Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween can be a dangerous time for animals if it is not handled properly. Below are some tips so that your pet can enjoy the spookiest time of year alongside you.

• Scout out treats your pet can enjoy. Many pet stores will have Halloween treats that your pet can safely indulge in.
• Don't allow your pet access to candy, ESPECIALLY CHOCOLATE. In addition to the risk of harmful ingredients, the possibility of your little friend choking on a piece of candy is also very likely.
• Choose a pet friendly costume. Avoid elaborate costumes, particularly those with small pieces. Ensure your pet is comfortable and able to move about freely. Make sure the costume will not cause overheating. You may want to try on the costume before the big night to be sure that your pet will love it.
• Don't allow your pet to get into decorations. Lights, cords, an fake spiderwebs can be dangerous if consumed. Keep all small, chewable items out of reach.
• Understand that repeatedly hearing people at the door can be stressful. If your dog has a tendency to react to strangers and/or small children, or even other animals, then we advise that you keep them in a safe space for the duration of trick-or-treating. You may also choose to take the "lights out" approach.
• Keep your cats indoor, especially if they are black. The unfortunate truth is that some people might be looking to harm black cats in particular on this day. Please ensure the safety of your pet by keeping them indoors for the duration of this holiday.
• Fireworks are very stressful for your furry friend. While it is certainly fun for us, the loud noises can cause them to run away in a panic. This makes it harder to look for them, especially since fireworks usually happen when it's dark.
• Check and double check that your pet has identification tags on. As it is such a stressful time, and the door keeps opening and closing, it is likely that your pet may slip between your legs and try to run away. Prevent the possibility of permanently losing your pet, by having them wear a collar with contact information so that anyone who may find them will be able to return them. If your pet has a microchip, this would be a good time to confirm that the information on it is up-to-date. 
• Be extremely cautious about lighting candles. Try to refrain from lighting candles around your pet, and keep lit candles well out of reach.