Keeping pets safe and happy during Halloween

Posted on October 19, 2012

The very things that make Halloween fun for humans can make it stressful and frightening for pets. From costumez and decorations to visitors and trick-or-treating, here are some tips to help keep your furry friends safe and happy during the holiday.

	Keep your pets indoors when trick-or-treaters are out and about to avoid Halloween pranksters who may not have good intentions toward animals.
	Strangers arriving and people in costumes can be scary and upsetting for pets. Putting them in a separate room away from the front door, along with favorite toys and some pet-friendly treats, can help reduce stress as well as keep them from darting outside.
	Be aware of holiday decoration hazards. Candles and carved pumpkins can easily be knocked over by wagging tails, and and curious pets risk being burned or singed by flames.
	Other decorations are tempting to chew on, especially strings of electric lights and electrical cords. Use caution and keep everything out of reach, or closely supervise your pet to avoid cuts, burns, electrical shock, and ingestion of objects that can cause harm.
	Likewise, make sure candy and other sweets are of reach, especially chocolate, and ask children not to share them with your pet. If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, even in a small amount, call the ASPCA Poison Control Center immediately.
	Don't dress up your pet if they don't enjoy it. If you do put your pet in a costume, use caution and make sure the outfit is safe. Don't leave your pet unsupervised while dressed up to reduce the risk of them getting tangled up in it and choking or chewing and ingesting pieces.
	If you take your pet trick-or-treating, make sure they stay visible to vehicles with a reflective collar, and that they are wearing identification in case you become separated. A collar with ID tags and microchipping help increase the chances a lost pet will be returned to you.