posted
on Monday, October 20, 2025
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Pet PSA
Every year, Halloween is celebrated with tricks, treats, and costumes of all kinds, but it can also be a night of dangers and stress for pets. The Animal Rescue League of Iowa has tips to keep your pets happy and safe during this spooky season.
Keep the candy out of reach
Be sure your canine and feline friends don’t swipe any trick-or-treating treasures. Depending on the size of your pet and the amount ingested, your pet could become seriously ill from ingesting Halloween candy. If your pet does ingest something they aren’t supposed to, contact your local veterinarian or emergency vet immediately. Keep the numbers for both handy and make sure you know how to get to your 24/7 emergency vet if needed. For questions, you can also contact the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Offer a safe space
Not all pets are social butterflies, so the constant ringing of the doorbell and the presence of strangers can cause pets great distress. Keep your pets calm and comfortable by setting them up in a room they feel comfortable in that’s also away from the door, or keep them in their kennels.
Be safe with decorations
Keep in mind that the skeletons, ghosts, and jack-o-lanterns can be hazardous to pets. Ingesting decorations, lights, and batteries can lead to discomfort, pain, or even life-threatening digestive issues. Decorating for the holiday isn’t out of the picture, however. You can still deck-out your house with witches and goblins, just be sure to keep items out of reach if necessary to avoid a trip to the emergency vet.
Watch your exits
With all of the trick-or-treating, the front door can be a busy place, which means pets can easily become overwhelmed or overexcited and try to escape. Make sure doors are monitored and be careful when visitors arrive so pets don’t dart out the door, and equip pets with an ID tag and a microchip with your updated information to help give them the best chance of being reunited with you if they do become lost.
Pick a comfy costume
If you like to dress up your pet for Halloween, remember to choose one that your pet will be comfortable in. Your pet should be able to move freely, breathe easily, and see clearly while wearing a costume. Some pets don’t like to wear costumes, so only dress your pet up if he or she doesn’t become stressed while wearing one. The ARL’s Animal House store currently has a large selection of pet costumes available – and all are 50% off until Oct. 31!
Halloween is a fun holiday, and when these tips are followed, your pet can have just as much fun as you do!