Tips for keeping pets safe on Halloween

By Rita R. Robison

Halloween is just around the corner. It’s a fun time for adults and children alike. But it can be a traumatic and even dangerous time for your pets. 

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers the following common-sense tips to protect your pet on Halloween:

• Don't leave your pets out in the yard on Halloween. There are too many stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, or even killed pets on this night.

• Trick-or-treat candies aren’t for pets. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.

• Watch out for the “lethal wagging tails” or curious kittens near lit pumpkins or other flames. Pets can knock them over and cause a fire or burn injuries to your pet and people. 

• Don't dress your animals in costumes unless you know they love it. If you do dress them up, be careful not to obstruct their vision as even the sweetest dogs can get snappy when they can't see what's going on around them.

• Keep your dog(s) in a separate room during trick-or-treat visiting hours as too many strangers in strange garb can be scary for a dog. If you are having an indoor party, keep pets in a room where they won’t be disturbed or frightened by costumes.

• Make certain your pet is wearing a pet license in case your cat or dog darts out through an open door. 

While this can be a fun time for people and pets alike, remember that your pets are depending on you to keep them safe from the more dangerous goblins and ghouls that this holiday brings.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist