How to keep pets safe during Halloween

I’ve dressed our dogs in Halloween costumes. Arlie, our mixed breed, looked dignified and sophisticated in his formal black-tie collar. I think he liked his collar; not so much the superhero costume I had tried to put on him the year before. I guess it’s been more fun for me than it was for them. Our dogs were usually good sports about getting dressed up, tolerating the outfit long enough to get a picture.

While a photo op is one thing, the Humane Society of the United States, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the American Animal Hospitals Association note Halloween can be a really frightening time for our companion animals.

“Dogs and cats rely on daily routine,” notes Nancy Peterson, HSUS companion animal issues specialist. “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 pets’ environment is especially important during the days surrounding Halloween activities. Both the HSUS and the AAHA recommend keeping pets indoors. Unsupervised outdoor animals are susceptible to stress, inhumane practical jokes or theft. Providing a sane, stress free environment reduces the probability of our pets injuring themselves or others. Keeping our animals indoors ensures 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. Since frequently opened doors provide a means of escape for them, our animals are safest in an enclosed area with a toy and soothing music. Also, with outside doors opening and closing, all pets should be wearing current ID tags.

“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,” suggests Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk program for the HSUS.

Candy, being more plentiful during Halloween, needs to be kept out of our animals’ reach. And children should be taught not to share Halloween treats with their pets. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause problems. The AAHA reports 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 as they contain an unknown toxin that can damage dogs’ kidneys and cause kidney failure. Candy wrappers can also cause health problems, with wrappers causing obstruction or irritation to our pets’ digestive system.

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

Both the AAHA and the HSUS note 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 breathing, vision or barking. Costumes that interfere with these things can cause ligament or joint injuries. And animals are more likely to bite if their vision is impaired.

Both organizations also suggest animals are better off left at home during trick-or-treating. Dogs may become more difficult to handle during the noise and confusion, possibly getting lost or biting a stranger, especially if they are being walked by children.

If there is an emergency and your pet becomes sick, injured or lost during the holiday season, the AAHA suggests having a plan. 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.

I think I’m just going to put a Halloween bandanna on my dog, Kasey, this year. The devil horns costume didn’t work out too well last year. Wishing you a safe and fun Halloween.

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