ASPCA

New York – October 06, 2026 -- The ASPCA is warning pet owners after new research found that polyacrylamide-based hydrogel products -- including migraine caps, eye masks, wraps and dog beds -- can cause severe acrylamide poisoning and death in dogs if ingested.

The findings, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, were based on a study of 45 dogs with suspected acrylamide toxicosis. Affected animals showed vomiting, muscle tremors, unsteady gait, sensitivity to sound or touch, elevated heart rate and seizures; some cases were fatal.

New York – September 22, 2026 -- Thousands of costumed dogs and their owners will descend on the East Village on Saturday, October 17, 2026, for the 36th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.

Registration opens September 25 for limited parade spots

The nonprofit New York Dog Parade, led by founder Fern Watt, organizes the event to celebrate dog-human friendship in New York City. Registration to march is required and opens September 25 at 12 p.m. ET at NYDogParade.org, with spots filled on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited capacity inside Tompkins Square Park.