Goblins, ghouls, candy and costumes – Halloween is a favorite time of the year for many people. While Halloween may be festive for children and families, it can be scary for some pets. Here are some tips on how to keep your pet safe during this holiday.
- Trick-or-treat candy is not safe for pets. All forms of chocolate can be poisonous to your pet, and it’s best to not feed them any candy whatsoever. Leave these special treats for the kids.
- Make sure your pet is properly identified (options include microchip, collar, ID tag) in case they escape during the festivities.
- Keep your outside cats and dogs inside during the holiday. Black cats are especially prone to pranks during this season.
- Remove Halloween plants such as pumpkin and corn away from the path of your pets. Although relatively nontoxic, these plants can upset your pet’s stomach if consumed in large quantities.
- Keep lit jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins away from your pet.
- If your pet is wary of strangers or has a tendency to bite, provide them with a safe place, such as another room, to keep them away from trick-or-treaters.
- Don’t give your pet a costume unless you know they love it. If you do choose to dress your pet, make sure it fits properly and is comfortable. Check that there are no pieces that could interfere with your pet’s breathing or eyesight.