Protect Your Pet This Halloween

My daughter has so much fun dressing up her dog for Halloween. Maybe it’s because she doesn’t have any children or maybe it’s because she just really likes dressing up her dog. While Halloween is great fun for adults and children it might not be so fun for your pet. Here are a few tips to keep your pet from harm this Halloween.

*All of the doorbell ringing can leave your pet frightened or excited. Dogs should be kept away from the front door. With many people visiting the home in strange attire, even normally calm pets might overreact.

*Keep your pet indoors. Animals that get scared may run away or grow disoriented and get lost. Remember that it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be no shortage of strangers. It would be a shame if your pet was caught up in someone’s idea of a prank. (black cats…)

*While candy and chocolate are the highlight of most children’s Halloween, it poses a risk for your pet. Even small amounts of chocolate can be harmful to dogs and cats. Hard candies could get swallowed and become lodged in your pet’s throat. (Halloween is second to Christmas for pets ending up in the animal ER for eating stuff they shouldn’t and right behind the Fourth of July for being hit by a car.) Candy wrappers could also get swallowed. Artificial sweeteners can harm your cat or dog too.

*Don’t take your pet trick-or-treating. Even if your dog is usually calm and well-behaved, the crowds of trick or treaters may excite your pet. Other animals out and about or those pets that could get loose when the door opens may provoke your dog. It could be hard to keep an eye on your children and your dog.

*Be careful with Halloween decorations. Fake spider webs, lights, jack-o-lanterns and candles could be tripping hazards for pets or could be a safety risk. You wouldn’t want your holiday spoiled because your pet tipped over a lit candle.

*Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog is not going to recognize you when you are all dressed up. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. If your costume has a mask, keep the mask off when you are with your dog because dogs can become confused when they can't see our faces.

Halloween is the most dangerous holiday for dogs but with a little planning ahead you can all enjoy this spooky night!