Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe On Halloween

Halloween is here! As festivities begin, make sure to keep your pets safe by following these tips:

COSTUMES
We love seeing our patients dress up for Halloween! Who doesn't? It's important to make sure that your pet can move comfortably and safely  in the costume. Do not tie anything around your pet's neck and check to see if your pet can move without tripping over the costume. Remember that if your pet is uncomfortable or trying to take the costume off, it's best they go as cute dog or cat  instead of a pumpkin. 

TREATS 
Treats and sweets are great for people, but not for pets. Candy and chocolates can be harmful to dogs and cats, even fatal, especially in large quantities. Keep these sweets out of reach from your pets. If you have guests coming over, make sure you communicate house rules, such as not feeding your pet when they arrive. If nicotine and alcohol will be consumed in your home this Halloween, be extra vigilant to keep these items out of your pet’s reach. These substances can be highly toxic—even deadly—to animals.

DECORATIONS
While a carved jack-o-lantern certainly is festive, pets can easily knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire. Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting burned or singed by candle flame. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered relatively nontoxic, but can produce stomach discomfort in pets who nibble on them.

TRICK OR TREATERS
If you plan giving out candy to trick-or-treaters, keep your pet away from the door. Pets have a way of slipping out unnoticed, so make sure your pet always wears their identification tags and consider having your pet microchipped if you haven't already. Animals can also get stressed with the hustle and bustle of guests, trick-or-treaters and increased activity at home. Give them a quiet, stress-free, room where they can be removed the extra excitement of the holiday.