Keep your four-legged friends safe this Halloween
Candy, costumes, trick-or-treating and frighteningly fun times are what most people think of around Halloween. But pets may find strangers coming to the door dressed as ghosts and goblins a little too scary. Here are some tips from the American Humane Association to help you and your pets have a fun and safe Halloween.
Safety first — If your pet is upset by the commotion at the front door, put her in a quiet room to reduce stress and chance of escape. Leave the TV or a radio playing as a distraction or have another member of the family stay with the pet.
Let your pets celebrate Halloween, too — If — and only if—your pet sits calmly while the door is opened repeatedly, let her help you greet the trick or treaters! Keep a supply of pet treats handy, and reach for one to give her before you open the door for trick-or-treaters.
Mr. Dress-up — Consider a Halloween-themed collar or bandanna to show your pet’s spirit, instead of a costume that may be constricting or unsafe.
Double-Check ID— Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date ID, in case he does escape with the trick-or-treaters. Register your pet with PetLynx — just in case!
Pet-friendly Halloween decorations — Instead of an open flame in the jack-o’-lantern, opt for battery-powered, kid- and pet-friendly pumpkins. Open-flame candles and pumpkins with lit candles are especially dangerous because a pet’s fur can catch fire. Don’t let your pet chew or eat things like crepe-paper streamers; these are often colored with water-soluble dyes that will discolor your pet’s mouth and can cause an upset stomach.
Remember: No chocolate and candy! — Dogs love chocolate as much as humans do, but it is very dangerous for dogs and cats if ingested. Keep all chocolate and candy out of reach of your pets. Have healthy pet treats on hand for your pets, and enjoy the candy and chocolate yourself.
