Talk about scary. A Halloween-related animal emergency is horribly frightening, and often avoidable with a little advanced consideration.
Top of the list is to keep the chocolate away from dogs. Actually, keep any sugary or high-fat foods away from dogs, or even sugar-free foods with xylitol in them. What we see most at Halloween (or any of the holidays, really) is urgent treatment for dietary lapses. Sometimes owners forget. Sometimes big-hearted relatives and friends just don't know. But as you know, most animals won't themselves refuse.
Also, did you know that raisins or grapes -- even those peeled fake-eyeball grapes -- can be toxic to some dogs?
Beyond dietary issues, we do worry a little about Halloween pranksters, particularly for black cats. Perhaps consider bringing them indoors for a few days.
Plus be aware of Halloween noises that could cause any pet to try to escape, or experience high anxiety. You know your animals best. Consider those anxiety reducing actions you used for the Fourth of July.
After all, we prefer neither fight nor flight, nor fright when it comes to our animals on All Hallow's Eve.
Be safe out there and have a Happy Halloween!
