Pet CORNER
Halloween Pet Safety Tips
Be prepared for the arrival of autumn and follow these guidelines for your pet’s safety this fall and Halloween season.
Candy
• Keep Halloween candy in a secure container out of your pet’s reach. Remember that chocolate and certain types of candy are toxic to both cats and dogs and should never be given to them. • Wrappers and small toys can pose choking hazards and should be kept out of reach of pets. Contact your local Animal Poison Control Center or your veterinarian immediately if your pet ingests any of these hazards or is exhibiting signs of choking or irritation.
Costumes
• Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for a Halloween costume. Give the costume a test run and if your pet seems restless or unhappy, reconsider the costume. • Costumes should never impede a pet’s ability to move, breathe, see, or hear.
Trick-Or-Treating
• Using a harness for your pet while trick-or-treating is a great way to keep them safe. Make sure it fits your pet’s size and specific needs. • If your pet becomes uneasy in unfamiliar territory or around people in costumes, take them back home to where they feel safe. • When greeting party guests or trick-or-treaters, keep pets in a separate room, as strangers might make them uneasy.
Decorations
• Stick to pet-safe decorations like cutouts or decals in your home. • Raw pumpkins and decorative corn are usually non-toxic, but ingesting too much of it can cause upset stomachs. • Display candlelit jack-o-lanterns or luminaries only on inaccessible shelves. A safer alternative would be to use battery-powered versions instead. • Think twice about dangling cobwebs, loose strings, and wires that can attract your cat’s attention and become a choking hazard. Source: Marthastewart.com
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