Halloween Safety Tips for Pets
Halloween can be fun and festive for people, but for pets
and outside animals it can also be dangerous. Here are some
tips to help you ensure that your pet has a happy and safe
Halloween...
(1) Don’t leave your pets outside unattended on Halloween
(or on the days preceding or following this holiday).
Halloween pranks committed against pets can be vicious, and
black cats are particularly at risk. "Also make sure your
livestock such as horses are safe and protected against
certain people who may bring harm to animals as a prank at
this of the year".
(2) Halloween treats are for people not pets. Candy
wrappers and lollipop sticks can be hazardous if swallowed and
chocolate, even sugar can be poisonous for some types of pets.
(3) Keep pumpkins out of reach of curious noses and paws.
Pets may knock over a lit pumpkin and cause a fire or burn
themselves.
(4) Despite how much fun it is for people, many pets DON’T
enjoy getting dressed up for Halloween. If you do dress your
pet, be sure that its costume doesn't interfere with the pet's
ability to breathe, see, hear, move, and function normally
without distress.
(5) Consider keeping your house pet in a separate room,
away from the door, when trick-or-treaters arrive. Strange
people in even stranger clothes can frighten some pets or make
them aggressive.
(6) When you do answer the door for visitors, make sure
that your pet doesn't suddenly head for the great outdoors. In
case your pet does escape, make sure that it is wearing proper
identification. Pets with identification are much more likely
to be returned to their owners. Be safe, not sorry!