Trick Or Treat! Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween is supposed to be spooky, but for pets it can be a nightmare. In some ways, Halloween can pose more stress and safety hazards for pets than Independence Day.

Karen Karp, president of Friends of Lakewood Dog Park Inc. offers some suggestions to keep your pets safe during All Hallows Eve.

Keep Candy Away From Your Pet!
Don't allow pets to eat the candy meant for trick-or-treaters. Chocolate and candy containing xylitol can be dangerous for pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

Be Aware of Dangerous Decorations
Be sure to keep pets a safe distance from burning candles. Also, keep an eye on decorations such as decorative corn and pumpkins that your pet might be tempted to eat.

Comfortable Costumes
If you have a costume for your pet, do try it on in advance to be sure it is comfortable and does not restrict your pet's breathing, hearing or vision.

Safe Place
If your pet is likely to become alarmed or frightened due to the parade of costumed strangers, give him a safe place to relax until trick or treating is over.

Use a Leash
If your dog wants to help you greet all the visitors coming to the house, consider keeping him on a leash to prevent him from dashing out an open door.

Use ID Tags
Make sure that your pet is wearing a collar with ID just in case, despite precautions, he manages to escape.

Photo by Rick Uldricks/Patch