Keep pets safe during Halloween

Through the years, we've collected lots of photos of our dogs dressed in Halloween costumes. Bourbon, our Doberman-shepherd mix, looking nonplused; Arlie, our mixed breed, in his bow tie looking dignified and dapper; and Shelby, our Shetland sheepdog, in her witch's hat headband and cape, patient as always.

The costumes were shaken or pawed off seconds after the photos were taken, but are memories of Halloweens past and the patient animals who have shared our lives.

While a photo op is one thing, the HSUS and the ASPCA note Halloween can be a frightening time for our companion animals.

Nancy Peterson, HSUS companion animal issues specialist, notes,"Dogs and cats rely on daily routine. When their routine is disrupted by lots of noise and commotion, like trick-or-treaters ringing the doorbell or lots of strangers in unusual clothes in their house, pets can become frightened or agitated. It's best to keep pets at a safe distance from the festivities."

Our pet's environment is especially important during the days surrounding Halloween activities. Both organizations recommend keeping our pets indoors. Unsupervised outdoor animals are susceptible to stress, inhumane practical jokes or theft.

Providing a same, stress free environment reduces the probability of our pet injuring himself or others. Keeping our animals indoors ensure they won't become frightened or feel threatened at the sight of noisy, costumed children.

While trick-or-treating may be fun, our companion animals should be kept away from the door and out of hearing range of a constantly ringing door bell and excited children. With frequently opened doors providing a means of escape, our animals are safest in an enclosed area with a toy and soothing music.

With outside doors opening and closing for trick-or-treating and guests' arrivals and departures, all pets should be wearing current ID tags in case of escape.

Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk program for the HSUS, suggests, "The noises, smells and people can be overwhelming for many pets on Halloween, so create a safe haven in one room of your home where he can quietly relax."

With candy being more plentiful during Halloween, it needs to be kept out of your animal's reach. Children should be taught not to share Halloween treats with their pets. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause problems. Candy, especially chocolate, is toxic to animals and can cause vomiting restlessness, heart disturbances and even death.

Grapes and raisins, while healthy snacks for humans, can be potentially deadly for dogs. Candy wrappers can also cause health problems, with wrappers causing obstruction or irritation to our pet's digestive system.

We also need to keep our companion animals safe from Halloween decorations. Crepe paper streamers, fake cobwebs, glow sticks, cardboard wall hangings and plastic spiders can be easily chewed and swallowed, damaging our pet's digestive systems. Animals can also tip over tabletop candles or the candles in pumpkins, quickly setting fire to their fur.

Some of our companion animals like to dress up, but others dislike it. If your companion animal doesn't mind dressing up, make sure the costume doesn't restrict his normal movements, breathing, vision or barking. Costumes that interfere with these things can cause ligament or joint injuries. Animals are also more likely to bite if their vision is impaired.

Animals are better off left at home during trick-or-treating. Dogs may become more difficult to handle (especially by children) during the noise and confusion, possibly getting lost or biting a stranger they may encounter.

If there is an emergency and your pet becomes sick, injured or lost during the holiday season, have important contact information easily accessible, including phone numbers for your veterinarian, emergency veterinarian clinic and local animal shelters in case of a lost pet.

Halloween can be fun for everyone. Knowing our pets are safe and happy adds to the enjoyment of the day.

Another way to enjoy a pet safe Halloween is to join us at the Buddy Foundation Shelter from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Oct. 24, for Halloween photos. Come and have your family's picture, including your pet, taken with Wanda the Witch.

For a $7.50 donation, you can get a Halloween memory of your family and visit with the cats and dogs.

Come and join us. Wanda is waiting to wish you a "Happy Halloween."

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.