Halloween Safety Tips

Don’t Frighten Fido: Keep Dogs and (Scaredy)-Cats Safe this Halloween

Costumes and candy are fun for humans, but furry friends may not feel the same. Dressed-up strangers at the door and dangerous treats within reach can be a recipe for disaster for pets. Pet parents should keep these tips from the Humane Society of Missouri in mind for a stress-free and safe Halloween:

• Keep pets safely inside, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities, to ensure they don’t become frightened or feel threatened at the sight of noisy, costumed children. Keep cats in a separate room and dogs on a leash to avoid problematic situations.
• Don’t take the family dog along for trick-or-treating. Dogs may become difficult to handle during the noise and confusion of the festivities.
• Cats, especially black ones, may be the target of pranksters. Black cat owners are advised to keep their cats safely indoors during the Halloween season.
• Frequently opened doors provide a perfect opportunity for escape, which can go unnoticed during all the commotion. Be sure all pets wear collars with ID tags and are microchipped with up-to-date information in case of accidental escape.
• Keep candy out of your pet’s reach. Candy can be harmful to pets, and chocolate is toxic and potentially life-threatening to cats, dogs and ferrets.
• Keep pets away from decorations, especially open flames in jack-o-lanterns and candles which can quickly singe, burn or set fire to a pet’s fur.
• Only put pets in a costume if you are sure they will enjoy it. Keep in mind most pets dislike the confinement of costumes and masks. If you do opt to dress up your dog, make sure the costume is comfortable and does not cover your pet’s eyes or restrict movement.