For us, Halloween is a fun time of dressing up and handing out candy. But from a pet’s point of view, the doorbell ringing non-stop, familiar people suddenly putting on scary masks, and a pile of sweet-smelling candy appearing on the floor — this night may not be fun at all.
Every pet has a different personality — some love the excitement, others are very timid. With just a few of the preparations below, the whole family (including the four-legged members) can get through the holiday safely together.
Pet Costumes: Cute, But Comfortable Too
Dressing your pet up for photos is fun, but not every pet likes wearing clothes. When choosing a costume, keep in mind:
- Keep it simple: a bandana or a festive collar is often more comfortable than a full-body costume.
- Try it on early: before the holiday, let your pet wear it for short periods a few times, paired with treat rewards, to get used to it gradually.
- Don’t hinder movement: the costume should not block sight, hearing, breathing, barking or going to the toilet.
- No small chewable parts: buttons, bells and sequins can all be swallowed.
- Take it off after the photos: this is especially true for accessories like hats and masks.
- Don’t leave them unattended while dressed: pets may pull at or chew up the costume, or even get tangled in it.
- Watch their body language: ears pinned back, showing the whites of the eyes, a tucked tail, or curling up into a ball all mean the pet is uncomfortable, and the costume should be removed at once.
October in Hong Kong is still humid and muggy
Thick or airtight costumes can easily cause pets to overheat, so choose light, breathable styles.
Candy and Snacks: The Biggest Danger
The most common Halloween accident is a pet accidentally eating candy. Keep candy in a cupboard your pet can’t reach, and remind children not to share candy with pets. With many sweets you simply can’t tell from the outside whether they contain chocolate or xylitol, so the safest approach is not to give any at all.
| Food | Why It’s Dangerous | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Contains theobromine; dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most toxic | Vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heartbeat, trembling |
| Sugar-free candy, chewing gum | Contains xylitol; even a small amount can cause a dog’s blood sugar to plummet and damage the liver | Vomiting, weakness, seizures |
| Grapes, raisins | Can cause acute kidney failure in dogs | Vomiting, loss of appetite, reduced urination |
| Candy wrappers, lollipop sticks | Swallowing them can cause intestinal blockage | Vomiting, abdominal pain, refusing to eat |
| Rotten pumpkins | Breed bacteria and mould | Digestive upset |
Want your pet to join in the holiday?
Preparing a pet-specific treat is the safest way.
Decorations: Nice to Look At, But Put Them in the Right Place
To a curious pet, holiday decorations are just new toys, so place them while thinking from their height and angle.
Jack-o’-lanterns and candles
A wagging tail could knock over a candle and start a fire, and curious kittens are even more likely to get burned. Switching to LED electronic candles is the safest option; candle smoke is also harmful to birds.
Glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark decorations
If bitten open, the liquid tastes very bitter and can make pets drool heavily or behave abnormally; although it usually doesn’t cause serious poisoning, it should still be kept out of their reach.
Fake spider webs
Easily tangle around pets, and swallowing them can cause intestinal blockage.
String lights and cords
Chewing on cords carries a risk of electric shock, so cords should be tucked away or covered with protective sleeves.
Small props
Plastic eyeballs, small ornaments and the like can be swallowed, causing choking or intestinal blockage.
Fake blood, makeup
Some contain ingredients harmful to pets, so put them away after use.
Stress and Escaping: Give Your Pet a Quiet Corner
The doorbell, strangers and strange costumes can all frighten a pet into bolting out the door the moment it opens.
- Set up a quiet room: when hosting a party at home or when trick-or-treaters come knocking, keep your pet in a quiet room or crate with water, a familiar blanket, and chew toys or puzzle feeders to distract them, and play soft music.
- Secure your pet before opening the door: when answering the door, close an inner door or hold the leash first to stop them from dashing out.
- Pheromone spray can help for cats: it helps ease nervous feelings.
- Don’t bring your pet to parties or crowded events: Halloween events at places like Lan Kwai Fong and theme parks are crowded and noisy, so staying home is best.
- Walk before dark if you can: the streets are crowded on the holiday night, and there’s often candy and candy wrappers on the ground. If you must go out at night, use a well-fitting harness and leash, and put on a reflective collar or a lit accessory so pedestrians and drivers can see your pet.
- Make sure ID details are complete: keep the dog licence and microchip registration updated with your latest phone number, and take a recent photo of your pet in advance to make it easier to find them if they get lost.
Suspect They Ate Something? Do This Immediately
The sooner you seek medical help, the better the outcome. Even if your pet seems fine for now, some poisoning symptoms only appear hours later.
- Remove what’s left: to stop your pet from eating any more.
- Note down the details: what they ate, roughly how much, and when; keep the wrapper or ingredient label.
- Call the vet immediately: at night or on holidays you can contact a 24-hour animal hospital.
- Don’t induce vomiting yourself: unless directed by a vet, inducing vomiting on your own can cause even greater harm.
- Bring the packaging and seek care as soon as possible: so the vet can determine the treatment needed.
Prepare before the holiday
Save the phone numbers of your vet and the nearest 24-hour animal hospital in your phone.
Conclusion
The best Halloween gift is letting your pet spend the holiday with you safe and happy. Rather than sharing human candy, prepare a treat just for them; and before heading out at night, check that the leash and harness fit well and are secure. You’re welcome to shop at BC Pets, or ask our staff.
Shopping Recommendations
References: Humane World for Animals, AVMA, ASPCA, American Humane, AKC
