Pet Safety tips for Halloween

Ensure this Halloween is truly spooktacular for you pets.

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Tips to Have a safe, enjoyable fun time with you pet at Halloween...

 Halloween can be a Frightening Time for Pets! Use common sense!

With Halloween just a week away the Humane Society for Shelter Pets is offering America’s pet owners some safety tips to ensure this Halloween is truly spooktacular.

Costumes can be scary to pets, whether worn by familiar people, strangers, or even pets themselves.

The National Retail Federation found that over 15% of people are planning to dress up their animals in costumes this Halloween. If you are planning to include your pet in the family Halloween activities,please make sure to avoid pet costumes that include hats, masks, or shoes.

The American Veterinary Medical Association reminds owners not to leave pet dressed in costumes,(costumed pets) unattended.

Most people are aware that chocolate is poisonous to dogs, but hard candies and other sweets containing the ingredient Xylitol, commonly found in gums and mints, can also pose a health risk to your pet.

Often in the excitement and chaos of Halloween night, these dangerous treats may be left within easy reach of curious canine noses. As with all human food make sure your candy is placed out of reach of your pet.

Be aware Dogs are not the only pets known to stick their noses and mouths where they don’t belong. Due to their curious nature, cats can’t help but be attracted to glow sticks and shiny costume jewelry. While not usually life-threatening, treating a glow stick as a chew toy can result in mouth pain and irritation, and lead to excessive drooling and foaming.

The Pet Poison Helpline, (800-213-6680), suggests you attempt to wash as much of the chemical off of the fur as you can, as self-grooming can contribute to further poisoning. If left in reaching distance, cheap costume jewelry can also become a major choking hazard for both dogs and cats.

According to the National Retail Federation, 170 million people plan to celebrate Halloween this year. With so many families participating in All Hallow’s Eve festivities, it’s important to take this opportunity to talk about pet safety.

With every human celebration there are opportunities for lapses in household security resulting in ghastly accidents or devilish escapes.

Strangers stopping by in ghoulish costumes can cause plenty of anxiety, while parties offer access to large amounts of food and candy. Although only pigs and dogs, and a certain two-legged animal, seem to be at the greatest risk for overindulging, it’s worth considering a few ways to batten down the hatches and protect pets from Halloween mishaps.