Halloween Safety for Pets

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

18 Oct 2006 10:37 AM

Halloween can be a lot of fun for your pets; it can also be a dangerous and stressful time for your four-legged friends.

First and foremost: don't let your pets eat any chocolate! Chocolate is dangerous for both dogs and cats. Even the wrappers can be harmful for your pets, causing blockages and digestive problems.

Other things to watch out for:

1. People in costumes. Even familiar friends and beloved family members can be frightening to a pet when in costume. Or, your pet may mistake a costume for a toy and tug a young child right off his or her feet!
2. Costumes for pets. Nothing is cuter than a pup or kitty in costume, but be sure the costumes are safe! Tight fitting costumes (with or without elastic) can be a choking hazard. Loose pieces can be chewed off or swallowed, causing an intestinal obstruction that needs expensive surgery to correct.
3. Open doors. Two Halloweens ago, a certain Moose dog made an escape out the front door the VERY FIRST TIME I opened the door for trick-or-treaters. Don't open the door if your pet is nearby and can escape. Even the best behaved pet can become confused or agitated with a lot of children coming and going on Halloween. Make sure your pets are wearing collars with ID tags and current rabies tags -- just in case they make a break for it through an open door.
4. Unusual noises. Laughing trick-or-treaters, people screaming when they get scared -- these can make your pet anxious and unsettled. A frightened dog can snarl or snap at strangers or friends.
5. Candles. Keep an eye on lit candles, especially when your pets are around. A curious cat can burn a paw or tail on a lit candle.
6. Mischief makers. Around here, the night before Halloween is known as Mischief Night. Local troublemakers may be out in full force smashing pumpkins, wrapping houses in toilet paper, or tossing eggs at cars. Some may try to tease or harm pets that are left outside unattended.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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