7 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe on Halloween

Children aren’t the only ones who need to be closely monitored on Halloween. The holidays can also be a scary and dangerous time for your pet.

By following a few simple tips, you can keep your pet safe and comfortable without interfering with family fun:

1. Do not put costumes on your pets unless they are used to it. Wearing clothes can make pets uncomfortable and even sick.

2. Candy is for humans and not for their furry friends.

3. Chocolate is toxic to animals. It can make them very sick. Be sure to save “after Halloween” candy so your pet can’t get it, especially chocolate. Every year we hear from pet owners that they had to rush to the ER because they managed to find the treat and eat it. Instead, give them a pet treat.

4. If you know or suspect that your pet has eaten Halloween candy, contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Some sweets, especially chocolate, can be life-threatening. If you cannot reach your veterinarian, you can call the ASPCA Poison Control Center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (888) 426-4435.

Deposit: A $50 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

5. Costumes may look strange to people, but just imagine what they look like for a dog or cat. Animals are not used to seeing that kind of thing and it might scare them. Therefore, it is better not to take them trick-or-treating.

6. If your pet is not good with strangers, it is better to put it in a separate room away from the door, so that it will not be disturbed by the presence of strangers.

7. If your pet is going to be free in the house, with the door open repeatedly, there is a better chance that your pet can get out. So please remember to make sure you are using your license plates. That way, if he runs away, there’s a better chance he’ll come home sooner.