Pet Safety for Halloween

Halloween can be a fun time of the year for not only our little ones, but for our family pets as well! It is fun to dress them up and show off how cute they look in their costumes. However, Halloween can also be a stressful time for some pets as well. Some pets don’t like the noise, the amount of people, and they definitely don’t understand not to eat the candy.

Here are some safety tips to keep your furry family friends safe during Halloween:

1. Candy is not for pets. All forms of chocolate — especially baking or dark chocolate — can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Halloween candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs.
2. Don’t leave pets in the front yard on Halloween night. Surprisingly, vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Dogs are especially territorial and may become anxious and growl at innocent trick-or-treaters. Putting your dog or cat in a secure room away from the front door will also prevent them from darting outside into the night.
3. Be aware of lit pumpkins and wires. Lit pumpkins around animals run the risk of burning the animal or knocking it over and causing a fire. Wires, if chewed, your pet could cut himself or herself on shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
4. Dress up your pet only if they will like it. If you do decide that your pet needs a costume, make sure it isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict movement, hearing, or the ability to breathe or bark and meow. If they seem distressed, allergic, or show abnormal behavior, consider letting them go in their “birthday suit”.
5. Make sure your animals tags are up to date. If your dog or cat should escape and become lost, having the proper identification will increase the chances that they will be returned. Just make sure the information is up-to-date.

So do your pet a favor and keep them safe this Halloween! They will thank you later!!