HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Halloween candy, lingering fleas and preparations for colder weather can pose hazards for pets, according to veterinarians at Apple Lane Animal Hospital.
Dr. Erica Miller and Dr. Logan Druecker encourage owners to keep seasonal dangers in mind as fall progresses.
With Halloween approaching, Dr. Miller said families should make plans to keep candy out of their pets’ reach. Chocolate can cause problems ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to illness requiring hospitalization, depending on the type and amount consumed.
Sugar-free candy containing xylitol presents another danger because it can cause low blood sugar, she said.
Dr. Miller encouraged parents to explain those risks to children and store Halloween treats securely. A countertop may be sufficient for some smaller pets, but larger dogs may be able to reach it, making a closed cabinet a better option.
Owners dressing their pets for Halloween should also pay attention to comfort and fit.
Dr. Druecker said costumes should not be too snug around the neck or chest or interfere with breathing, eating or drinking. Pets should be supervised while wearing costumes, particularly if they try to chew on or remove them.
The veterinarians also cautioned against ending flea and tick prevention simply because summer is over.
Dr. Miller said the clinic has been seeing numerous flea cases, and warm October weather allows parasites to remain active.
“It doesn’t matter what month it is if the weather is 92 degrees out,” she said.
She said she keeps her own pets on preventive medication year-round rather than trying to determine when changing weather has reduced the risk.
As temperatures eventually fall, Dr. Druecker said outdoor pets need a protected place to escape wind, rain and snow, along with access to food and water. Owners should bring animals indoors or provide adequate shelter where they can stay warm and rest comfortably.
Cold-weather vehicle maintenance creates another potential hazard: antifreeze.
Dr. Miller warned that cats and dogs may drink accessible antifreeze and become seriously ill. Ingestion can cause kidney failure and death, she said.
Owners working on vehicles should dispose of antifreeze properly and make sure pets cannot reach it.
The veterinarians said planning ahead — from securing Halloween treats to providing shelter — can help owners protect their animals through the changing season.