October is an exciting month for Savannah pet owners, especially with Wag-O-Ween returning October 24–25 for a weekend of costumes, treats, and Halloween fun. Case Veterinary Hospital is proud to serve as this year’s title sponsor, supporting Wag-O-Ween and its mission to support Renegade Paws Rescue.
Whether you’re joining us at Wag-O-Ween, welcoming trick-or-treaters at home, or simply enjoying the cooler weather, October also brings seasonal hazards worth keeping in mind. A little preparation can help make sure the month stays fun and safe for pets.
Halloween Treats and Fall Toxins
Chocolate and candy containing xylitol are common Halloween concerns and can be dangerous, particularly for dogs. Candy wrappers and decorations such as glow sticks and fake spider webs may also cause problems if chewed or swallowed.
“Many seasonal emergencies occur because pets gain access to items that seem harmless to people,” says Dr. Crider of Case Veterinary Hospital. “Education and prevention are key to keeping pets safe.”
Fall can bring another potential hazard: mushrooms. They may appear overnight in yards after rain, and because it can be difficult to distinguish harmless varieties from toxic ones, pets should be discouraged from eating any they find outdoors.
“When it comes to something your pet may have eaten, it’s always better to call and ask rather than wait for symptoms to develop,” says Dr. Coleman. “Knowing what they ate, approximately how much, and when it happened can help determine the next step.”
Costumes, Crowds, and Doorways
Whether your pet is dressing up for Wag-O-Ween or Halloween night, costumes should never restrict vision, breathing, or movement. Not every pet enjoys dressing up, and signs of stress or discomfort are a good reason to skip the costume.
“Halloween can be a lot of stimulation, especially for pets sensitive to unfamiliar people, costumes, or noises,” says Dr. Rines. “Giving them a comfortable, quiet place away from the activity can make the evening much less stressful.”
Frequent door opening during trick-or-treating also increases the chance of a pet slipping outside. Keep pets secure and make sure identification tags and microchip information are current before Halloween.
Enjoying Wag-O-Ween Safely
Wag-O-Ween is a wonderful opportunity to get out and celebrate with your dog, but a busy community event isn’t the right environment for every pet. Before heading out, consider how your dog responds to crowds, unfamiliar dogs, costumes, and lots of activity.
Bring water, use a secure leash, monitor the treats your dog receives, and watch their body language throughout the event. “Wag-O-Ween is such a fun Savannah tradition, and we love seeing our community and their pets come together,” says Dr. Torres. “We want everyone to have a great time, but it’s important to pay attention to what your pet is telling you and give them a break if they become overwhelmed.”
For pets who aren’t comfortable in busy environments, celebrating at home may be the better choice. We can’t wait to see everyone at Wag-O-Ween and all of the creative costumes!
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, weakness, difficulty breathing, or sudden behavior changes following a possible toxin exposure should not be ignored. Contact your veterinarian promptly if you know or suspect your pet has eaten something potentially harmful.
“Time can make a significant difference when we’re dealing with a possible toxin or foreign object,” says Dr. Carla Case-McCorvey. “Calling your veterinarian as soon as you realize something may have happened gives us the best opportunity to guide you on what to do next.”
October should be a time for enjoying cooler weather, Savannah traditions, and seasonal celebrations with the entire family, including our pets. With a little planning, everyone can enjoy a safer and happier Halloween season.
VET TIP
If you suspect your pet has ingested something unusual, contact your veterinarian right away. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—early guidance and treatment can make an important difference.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
