10 Halloween Safety Tips For Pets

Keep an eye on your bowl of Halloween candy. Your pet may mistake the candy for toys or treats. Pets can choke on candy and candy wrappers. Chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs, especially dark and baking chocolates. Some candies also contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol, which can also pose a danger to your pets. 

Photo: Piggy Pooch Dog Costume

Pets are not use to seeing little kids in costumes, so they can become easily spooked or agitated by them. Pets can also be spooked by the noises and excitement from the kids, and from the constant door knocking. It can be enough to spook even the friendliest of dogs. It can also make a social dog become defensive or aggressive.

Pets should be kept at a safe distance from the trick-or-treaters. If possible, keep your pets in another room when trick-or-treaters come to the door. You don't want to spook your pets or the children. If you have your pets at the door when you pass out candy, have them on a leash or put up a gate so they can't dart out the door and escape.  

Photo: Pirate Dog Costume

Keep your pets on a leash if you are going to take them trick-or-treating with you. They should also have an ID tag, so if they escape you will have a greater chance of your dog being returned to you. It's also a good idea to add some reflective tape to your dog's leash or costume. 

Keep your pet at a safe distance from other people, especially kids. Keep an eye out for any candy or wrappers laying on the ground on Halloween night and for the next few days after Halloween if you walk your dog. 

Photo: Prisoner Dog Costume

Pet costumes are adorable but unless your pet enjoys wearing a costume you shouldn't make them wear one on Halloween. If you are going to dress your pet up in a Halloween costume make sure it is a comfortable one that fits properly. Be sure to choose a costume that doesn't impair your pet's hearing, vision and motion. It's always a good idea to try your pet's costume on before Halloween to see if it stresses them. If they become frieghtened or show signs of stress, you shouldn't make your pet wear a Halloween costume. 

Photo: Superman Dog Costume

Keep all wires and electrical cords where pets can't reach them. If your fury friend bites into an electrical cord it could electrocute them. Be mindful of your plastic and glass decorations too. If your pet chews on them they can cut their mouth or chock.

Photo: Zebra Dog Costume

Pumpkins aren't toxic for your pet. However, if they chew on them and eat enough it can cause digestive problems and intestinal blockage.

Photo: Pumpkin Dog Costume

Keep candles and lighted pumpkins out of your pet's reach. Candles can singe and burn pets. Animals can also knock candles over, which can cause a fire. Never leave your pets unattended around candles. Use flameless candles if possible. 

Photo: Ladybug Dog Costume

Keep your pet's inside on Halloween. If you have outdoor cats, particularly black cats, bring them inside for the night. Sadly, there are some tricks that go along with treating on Halloween, which black cats have become the target of. Keeping your pets inside on Halloween will keep them safe from Halloween pranks and from being spooked by trick-or-treaters.

Photo: Top Hat Cat Costume

Keep emergency numbers handy in case your pet does choke on candy, swallows candy wrappers, eats chocolate or candy with xylitol in it, gets burned by candles or electical cords, or becomes the victim of a terrible Halloween prank. Having these numbers on hand can help to save precious moments when your pet needs medical attention or is in a life threatening situation.   

Photo: Cheerleader Dog Costume

Get the whole family involved with keeping your pets safe. Teach your children about pet safety, and remind them that candies and chocolate can be dangerous to cats and dogs. Children should never try to spook their pets with their Halloween costumes. 

Photo: Pink Dog Costume