Halloween Safety For Pets

Pet safety for both your cat and dog begins with wearing a current animal license tag on their collar.

If for some reason your pet is lost there is a better chance of them being returned to you through their license tags or a microchip.

Pets can become frightened with all the loud noise and flashing Halloween costumes.

Many lost pets are in animal shelters without identification. It is 10 times more likely that your pet will be returned when they are wearing identification.

Most veterinarians will have license tags.

Halloween is a bad time of year to leave your pet outside. Cruel, evil people use Halloween as an excuse to harm and kill animals. A few weeks before and during Halloween keep your pets inside the house.

It's never a good idea to leave your dog in the yard on a daily basis anyway. We have heard of many reports of malicious people teasing, hurting, poisoning and stealing pets. This practice does increase through Halloween.

During Halloween if pets are kept outside they can become frightened with all the noise and kids running around. This could cause them to break away from their leash and escape from the yard.

If you have a black cat extra precautions are needed. People can do terrible things to them because of the mythology about black cats and witches.

The ASPCA along with other animal organizations advise pet owners to keep cats inside at all times. An indoor cat will live longer, be healthier and happier.

Some cats are a little more difficult to convince that wearing a Halloween costume is a good thing.

If you can get them into the costume for a short period of time - take a picture of them. After the picture is taken let them run free in their birthday suit.

The picture will be cute for a Halloween invitation.
 
 
 

You may think large bunny ears on your dog is cute, but that doesn't mean he will enjoy wearing them.

Try the Halloween costume on several days in advance and see how your pet reacts to the costume.

You may love to dress up in your Halloween costume, but that doesn't mean your dog or cat will.

Only dress up your pets if they seem to enjoy and love it.

Putting a Halloween costume on your pet could cause your dog stress and discomfort.

If your dog or cat isn't extremely receptive to wearing a costume it could interfere with their safety.

Halloween costumes can annoy cats and interfere with pet safety causing health hazards.

Think twice about placing a costume on a cat.
 
 

For the well being and safety of your pet try the costume on when the dog is calm.

Does your pet seem distressed?

If you see any signs of any abnormal behavior consider letting him go in his birthday suit.
 
 
 
 
 
 

The loud Halloween festivities going on outside and people constantly ringing the door bell can be a real challenge to pet safety.

Your pet will be under enough stress so don't cause them any more.

A costume should not restrict their movement and comfort.
 
 
 
 
 

Some pets like the spot light and are real hams. This is the perfect pet to dress up for Halloween in a costume.

Think carefully about the safety of a costume before dressing your pet.

Don't use rubber bands to hold on a costume they can cut off a pets circulation.

If the rubber band is accidentally left on it can burrow into the pets skin and cause a lot of problems.

Select a Halloween costume for your pet that is the correct size not just for comfort but also for pet safety.

Is your dog or cat going to wear a mask? Good clear vision is a requirement for pet safety.

Make sure the holes for the eyes are large enough so the pet is able to see clearly in all directions.

Dogs depend on their eyes to let them know what is happening around them. If they can't see even the nicest dog will become nervous and snappy.

It really isn't a good idea to place masks over your pets face.

Look closely at your pet's costume.

Are there any low hanging parts that will cause him to trip?

Does the costume have dangling parts that can easily be chewed off and cause choking?

For complete pet safety make sure the costume fits correctly and doesn't cause any injury to your pet.
 
 
 

When dressing up your pet, make sure all the costume parts are considered for pet safety and aren't annoying.

Nothing should constrict your pet's hearing, movements, sight or prevent his ability to breathe, bark or meow.


 
 

Use a very short leash to prevent your pet from biting the trick or treaters.

A short leash will also increase pet safety by preventing fighting and being attacked from other aggressive animals.

The best thing for pet safety would be to leave them at home.

Take your dog out before the trick or treaters start ringing door bells. Some dogs are easily frighten by loud sounds and costumed monsters.

Some dogs are good about wearing a Halloween costume. But, it still is not a good idea to let the kids take the family pet out alone.

If the whole family goes out together it will be easier to keep an eye on the kids and the dog while following Halloween pet safety tips.

For complete pet safety all the costume parts should be safe and not annoying to your pet.
 
 

Halloween activities can create many pet safety issues. Some pets become stressed and do not welcome the interruptions to their normal routine.

The door will open many times for trick or treaters, which will give your frighten pet a chance to dart outside.

Place your pets in a safe secure room for the evening. Leave a bowl of water, some food and their favorite toys. Playing some soft music may help.

Too many strange monsters coming to the door can be very scary and stressful for pets.

If your dog is going to be near the door to greet trick or treaters, place a short leash on him.

Only the most social dog should be near the door helping with the treats. A nervous dog may lunge and bite.

For added Halloween safety use a pet safety gate in front of the door.
 

Your pets can't tell you what is bothering them or what is wrong.

Halloween can be a scary time since they don't understand what is going on. They can be easily frightened.

Treat your pets with respect, they are part of the family. Be sympathetic towards their needs.

Are you having an adult party? It is not funny to get an animal drunk and give alcohol to cats, dogs, birds or any animal. It can Kill them.

Any guest that attempts to harm your pet by giving them alcohol should be told to leave.

Don't give any Halloween candy to your pets. Chocolate especially dark or baking chocolate is extremely dangerous for dogs and cats.

Chocolate contains theobromine, a strong stimulant, which can poison pets. Artificial sweeteners like xylitol are poisonous to dogs, even in small amounts.

Keep all Halloween candy out of reach of pets. Caution children about giving candy to your pets and about proper disposing of candy wrappers.

Cellophane and tin foil wrappers can cause a choking hazard or intestinal blockage.

If you suspect that your pet has swallowed any candy or wrappers - Induce vomiting as soon as you can and call the veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.