The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense
precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet safe from:
Trick or Treats
1.
No
tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy
and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms- especially dark or baking chocolate- can be
very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener
xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested
something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison
Control Center at (888)426-4435.
2.
Popular
Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be
relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on
them.
3.
Wires
and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of
reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive
a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
4.
A
carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to
add a candle. Pets can easily knock a
lit pumpkin over and cause a fire.
Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by
candle flames.
5.
Dress-up
can be a big mess-up for some pets.
Please don’t put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she
loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!).
For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume
may cause undue stress.
6.
If
you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal’s movement
or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the
big night. If your pet seems distressed,
allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au natural or
donning a festive bandana.
7.
Take
a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small,
dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on
external objects or your pet, leading to injury.
8.
All
but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from
the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful
for pets.
9.
When
opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn’t
dart outside.
10. IDs, please! Always make sure
your dog or cat has proper identification.
If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags
and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he or she
will be returned to you.
Animal Poison Control Center
888-426-4435
Information gathered from ASPCA
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals
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