Don’t Let Vet Bills Haunt Your Halloween

Including pets in holiday festivities is becoming the norm as pet ownership rises, and Halloween is no exception. But beware of potential hazards this time of year may bring such as Halloween candy and costumes as they present opportunities for pets to enjoy non-traditional “treats” that could lead to unexpected vet bills.

Over the last three years, claims for pets ingesting toxic foods or foreign objects consistently ranked among the top 10 accident claims during the month of October. Accident claims due to toxic foods or foreign object ingestion increased 5% in October 2017 compared to the prior year, representing 19% of all accident claims during the month*.

Help reduce your pet’s risk by taking proper precautions this Halloween season:

• Keep Halloween treats away from pets. While chocolate is one of the most toxic to dogs and cats, candy containing xylitol, grapes, and raisins should also be kept out of reach. Make sure wrappers find their way into the trash, as these also present a risk to pets if ingested. 
• If dressing your pet up in a Halloween costume this year, be sure to inspect the costume for any small or loose pieces that might be easily chewed off and swallowed. Beware of these hazards on human costumes as well.
• Keep seasonal Halloween décor, like lights and candles, in out of reach areas for pets. Pets may want to play or chew on smaller objects or loose items, resulting in a potential choking hazard. 

If you know or suspect your pet has ingested a toxic food or foreign object, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Unexpected veterinary costs can be scary but having pet insurance can help take the fright out of those expensive veterinary bills. 

Accident plans are only $6/month for cats and $9/month for dogs (pricing varies in Washington). If you’d like to include illness coverage, there are comprehensive BestBenefit Accident and Illness plans available. 

Learn more about 
Union Plus Pet Insurance