For kids and big kids alike, Halloween might be all about spooky decorations, sweet treats, and dressing up. But for our furry friends, the festivities can pose serious risks.
From fake spiderwebs that can trap birds to chocolate that can poison dogs and cats, Australians are being warned seemingly harmless Halloween traditions can have devastating consequences for animals.
With poisoning and toxicity claims on the rise, pet owners are being urged to take extra care with the treats, decorations and activities that come with the spooky season.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
Claims on the rise
RSPCA Pet Insurance CEO Brad Smith told 7NEWS.com.au claims data shows just how quickly an accident can turn into a costly veterinary emergency.
“We are seeing more poisoning and accidental ingestion claims, and the consequences can be significant for both pets and their owners,” Smith said.
“Halloween is a timely reminder to take a fresh look at what pets can access around the home, particularly when chocolate, treats, wrappers and unfamiliar items are more readily available.”
In the past year alone, poisoning and toxicity claims increased by 36.4 per cent compared with the previous year.
Chocolate was the most commonly reported risk among poisoning claims where the substance could be identified, with 209 paid chocolate-related claims totalling $65,533.
Smith said the figures highlight the importance of keeping a close eye on what pets can access, particularly during celebrations when treats and decorations are left out and more readily available around the home.
“We’ve seen a foreign-object ingestion claim involving a cat reach $14,474 but most Halloween hazards are preventable,” Smith said.
The Halloween treats that could turn deadly
Chocolate is a familiar Halloween staple but what is a harmless treat for humans can be toxic to animals.
Smith said chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that dogs cannot process as efficiently as humans.
It can also poison cats and other animals.
Lollies, artificial sweeteners, and discarded packaging can create additional dangers, particularly when curious pets get into bags of treats left within easy reach.
Keeping treats in secure cupboards, clearing away lolly wrappers, and disposing of decorations promptly can help prevent animals from swallowing something harmful.
And if a pet does eat chocolate or another potentially toxic substance, Smith said owners should act immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
“The most important thing is not to wait,” Smith said.
“If your pet has eaten chocolate or swallowed something they shouldn’t have, contact your vet immediately even if they seem perfectly fine.”
Smith said the consequences of accidental ingestion can extend well beyond the initial incident, with some cases requiring expensive veterinary treatment.
“You know your pet, trust your instinct.”
The decorations that could trap native wildlife
While pets face risks inside the home, Halloween decorations can also threaten Australia’s native wildlife.
Fake spiderwebs, in particular, can become dangerous traps for birds and other wildlife, with young birds especially vulnerable during Australia’s spring nesting season.
Fishing line, string, rope, tinsel and other decorative materials can also entangle animals or be swallowed.
RSPCA Australia chief science officer Dr Suzie Fowler said the dangers extend beyond what people might traditionally consider harmful to animals.
“The main risks to our native animals come from things like getting entangled in spider web decorations, ingesting lollies or chocolates, or their wrappers, and fires caused by unattended candles in pumpkins,” Fowler said.
Bright decorative lighting can also disrupt wildlife, particularly when lights are placed in trees where animals rely on branches and foliage for shelter.
Candles are another concern, particularly during Australia’s bushfire season when open flames can ignite nearby costumes and decorations.
Fowler said battery-operated tealights are a safer alternative.
Choosing natural decorations where possible, keeping lights indoors, and switching them off before bed can help reduce the impact on wildlife.
Choosing warm-coloured lights can also help minimise disruption.
Why dressing your pet up could cause stress
For many Australians, dressing up their dog or cat is part of the Halloween fun but not every animal enjoys the experience.
Unfamiliar costumes, oversized decorations and increased noise around the home can frighten some pets, while others may become distressed when visitors repeatedly arrive at the front door.
Fowler said owners should consider how their animals experience the festivities, rather than dressing them up simply for entertainment.
“The risks to our pets are a little different. Our cats and dogs can be spooked by Halloween decorations, and some are uncomfortable being forced into costumes — a little like some humans,” he said.
Before dressing a pet in a costume, owners should consider whether the animal is comfortable and able to move freely.
Pets should be closely supervised while wearing costumes, and the outfit should be removed immediately if they struggle to move, attempt to escape or show signs of discomfort.
A festive bandana or collar may be a more comfortable alternative for dogs, while cats generally should not be dressed in costumes.
The front-door danger owners should not overlook
With trick-or-treaters coming and going throughout the evening, the front door can become one of the biggest hazards for pets.
A frightened or excitable animal may bolt outside when a door is opened, potentially disappearing or running into traffic.
Smith said the consequences of a road accident can be severe, both for the animal and the owner’s finances.
“For pets that are nervous, excitable, or likely to bolt, the front door can become one of the biggest risks on Halloween night,” he said.
“A frightened pet can disappear very quickly and may run onto the road or into traffic, where injuries can be severe and treatment costs can run into thousands of dollars.”
Owners can reduce the risk by keeping doors and gates secure and setting up a quiet, comfortable space for pets away from the front door.
Exercising dogs earlier in the day, before visitors begin arriving, may also help them settle in for the evening.
For animals that become anxious around strangers or loud noises, a familiar room with their bedding and water can provide a welcome retreat from the festivities.
How to keep animals safe this Halloween
Most Halloween hazards can be prevented with a little preparation.
Pet owners should keep chocolate, lollies, and wrappers securely stored, supervise animals around decorations and avoid forcing pets into costumes they find uncomfortable.
Native wildlife can be protected by avoiding loose fake spiderwebs and other materials that may cause entanglement, disposing of rubbish promptly and keeping decorative lighting away from trees.
And if an animal becomes entangled in decorations, people should contact their local wildlife rescue organisation rather than attempting a rescue that could cause further harm.
