Happy Halloween - Keep Your Pets Safe

Happy Halloween!!

While everyone gets excited by the idea of all the candy that is available for Halloween, be sure to keep your pet safe, and keep the candy away from it. Chocolate is very toxic to both cats and dogs, so don't let your baby have any. In addition, there are ingredients in "candy corn" which is also not good for cats or dogs.

Be sure to keep your pets inside during Halloween trick-or-treating, as many times animals can be "spooked" by all the activity going on outside with trick-or-treaters, or others that may not have such a benign agenda. Many pets get stolen during Halloween (especially black cats), and many times these animals are abused or harmed by those that are unbalanced, cruel, or just being stupid.

Consider keeping your pet in a quiet room during trick or treat hours, as the continuous ringing of the doorbell can upset some pets, or get other pets too excited. Repeatedly opening and closing the door might allow your pet a chance to get out the door, and then to get lost, which would be a horrible way to end your Halloween.

As to costumes, well, it's your call, but in my opinion, many pets do not like to be dressed in costumes. Of course, your baby might really love it, and then, just be sure that your pet's costume is safe. Never have the costume fit too tightly, and don't cover their eyes or paws, so they can still see clearly and be able to move freely. In my experience, leave the cats out of costumes, as they don't like them at all. If you insist, keep the costumes away from their heads. If you must, try a "tutu" or such decoration which does constrict their movement. Make sure there are not strings, ribbons, or other similar items that could get your pet tangled.

If you want to give your babies some special treat for Halloween, try their favorite dog or cat treat, or give them a holiday-themed toy. But keep most human food away from them.

If you light candles, be sure that they are not in reach of your pets, as a cat can easily brush a candle with its tail, and either burn themselves, or knock over the candle and start a fire. If you are planning on leaving your house, be sure that all candles are extinguished.

Those are our tips for a safe and happy Halloween. Enjoy your candy, and enjoy the companionship of your cats and dogs.