Keeping Pets Safe

Halloween is a particularly exciting, high-energy holiday, and in the midst of all the chaos, it is easy to see how pet safety issues are often overlooked; however, our pets frequently require the same care and attention that we dedicate to our children on this festive holiday. As an educated pet-owner, it is necessary to acknowledge that our pets have feelings, too. The difference is, our pets cannot tell us when they are feeling afraid or unsure of a situation. While Halloween is commonplace to us, most pets have no idea what is going on and can be easily frightened. Thus, it becomes our personal responsibility to ensure that our pets experience the safest Halloween possible.

As a general rule, it is never a good idea to leave your outdoor pets unattended on Halloween. Not all people appreciate animals, and there are plenty of tales regarding animals that have been maliciously teased, tortured, and even killed on Halloween. This is especially true for cats - namely black. If it is at all possible, bring your pets inside during this time of year. If this isn't an option, be sure to keep a close watch over your pets in order to ward off any potentially harmful mischief.

Even though your pet may be an old pro at begging for table scraps, when it comes to Halloween candy, it is necessary to practice a high level of self-control. No type of candy is good for an animal, but chocolate is the worst of all. Chocolate, in any amount, is deadly to any animal that consumes a piece. Never leave the candy bowl where your pet can gain access to it. Also, keep in mind that tin candy wrappers are just as dangerous for your pet as the sugary sweets inside. Candy wrappers are capable of becoming wedged in your pet's digestive tract and can make your pet ill or even cause death.

When you live with pets, you must also be cautious regarding your holiday decor. Never leave a lighted candle or jack-o-lantern where your over-zealous pet might knock it over. Dogs and cats can have lethal tails and aside from the fire they could start in your home, they also run the risk of severely burning themselves in the process. Always place lighted decor on a high shelf or construct a barrier that prevents your pet from journeying into its immediate vicinity.

We all love to dress our pets in cute Halloween costumes, but we must remember that not all pets are receptive to this tradition. Before you force your pet to walk around in a costume for hours, do a quick assessment of how your pet initially reacts when you place him in the costume. Does it frantically try to escape? If so, costumes might not be ideal. If you force your pet to wear the costume, you may be causing it severe frustration and stress. Additionally, be sure that any costume that covers your pet's face includes eye holes large enough to support your pet's peripheral vision. Animals utilize their sense of vision to obtain most of their information regarding the environment, and even the sweetest pet will become agitated if this sense is obstructed in any way. Masks are not a good idea.

In conclusion, while planning for your holiday, be sure to take some time to consider your four-legged friends. When we adopt a pet, it becomes our responsibility to care for it and keep it safe. Happy haunting!