Halloween Proof RSM Pets Before And After The Holiday

Halloween is a spooky time, and can be especially so for homes with pets. Here is how pet owners can keep their dogs, cats and other animals safe on the holiday, while also creating enjoyment for all, according to Orange County and Los Angeles County officials. It's also important to keep your treats pet safe after the holiday, too! so read on and discover how to keep everyone safe and healthy as we get to November!

"Pets react to the decorations and some of the festivities can be hazardous, which may trigger the fight or flight instinct," said Department of Animal Care and Control Director Marcia Mayeda. "The fight instinct could cause a friendly pet to bite out of fear and the flight instinct would cause them to run from the noise and excitement."

Dogs may run away from home and end up on busy streets or freeways, Mayeda warned, though anxious cats are likely to find a dark place to hide at home.

She offered tips to keep pets safe:

• make sure your pet's license is current and tags are securely attached;
• microchip your pet;
• if possible, keep pets indoors, away from the front door, in a secure spot with the radio or television playing as a distraction;
• check that your yard, including fences, gates and other openings, is secure;
• keep pets away from all candy and know that chocolate can be poisonous to pets! this remains true for as long as you have candy in the house!
• dispose of candy wrappers that can choke animals;
• keep pets away from jack-o-lanterns to avoid burns--better yet, use battery powered tea lights or candles instead of wax!
• make sure pet costumes do not restrict movement, vision, hearing, breathing or barking and do not include small or dangling accessories that can be swallowed; and
• if you take a pet to a community event, keep a close eye on them at all times.

Find more information at these sources:

www.aspca.org/halloween-safety-tips
www.humanesociety.orgtips/halloween-safety.html
www.avma.org/halloween

City News Service, with Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig

Pictured: Orange County Animal Services invite all to an adoption #GetEmHome event

Photos, courtesy OC Animal Care