Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween can be a potentially dangerous holiday for dogs, cats, birds and other pets, so it's vital that pet lovers take a few simple measures this holiday season to keep their furry and feathered family members safe and spooky this Halloween season.

* Keep pets restrained in a crate, cage or spare bedroom if you're planning to welcome trick-or-treaters on Halloween. This will prevent a dog, cat, bird or other pet from accidentally slipping out the front door as it opens and closes for all those young trick-or-treaters.

* Do not allow pets, especially dogs, to be exposed to costumed and masked children or adults. A dog's perception is different from a human's and a mask, Halloween costume or props can be frightening and threatening. This can lead to dog bites and other uncharacteristic behavior on the part of pets. Remember, even a tame, well-trained pet can act in an unpredictable and aggressive manner when frightened.

* When young trick-or-treaters return home from a spooky outing on Halloween, keep all candy out of the reach of pets. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and pets can also experience digestive problems when they eat other candies as well - often, wrapper and all. Children should also be informed about the dangers of feeding candy - especially chocolate - to dogs and other pets.

* Keep all pets indoors on Halloween. A black cat in particular will be more prone to abuse on Halloween and mischievous youths are more apt to terrorize a dog or other pet when they're out on a vandalism spree, as is common on Halloween night. Anticipate rowdy and mischievous behavior on the part of others and plan to keep pets indoors on Halloween. Dogs should also stay at home during trick-or-treating outings. Not only can the costumes and props be frightening, but a trick-or-treater with an obstructed view from a mask may trip over a pet, possibly causing injury to both pet and child.

* Keep pets restrained in a crate, cage or spare bedroom during a Halloween party at the home. A party can be stressful and frightening for a dog, cat, bird or other pet, and guests may accidentally step on, kick or otherwise accidentally harm a pet. One common occurrence involves a guest who drops a toxic food, alcohol or other harmful items that the dog, cat or other pet then ingests. Pets can also become frightened by costumes and masks, leading to aggressive behavior. Pets may also escape when party guests are coming and going, so it's imperative that pets are kept restrained during a Halloween party.

Follow these hints and Halloween is sure to be a spooky but fun occasion for all family members, including those of the furry and feathered variety.