For Pets On Halloween, Sweets Are More Trick Than Treat

By Molly Daly

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — With Halloween right around the corner, animal experts say it takes planning to keep your pets out of scary situations.

Doctor Debbie Mandell of Penn Vet’s Emergency Service says where pets are concerned, sweets are more trick than treat.

“Dogs will eat entire bags of Halloween candy, so making sure that that is out of reach is very, very important,” she said.

Chocolate’s toxic to dogs and cats; eating plastic and wrappers can cause obstructions, and too much sweet or rich food can cause pancreatitis.

Mandell says to keep pets away from candles, and glowsticks.

“Glowsticks can be very toxic, and interestingly, cats seem to like glowsticks more,” Mandell said.

A parade of visitors can also be a big source of stress for your pet. Plus, says Mandell, opening the door to a trick or treater is an invitation to escape.

“Keep dogs and cats in a separate room,” she says. “You then don’t have the risk of them getting out every time.”

Making Halloween much less spooky for everyone.