5 "C" Words that Could Spell Catastrophe for Your Pets This Halloween

Halloween is almost here, and you probably want to include your pets in the festivities. At Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital, we love the adorable costumes and delicious treats this holiday brings, but we also know that Halloween can take a very scary turn if pet owners forget about common seasonal hazards. To avoid an emergency trip to your favorite Duarte veterinarian, protect your pets from the following five "C" words this Halloween:

1. Candy

Chocolate and the artificial sweetener xylitol are toxic for dogs and cats. Many Halloween candies contain one or both of these ingredients and cellophane and foil wrappers cause life-threatening obstructions when digested. Store and dispose of all candy very carefully.

2. Candles

Curious pets could burn or singe themselves on a candle's flame or hot wax, or even knock it over and start a fire. Instead of lighting a black candelabra for that spooky party display or leaving a lit candle inside your carved pumpkin, invest in LED alternatives that will last for many Halloweens to come.

3. Costumes

If your dog doesn’t mind wearing loose-fitting clothing, feel free to participate in costume contests and other pet-friendly Halloween events in Duarte. Just don't use dyes or force pets into costumes that stress them out, restrict their movement, or interrupt their vision or hearing. Stick to a simple costume with enough ventilation to avoid overheating.

4. Cords

Are you decorating with fairy lights, spooky motion-sensing statues, or decorations with lights and sounds? With electricity comes cords that could trip or burn your four-legged family members. Bunnies are especially vulnerable, because cords resemble roots and trigger their natural chewing and burrowing instincts.

5. Commotion

Pets thrive with a consistent routine and familiar sights and sounds. It's easy for them to get over-stimulated, scared, or stressed by holiday commotion. At Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital, we recommend microchipping your pets before Halloween and separating them from partiers and trick-or-treaters. 

Now that you know what to avoid, how will you and your pets celebrate Halloween this year in Duarte?