Autumn in Santa Clarita, Valencia, Canyon Country, Stevenson Ranch, and nearby communities brings cooler evenings, festive gatherings, and more outdoor activity for pets and families. At Cinema Veterinary Centre, we care for dogs, cats, exotic pets, and small mammals, and we want to help you keep them safe this season with these essential fall pet care tips.
Halloween Pet Safety Tips
Halloween is fun for people but can be dangerous for pets:
- Keep all candy out of reach of pets especially candies with chocolate and/or xylitol.
- Chocolate is toxic to all pets — dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, birds, rodents, and reptiles. Even tiny amounts can cause seizures, heart failure, or death.
| Pet | Weight | Dangerous Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | 20 lb (≈ 9.1 kg) | 1 oz dark chocolate can poison a 20-lb dog |
| Cat | 10 lb (≈ 4.5 kg) | ½ oz baking chocolate may be lethal |
| Ferrets & Rabbits | Small-bodied | Even tiny amounts can be fatal |
| Birds & Rodents | Very small | Crumbs may cause seizures or cardiac arrest |
| Reptiles | Varies | Should never consume chocolate or human sweets |
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- Xylitol: A Quick Overview
| Pet | Approx. Body Weight | Amount That Can Cause Illness/Death |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | 10 kg (22 lbs) | ~1 g (≈ ½ stick of sugar-free gum) can cause low blood sugar; ~5 g or more can cause liver damage |
| Cat | 5 kg (11 lbs) | Cats are sensitive, though poisoning reports are rare. Doses around 100 mg/kg and above can cause low blood sugar and liver injury. |
| Rabbit | 1–2 kg (2.2–4.4 lbs) | 4–6 g per kg body weight reported as lethal in studies (≈ 1–2 teaspoons of xylitol powder depending on size) |
| Ferret | 1 kg (2.2 lbs) | 75–100 mg (≈ half a piece of sugar-free gum) can cause low blood sugar; ~500 mg or more can damage the liver |
| Birds | Varies by species | No safe dose. Even crumbs can cause illness or death due to tiny body size. Treat any ingestion as an emergency. |
| Rodents | Small (100–500 g) | No established safe dose. Because of their size, even trace amounts can be life-threatening. |
| Reptiles | Varies | Metabolism is poorly studied. Avoid entirely — xylitol ingestion may cause severe illness in very small amounts. |
Keep all products that contain chocolate or xylitol out of reach of pets. Teach children not to share candy and to store treats safely.
If you think your pet has eaten something dangerous:
- Call your veterinarian immediately.
- If your vet is unavailable, contact a pet poison control hotline:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
- Have the product packaging and your pet’s weight ready when you call.
👉 Don’t wait for symptoms to appear — early treatment gives your pet the best chance of recovery.
- Clean up candy messes quickly — wrappers, sticks, and packaging can choke pets or block intestines.
- Costumes should be safe and stress-free — never restrict breathing, vision, or movement.
- Check IDs and microchips — open doors increase escape risks.
- Keep cats indoors — noise and excitement can trigger stress and escapes.
Pumpkin for Pets: Is It Safe for Your Pet?
Pumpkin can be a safe seasonal treat for some pets — but only if it is plain, cooked, or pure canned pumpkin with no sugar, spices, or flavorings.
- Dogs: 1–2 tsp/day (small to medium), up to 2 tbsp (large dogs)
- Cats: ½ tsp mixed into food
- Rabbits & Guinea Pigs: 1 tsp weekly
- Birds: Small pieces of plain pumpkin or unsalted seeds
- Reptiles: Omnivores like bearded dragons occasionally
- Ferrets: Should not eat pumpkin
Fall Hazards to Avoid
- Mushrooms: Many wild mushrooms are deadly.
- Garden waste: Corn cobs, pumpkin rinds, and moldy compost can be toxic.
- Poisons: Rodent bait and slug pellets are extremely hazardous.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
Allergies That Flare in Fall
- Persistent scratching or paw licking
- Sneezing or watery eyes
- Red, irritated skin
- Hot spots or hair loss
Parasites in the Fall
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes remain active well into autumn. These parasites spread dangerous diseases — including heartworm — so year-round prevention and regular coat checks are essential.
Enrichment and Seasonal Fun
- Dogs & Cats: Brisk walks and window perches.
- Birds: Supervised outdoor time in secure enclosures.
- Reptiles: Outdoor basking when temperatures allow.
- Small mammals: Play with safe leaf piles or chew toys.
Schedule a Fall Wellness Exam
- Body condition and weight checks
- Vaccines and parasite prevention updates
- Screenings for skin and ear problems
- Nutrition and lifestyle guidance
Call Cinema Veterinary Centre today to schedule your pet’s fall wellness visit.
Cinema Veterinary Centre
23460 Cinema Drive
Santa Clarita, CA
(661) 253-9300