BC SPCA is sharing tips and guidelines for a safer and more enjoyable Halloween for pets and wildlife.
Loud noises, unpredictable fireworks, exposure to potential toxins or decorations and candy wrappers can make animals anxious. These Halloween hazards often lead to fear or unpredictable behaviour, putting both companion animals and wildlife at risk.
Planning ahead of Halloween and the holiday season gives pets a better chance at staying safe and calm. Here are three important tips from Kim Monteith, manager of animal behaviour and welfare at the BC SPCA:
1. Keep the candy away from your pets:
While pets can enjoy their own treats or small portions of plain pumpkin, many human candies can be toxic to dogs and cats. A study found that more than 40 per cent of chocolate toxicity-related claims in B.C. happen between October and December. Additionally, wrappers can be a choking hazard. If you suspect your pet has ingested toxic food or is choking, please contact your vet.
2. Keep your pet’s environment calm:
Halloween fireworks and doorbells can be stressful, especially for senior or anxious pets. The BC SPCA reports a spike of emergency calls on Halloween night. It is best to create a safe, secure and quiet area for your pets. Playing background classical music, radio or TV helps cover outside noises, while familiar smells and items like a blanket can provide comfort. If your pet experiences extreme anxiety from fireworks, consult your vet in advance.
3. Update your pet’s ID registry:
It is best to keep pets safe and comfortable at home. However, with the door opening frequently for trick-or-treaters, pets can slip out and run away. Permanent identification (ID) like microchips or tattoos is essential for a safe return. However, IDs are only effective if registered and information is up to date. Log in to your pet registry and confirm your details.
Keeping Wildlife Safe:
Fake spiderwebs or fake snow are fun ways to decorate your house for the holidays, but these outdoor decorations can be dangerously scary for wildlife. Birds and other animals frequently become entangled in fake webs stretched across bushes or trees.
“We encourage people who decorate for the holidays to get creative this season and find alternatives that are wildlife-friendly,” said Hailey Boehner, wild animal welfare specialist at the BC SPCA.
The BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) and the BC SPCA Animal Helpline frequently receive calls regarding all kinds of entanglements, from animals caught in garden netting to birds entangled in fishing lines.
“Keeping fake snow and spider webs inside where birds can’t get stuck is the best way to ensure their safety,” said Boehner. “If you find a trapped bird, don’t pull on the bird because this can cause further injury to their delicate feathers and wings. Carefully cut the webbing around the entangled area instead. Once the bird is freed, take them to the nearest wildlife rehabilitation centre, or call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 for advice. Rescuing wild animals from entanglement can be challenging and stressful for both the animals and the rescuer, so it is important to get the animal into professional care as soon as possible.”
Bright lights and loud noises from fireworks can frighten, disorient and disturb wild animals, causing them to stop foraging, leave their dens, or interrupt their natural behaviours. Pumpkins can also attract bears and other wildlife, so bring pumpkins inside as soon as the Halloween season ends to prevent human-wildlife conflicts.
If you find an injured or entangled wild animal, contact your local wildlife rehabilitator or the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 right away. Don’t try to remove foreign objects by yourself, as this might cause further harm.
