Halloween can be a fun time for children and adults, but it can be a nightmare for pets. The two biggest problems with Halloween are frightened pets and poisoned pets.
Veterinarians and pet care professionals suggest the following easy pet safety checklist for Halloween:
- Keep a closer eye on your animals when they are outside close to Halloween. All animals that go outside should have up to date licenses/tags on their collar. Keeping pets indoors as much as possible protects pets from potential danger from people who would want to steal, injure or kill animals. Though such cases of cruelty are rare, pet care professionals suggest that it is better to be safe than sorry.
- If you take your dog trick or treating, be sure to have your pet on a short leash.
- If your pets are at home, keep them calm and away from the door. Constant knocks at the door or doorbell ringing, and strangers in costume can stress pets. Also, the animal may try and run out the door as it is opened repeatedly for trick or treaters. Keeping your pets confined in a room away from the door will cause your pet much less stress.
- Don’t dress up pets unless they really enjoy it, and make sure the costume allows for freedom of movement, full vision, hearing and breathing, isn’t restrictive around his neck or constricting any other area. . Make sure the costume is not held on with rubber bands as those can dig into the pet’s skin and make sure the costume does not contain any dangling or loose accessories that could become consumed and lead to choking.
- Restrict your pet’s access to holiday decorations, especially jack o’lanterns and candles. They can become injured or cause a fire.
- Keep all candy safely out of the pet’s reach. Chocolate is particularly dangerous and can cause vomiting, restlessness, increased urination, heart disturbances, convulsions and even death if eaten in sufficient quantities. If you think your animal may have ingested chocolate and displays any of these symptoms, consult a veterinarian immediately.
- Don’t set off fireworks in close proximity to areas in which pets or domestic animals are housed.
By following the few simple suggestions listed above, you and your pet can enjoy a Safe and Happy Halloween!
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