There's No Trick to Keeping Pets Safe at Halloween

Halloween is a fun time for kids and with just a few precautions, it can be a safe time for pets as well.

Many dogs become lost during busy holidays and Halloween is no exception. With loud and constant knocks and doors opening and closing, pets can become frightening and confused. The steady stream of strangers at the door in costumes adds to the confusion and fear. The risk of a dog or cat running out of an opened door increases. Some dogs even break away from their collars if left in the backyard. Shelters report higher incidences of lost dogs and cats during Halloween.

But there really are no tricks to keeping your pets safe this Halloween! Here are some easy tips;

1. Keep your pets inside. If you have a black cat that typically goes outside, experts warn to keep them in. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) black cats are “targets” during Halloween time and fall prey to pranks and mischief. Sometimes, states HSUS, black cats are harmed and even killed. 

Keeping your dog inside during Halloween night and away from excessive noise and costumed children will keep him from becoming frightened or threatened.    Sometimes owners won’t even notice a msising pet until the night's end. Cats can easily slip through a slightly opened door.  The best advice is to keep your pets in a bedroom or family room during trick or treat night. And always have an I.D. tag on your pet, just in case.

2. Paws off the candy! Candy (and wrappers) can be harmful to pets and chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets.

3. Keep pets away from decorations. Flames in jack-o-lanterns can easily ignite and singe your pet’s fur. They can also be easily knocked over from a frightened cat zooming through the house or from the wag of a dog's tail.

Make sure all wires and cords are well hidden – pets can get tangled in them or ingest and choke on decorations. Those orange streamers are toxic to pets and balloons and party favors, when swallowed, can block an animals digestive tract.

4. Keep your dog on a short leash.  If you do take your pet trick-or-treating with you, keeping him on a short leash will help avoid biting strangers or fighting with other dogs.

5. Don’t dress you pet unless you know he loves it.  If you do dress your pet, make sure it is not restrictive or unsafe. Animals get very agitated when they can’t see what’s going on around them. A typically calm pet might become ‘snappy’ out of fear or distress. Also check that elastic bands are not too tight as fur becomes entangled. Some might even try to chew their costumes off if left unattended, and if ingested could cause intestinal obstruction.

Remember, our pets depend on us to keep them safe. A few easy precautions and everyone can have a safe and Happy Halloween!