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Keep Pets Safe This Halloween
OC Animal Care
While children of all ages look
forward to Halloween each year, the activities surrounding
October 31st are frightening and even dangerous for many
household pets. Pets are often like small children: it may seem
fun to dress them in costume, include them in parties or take
them trick-or-treating, but they cannot understand the
festivities. When suddenly confronted with strange sights,
sounds, and smells, even normally calm pets may become confused
and agitated. To protect both Halloween participants and
neighborhood animals, it is best to take precautions to ensure
the safety and security of pets during Halloween and other
holidays.
To protect your pet, follow these
simply guidelines:
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Confine your pet to a quiet,
secure area away from Halloween activities. The constant
stream of strangers in costumes at the front door may
frighten and even threaten dogs and cats into unpredictable
behavior. Also, frequently opened doors are an opportunity
for a stressed pet to escape. The best place for your pet is
a closed back room in the house or a secure enclosure in the
backyard. Make sure your pet is wearing identification that
is current and legible. An ID tag is your pet’s ticket home.
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Keep candy out of reach of
pets. The smell of overloaded candy bowls can be very
tempting to pets. Not only are many treats dangerous even
toxic to pets, but the wrappings may cause serious harm as
well. Watch your pets carefully days after the festivities.
Signs of intestinal discomfort may indicate ingestion of a
foreign food; be sure to consult your veterinarian.
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Keep pets away from dangerous
Halloween decorations. Burning candles, jack-o-lanterns,
streamers, hanging lights, and lawn decorations are hazards
to your pet’s safety.
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Do not force pets into the
holiday spirit. It is fun for kids and adults to dress up in
costume, but pets consider clothes as restraint. A costumed
pet will be confused and uncomfortable. Flowing capes, and
restrictive masks can make your pet fearful, destructive,
and miserable.
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Do not take the family pet
out trick-or-treating. With all the excitement and
confusion, your pet may be difficult to handle. You may want
to take your pet for a walk earlier in the day or skip
Halloween all together. Your pet’s safety is far more
important than one missed walk.
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Protect pets from “tricks”.
While many “tricks” may seem innocent at the time, many pets
end up hurt, lost, or worse. Intentional incidents are rare,
but Halloween, like many other holidays, results in a busy
night for OC Animal Care and veterinarians nationwide.
Be aware of “at risk” animals such as free-roaming cats
(especially black), exotic animals, unattended livestock,
and dark dogs that may have escaped.
The keys to keeping your pet safe
are thoughtful preparation, safe confinement, and a watchful
eye. Following these guidelines for pet safety will keep
Halloween safe and fun, instead of a night of unwanted fright.
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