Brian Collins

Senior Lecturer, Section of Community Practice Service

Brian Collins, canine and feline expert at Cornell University, says the key is to plan ahead and monitor pets for their comfort during Halloween festivities.

Collins says:

“It’s never recommended to share candy with your pets, but ingestion of chocolate or candy sweetened with xylitol often leads to emergency room visits. Monitor children closely who may want to share their Halloween treats with the family pet and keep all candy out of the reach of pets.

“Costumes for pets can be fun, but take time to get your pet used to the costume so that they aren’t scared of it. Be wary of pets getting tangled in the costume or possibly ingesting any of it.

“Not all pets want to be part of the festivities and may do better at home, safely in a quiet room or a crate. Pets may slip out when greeting trick-or-treaters or party guests. Be sure your pet is identified with an ID tag or a microchip. Some pets may benefit from vet-prescribed medication to keep them calm and relaxed.”