Halloween candy is not for pets: Chocolate is toxic for cats and dogs. Lollipop and candy-apple sticks can get stuck in an animal’s throat or perforate the stomach or bowels; candy wrappers can cause obstruction and irritation to the digestive system. Make sure the kids know not to share their hoard, and keep the stash in a place the animals can’t get to.
- This is a night to keep your pet close by your side. Don’t leave a dog tied up in the yard alone and say no to a cat that normally goes out on his own. Animals have been teased, stolen, injured – even killed – by trick-or-treaters carried away by the excesses of the holiday.
- Keep your dog or the cat in a room away from the front door with plenty of fresh water and a familiar blanket. Too many strangers in weird costumes can scare an animal. You don’t want your dog to charge the door every time you open it – nor do you want the cat or dog sneaking out on the heels of the trick-or-treaters. Make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag.
- Please keep your pet at home when trick-or-treating. But if you can’t resist, use a short leash to keep him from fighting with other animals or biting strangers out on the prowl. If you’re out after dark, use a reflective leash or flashing safety collar so drivers can easily spot him.
- Don’t leave a lighted jack o’lantern unattended around pets. One exuberant swish of a tail can start a fire – or a quick sniff can burn a whisker. Cats, birds and dogs are all naturally inquisitive and are likely to try to explore with their paws, mouths or beaks. Also, make sure all decorations don’t have loose or sharp parts that can snag a tail or wound a paw.