Halloween Safety Tips For Pets

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!