Halloween and Everyday Hazards: Foods and Plants That Are Toxic to Pets

Many of the most common pet poisonings involve things already in your home. Halloween adds candy, decorations and visitors, which makes this a good time to review what is unsafe.

Foods

• Chocolate, especially dark and baking chocolate. Toxic to dogs and cats.
• Xylitol, a sweetener in sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butters, baked goods and toothpaste. Even small amounts can be dangerous to dogs.
• Grapes and raisins, which can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Onions, garlic, chives and leeks
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol and raw yeast dough
• Caffeine
• Fatty scraps and cooked bones, which can cause pancreatitis or obstructions

Halloween specifics

• Candy: Keep trick-or-treat bowls and bags out of reach, including wrappers, which can cause intestinal blockages.
• Glow sticks: Not usually deadly but can cause drooling and distress.
• Decorations: Candles, fake cobwebs, small parts and cords are chewing or entanglement hazards.
• Costumes: Only if your pet tolerates them. Make sure they do not limit vision, hearing, breathing or movement.
• Door traffic: Frequent doorbell rings and open doors increase the risk of escape. Consider a gate or a quiet room.
• Pumpkins: Plain pumpkin is generally safe in small amounts, but decorated or moldy pumpkins and candles are not.

Plants

• Lilies are extremely dangerous to cats. Even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure.
• Sago palm is highly toxic to dogs and cats.
• Azaleas, oleander, tulip and daffodil bulbs, and autumn crocus are also hazardous.

The ASPCA maintains a searchable toxic and non-toxic plant list online. Check it before you bring a new plant home.

Other common household risks

• Human medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen and antidepressants
• Rodent bait, slug bait and some insecticides
• Antifreeze, which can taste sweet to animals
• Cannabis products and edibles
• Essential oils and some cleaners

Prevention tips

• Store food, medications and cleaning products in closed cabinets.
• Use pet-proof trash cans.
• Tell guests and children not to share food with pets.
• Provide your sitter with a list of hazards in your home, and the poison control numbers.

Being prepared makes a poisoning scare less frightening, and quick action greatly improves the outcome.