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Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Take these safety measures during the Halloween season to protect your pets and to help make Halloween a safe and stress-free holiday.

KEEP YOUR PETS INDOORS
When you think of Halloween, you probably think of little ghosts, goblins, devils and witches roaming the streets. It is not the same for the family pet, who will often find these strange sights frightening.

CONFINE YOUR PETS TO A SAFE AND QUIET AREA
The constantly ringing doorbell or the commotion from a holiday party can be stressful, so place your pets in a quiet area. Give them their favorite beds, chews, toys, soothing music, and if possible, a human companion.

DO NOT TAKE THE FAMILY PET OUT TRICK-OR-TREATING
Pets can be frightened by strange costumes and may result in the animal running away or acting out by attacking. Further, do not have the family pet greet trick-or-treaters at the front door. Remember, pet owners may be liable for injuries inflicted by their pets.

BE CAREFUL WITH DECOR
Pets may knock over a lit pumpkin or candle and cause a fire. Curious kittens and puppies might chew on wiring or ingest silly string, webbing, or other decorations.

CANDY IS NOT FOR PETS
Chocolate and Xylitol (a common sugar substitute) are poisonous for dogs and cats so do keep pets away from toxic treats and their wrappers. In case your pet accidentally gets into the candy, keep the number of your local poison control center handy.

NEVER DRESS YOUR PET IN A COSTUME THAT IS NOT MADE FOR PETS
If you do dress your pets for Halloween, make sure it is a costume made for pets their size. Some pets don’t enjoy wearing a costume, so don’t force them and never leave them unsupervised while they are wearing a costume.

CURRENT IDENTIFICATION TAGS, MICROCHIPS, AND VACCINES ARE VITAL
With the door constantly in use on this holiday, pets can sneak out of the house. Most pets are found by neighbors, so make sure your pets are wearing ID tags and collars with current information. If your pet ends up a shelter or animal control facility, a registered microchip will help make for a speedy reunification and current vaccinations will help keep them safe from common, preventable illnesses.

Please note, articles in the Animal Resource Library are for reference only, and are not meant to diagnose or treat any medical or behavioral issues your pet may be experiencing.