Halloween Pet Safety Tips

The American Humane Society has released its list of annual reminders for pet owners for the upcoming Halloween season. Though many of us know most of the precautions by heart, it never hurts to to get a bit of a refresher — our four-legged family members are worth it!

~ Let your pets celebrate Halloween with you! Bring out the pet treats and grab a small piece before you open the door to trick-or-treaters. If your pup sits without making a fuss when the door is opened, give them the treat.

~ Go easy on the costumes. Instead of a constrictive outfit, tie a cute bandanna or a Halloween collar on instead.

~ Put your pets’ safety first. If you know they won’t handle the commotion of a ringing doorbell well, put them in a quiet room to keep them calm and keep them from trying to escape. A surprising amount of dogs and cats will bolt out of a front door on Halloween just to get away from what they perceive as a stressful atmosphere. Even if you do put them into a safe spot, make sure they’re wearing an up-to-date ID on their collar.

~ Keep your pets indoors. What would be nothing more than a Halloween “prank” to rowdy teenagers could end up meaning heartbreak for you and your family. Bring the outdoor pets in, even if it’s just for a few hours.

~ Make sure your decorations are pet-friendly. Don’t use open flames on candles or in jack-o’-lanterns — use a battery-powered one instead. Not only could your pet’s fur catch fire if they brush against a flame, but the candle or pumpkin could be knocked over as well, causing more damage than just some singed fur. Don’t use crepe streamers either as the water-soluble dyes can discolor your pet’s mouth and cause stomach upset.

~ Never, ever allow your dog or cat to be around the candy bowl! Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats and can be deadly if ingested. Keep all chocolate and other candies out of reach. Even turning your back for a second to answer the door is plenty of time for a determined dog to grab a mouthful, regardless of wrappers.

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