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Halloween Safety Tips for Pets
Halloween can be fun and
festive for people, but for pets it can also be dangerous. Here
are some tips from the AVMA and ASPCA to help you ensure that your pet has
a happy and safe Halloween...
 Don't
leave your pet 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.
Halloween
treats are for people, not pets. Candy wrappers and lollipop
sticks can be hazardous if swallowed . Candy or gum sweetened
with xylitol is toxic and should be kept away from your pet. All
forms of chocolate can be harmful to your pet, potentially
resulting in poisoning or even pancreatic inflammation from the
high fat content.
Keep
pumpkins with lit candles out of reach of curious noses and paws. Pets may knock
over a lit pumpkin and burn themselves or cause a fire.
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, or bark.
Consider
keeping your pet in a separate room, away from the door, when
trick-or-treaters arrive. Strange people in even stranger
clothes can frighten some pets.
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.
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