3 Halloween stories and tips to keep pets safe

Halloween can be a fun time for humans, but without the right precautions, it can be a scary time for pets. According to Trupanion, chocolate toxicity-related illnesses begin to spike around Halloween and continue to rise the remainder of the year. Moreover, costumes, decorations, and other candies and seasonal foods can pose risks to curious pets.

Below are 2 articles and 1 video with stories, tips, and expert advice to help keep pets safe this spooky season:

• Tricks without treats ahead of Halloween: Read the story of Paige, a Labrador retriever who required emergency care last Halloween after knocking down shower doors to reach large amounts of chocolate her owners thought were out of her reach—along with 2 more spine-chilling stories of other pet scares.

• Avoid Halloween horrors with client communication: Are your clients aware of toxins and hazards common on Halloween? Read this article for a reminder on the risks sugar-free candy containing xylitol, certain fall flowers, costume elements, chocolates, and more can pose to pets.
• Keeping pets safe from toxins this Howl-o-weekend: Hear from Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, a senior toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, herself, as she shares some of the most common Halloween dangers to pets. In this video, Schmid discusses candies and ingredients that are hazardous to pets, as well as which types of chocolates are most toxic.