1. ID your Pets! On the off chance that you lose your pet during the festivities, having your pet properly identified with an ID-tag, collar, and/or Micro-chip will make it much easier to reunite you and your furry friend.
2. Keep Pets Indoors. Loud noises and strange visitors can be very stressful for pets. Keep your pet in a quiet room away from noisy trick-or-treaters.
3. Candy is not for Pets! Chocolate and the artificial sweetener Xylitol can cause serious health problems for your pets. Keep candy away from cats and dogs.
4. Raisins are risky, too! Raisins and grapes can lead to kidney failure in dogs, and potentially other pets as well. Keep raisin packs away from your pets.
5. Guard your Gourds! Jack-o-lanterns are a tempting fire hazard for curious cats. Keep lit pumpkins out of reach of pets.
6. Hide Cords and Wires. Many Halloween decorations use extension cords and wires. Keep these cords out of pets reach to reduce fire hazard risk.
7. Glow Sticks are not Chew toys! Although they are non-toxic, the liquid inside of a glow stick can cause excessive salivation and discomfort for your pet. Make sure to properly dispose of glow sticks.
8. Candy Wrappers are not just a Nuisance. Watch out for discarded candy wrappers when taking your dog out for a walk in the days following Halloween. When swallowed, cellophane, foil, and plastic wrappers can cause bowel blockage.
9. Don’t Over Do the Disguise. Many pet owners like to dress-up their dog and/or cat in a cute pet costume for Halloween. Make sure that the outfit does not cause your pet to overheat, or present your pet with choking hazards from accessories.
10. Monitor your Pet’s Stress Level. If you have chosen to include your furry friend in the festivities, make sure to watch for signs of irritation or over-stimulation. If your dog or cat is showing signs of stress, get them to a safe, quiet location where they can relax.
