Don't Let Halloween Bring a Scare!

Witches, bats, and scaredy cats
Halloween is a great holiday for kids, but it can be hard on pets if you don't take some precautions.

Keep your pet safely indoors, away from noisy groups of small ghouls and goblins. And keep pets away from the door where they can accidentally escape as you open the door for trick-or-treaters.

If you have a black cat, you have a special problem. The mythology about black cats being related to witches can lead strange people to do strange things to them. Even kids who mean no harm may yell when they see a black cat -- scaring the cat much more than the cat scares them.

Pet costumes are the latest Halloween craze. Who can resist dressing up their pet in those cute little hats and witches capes? But make sure your pet can move freely and won’t stumble over a costume that hangs to the ground. And never tie anything around his neck that can choke and strangle him. Opt for a fancy collar instead. Let your pet be the judge. If he struggles and is uncomfortable, then maybe it would be best to let him stay dressed as a Corgi rather than a ghost!

Candy can make a pet sick or may be lethal. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, which can make dogs very ill, and could even cause death if consumed in enough quantity.

If you want to treat your pets, stock up on dog biscuits or catnip toys.
If you suspect your pet has gotten into a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian immediately! Have the telephone number to your local emergency animal hospital readily available, as well as the number for the national animal poison control center.

Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

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