Guide to Pet Safety on Halloween

Halloween is full of spine-tingling fun, but for our furry friends, it can be more trick than treat. Between tempting candy, Halloween costumes, and constant doorbell rings, even the bravest pets might be ready to ghost the whole night. At Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care, we want your Halloween to be full of fun—not frantic visits for a pet emergency. Follow these tips to keep your four-legged goblins safe and sound.

Candy Is a Treat for People, Not Pets

That overflowing bowl of Halloween candy might look like a treasure trove to your pet, but it’s actually a minefield. Chocolate (especially dark chocolate) is toxic to dogs and cats, and many sugar-free candies contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can cause serious health issues and trigger a pet emergency.

If your pet sneaks a snack from the candy stash and starts vomiting, drooling, acting lethargic, or seems “off,” don’t wait. Contact our urgent care team right away—we’re here for those unexpected Halloween hiccups.

Pet Costumes: Charming or Alarming?

Pictures of pets in Halloween costumes make for click-worthy posts, but not every pet is a fan. If your pet seems uncomfortable, stressed, or restricted, it’s best to skip the getup and opt for something low-key like a festive bandana or Halloween-themed collar. If you do go the costume route, make sure it doesn’t cover your pet’s eyes or ears, restrict movement or breathing, or include small pieces that could be chewed off and swallowed.

Secure Your Furry Creatures

With a steady stream of trick-or-treaters at the door, it’s easy for a pet to slip outside unnoticed. A startled pet might bolt in fear, and that could quickly turn into a pet emergency. To be safe, keep pets in a quiet room away from the action, with soft music or a white noise machine to help them stay calm.

And don’t forget the pet ID! Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with current ID tags, and that their microchip info is up to date. In a worst-case scenario, a proper pet ID makes all the difference in reuniting with your pet.

Decorative Dangers Lurking in the Dark

Jack-o’-lanterns with real candles, glow sticks, cobwebs, and electrical cords are all part of the eerie ambiance—but they can also spell trouble for curious paws and twitchy noses. Keep decorations out of reach and opt for pet-safe, flameless candles when possible.

Keep Halloween Festive, Not Frightening
Whether your pup eats a forbidden treat or your cat makes a daring dash out the door, our urgent care team is just a phone call away. Contact us at (916) 624-7387 anytime you have a concern about your pet. We’re here to handle pet emergencies so you can focus on the fun.

From all of us at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care: Have a safe, sweet, and spooktacular Halloween!