HALLOWEEN is an exciting time of year. While you celebrate it is also important to keep your pets in mind, they may not find it as exciting as the rest of the family. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe and happy during this spooky holiday.
1 Plan to walk your dog before the Trick-or-Treaters hit the streets on the 31st and plan to not take your dog out until they kids have all gone home. If you do not know how your pet will react around kids, especially kids in scary costumes, it may be best to keep them inside while the kids enjoy their night.
2 If your pet does not react kindly to people coming up to the door, ringing the doorbell or knocking, secure your pet in another room or in a crate during the Trick-or-Treating hours. Giving them a toy, playing some music or turning on the television may give them just the distraction they need to get through the evening. If your pet is still agitated, try sitting in the yard or on the porch and handing out candy or leaving a candy bucket outside.
3 Make sure your pet is wearing proper identification. If you choose not to secure them in a room or crate, the potential for them to bolt out when the door is being repeatly opened is a lot higher. Animal Services recomends microchipping your pets as well as putting a collar on them with a tag that has your phone number just in case.
4 Keep decorations out of reach of your pets. Pets can get tangled in electrical cords or possibly chew on them which can cause serious injury or even death. Keep Jack-o-lanterns out of reach, if they happen to knock one over with a lit candle in it, it could cause a fire. Candles can also cause serious burns to a curious kitty. Pump- kins and decorative corn are considered relatively nontoxic but could cause some tummy issues if eaten.
5 Be careful with pet costumes. For some pets it may cause stress. If you do dress up your pet for Halloween, make sure the costume does not limit his or her move- ment, sight or ability to breathe, bark or meow. Check the costume carefully for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard. Be sure to have your pet try on the costume before the big night. If he or she seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting your pet wear his or her "birthday suit" or a festive bandana instead.
6 Hide the candy! Several popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms-especially dark or baking chocolate-can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol can cause serious prob- lems in pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
7 Lastly, while on your walks for a few days after Halloween, carefully observe any- thing your dog eats. It's not unusual for candies and wrappers to be dropped on the streets and sidewalks, so be vigilant, especially if your dog tends to scavenge
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