Overview
- The American Veterinary Medical Association says doorbells, visitors and loud decorations can trigger stress and escape attempts, urging leashes, supervision and a quiet room for pets.
- Keep candy out of reach and call a veterinarian immediately after suspected ingestion, with special concern for chocolate, raisins and xylitol; glow sticks can irritate mouths and stomachs if chewed.
- Experts caution that pet costumes can restrict breathing, cause overheating or choking, and one reported case saw a cat’s cape catch fire near a candle, reinforcing advice to use flameless lights.
- A viral TikTok showing people deliberately scaring dogs with animatronics prompted warnings that such fear can lead to lasting anxiety or aggression, so pets should be kept away from these displays.
- Practical steps include early exercise, keeping pets away from the front door, setting up a safe space with calming noise, ensuring microchips and ID tags are current, and avoiding sedatives without veterinary guidance.