Public Spark

Whether it be dressing up your pets for Halloween or having them in the house to prevent children from scaring them, it’s important to take measures to keep your pets safe. Here are some tips to keep your pets stress-free and safe on Halloween.

• Find a secure place to keep you pets.

  Many pets get loose when the door opens and the presence of little (and big) costumed people often scares them. This increases the chance your pet running away or getting hit by a car. Also make sure that they cannot reach the candy. If your pet has any aggressive tendencies, fear of loud noises, or a habit of excessive barking, place him in a quiet room as far away from your front door as possible. Give them plenty of chew toys, a favorite blanket or anything that comforts your pet. Also consult your vet for tranquilizers.

• Proper pet identification.

  Make sure your pet is wearing an up-to-date I.D. collar and tag (with name phone number and address). Also consider a microchip.

• Always keep your pet indoors.

  In addition to the parade of trick-or-treaters frightening and agitating them, there have been reports of taunting, poisonings, and pet thefts.

• Keep pets out of the candy bowl.

  Chocolates, candy and candy wrappers can be lethal to pets. Dispose of candy wrappers before your pets get to them, to prevent choking or intestinal obstruction. Note: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause nerve damage and even death in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is — and the smaller the lethal dose.

• Be prepared.

  If you notice the following symptoms of chocolate poisoning, go to your vet or emergency vet or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

  • Excessive drooling

  • Excessive urination

  • Pupil dilation

  • Rapid heartbeat

  • Vomiting and diarrhea

  • Hyperactivity

  • Muscle tremors and seizures

  • Coma

• Proper Halloween costumes on pets.

  It can annoy animals and pose safety and health hazards. Make sure the pet can breathe, see and hear, and that the costume is flame retardant. Remove any small accessories that the pet may eat or long cloths that the pet may trip on.

References:

• Halloween Express

• Partnership for Animal Welfare

• American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals