Halloween is full of fun and frights, but for our pets, it can bring more tricks than treats. Every year, emergency veterinarians see a spike in pet visits during the spooky season. To help you keep your furry family members safe, our team at Animal ER of University Park has rounded up the top five Halloween emergencies that land pets in the ER, and how you can avoid them.

1. Chocolate & Candy Toxicity

The most common Halloween emergency. Chocolate, sugar-free gum (especially with xylitol), and many candies can be toxic or even deadly for dogs and cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or seizures.

What to do:

• Keep all candy bowls and treat bags out of reach.

• Remind kids not to share candy with pets.

• If your pet eats chocolate or xylitol, call Animal ER of University Park (941-355-2884) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately.

2. Foreign Object Ingestion

From costume parts to candy wrappers and decorations, pets love to chew and swallow things they shouldn’t. Ingested objects can cause dangerous intestinal blockages that may require emergency surgery.

Watch out for:

• Glow sticks and fake spider webbing

• Costume accessories and plastic pieces

• Candy wrappers, lollipop sticks, and foil

Tip: Supervise your pet during parties and keep trash sealed tightly.

3. Costume Mishaps

We love seeing pets dressed up for Halloween, but costumes can cause choking, overheating, or restricted movement. Some pets panic when dressed, leading to injury while trying to escape.

Keep it safe:

• Make sure your pet can breathe, move, and see comfortably.

• Avoid loose buttons, strings, or beads.

• Never leave a costumed pet unattended.

4. Door Dashing & Escapes

With trick-or-treaters constantly ringing the bell, doors open and close all evening, and nervous pets may bolt. Frightened animals can get lost or injured in traffic.

Safety steps:

• Keep pets in a quiet, closed room during festivities.

• Make sure collars, ID tags, and microchips are up-to-date.

• Consider calming treats or white noise for anxious pets.

5. Fire & Burn Injuries

Open flames from candles, pumpkins, or incense can quickly lead to burns or fires if a curious pet knocks something over.

Prevent fires by:

• Using battery-operated LED candles.

• Keeping candles and cords out of reach.

• Supervising pets around any open flames or decorations.

When in Doubt, We’re Here 24/7

If your pet gets into Halloween trouble, don’t wait! Time is critical in emergencies. Animal ER of University Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a dedicated team ready to help when your regular vet is closed.

*DOWNLOAD OUR HALLOWEEN SAFETY HANDOUT*

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