Halloween Hazards

 Tips to Keep Pets Safe

Halloween is not a treat for pets.  It can be frightening and dangerous for companion animals, according to Dr. Connie Wright.

“There’s a lot of cruelty to animals at this time of year. And I don’t think the animals enjoy the costumes, dressing up, doorbell ringing constantly, noise and commotion nearly as much as the people do. It’s stressful for pets,” she says.

Dr. Connie says Halloween “brings out the worst in some people and some kids take it out on animals. Some people use this time of year as an excuse to shoot animals or steal them and hurt them. Even farm animals are at risk.”

 Animal Aid does not allow adoption of black, white or combination two-color black and white cats during the month of October. 

 Dr. Wright offers the following tips to help make Halloween enjoyable for young ghosts and goblins and keep pets safe during the holiday:

	Confine your pet to a quiet, indoor area away from the open door, constantly  ringing doorbell and festivities.  “Bolting out the door – for both dogs and cats – is the biggest risk for household pets,” she says.  Once outside and frightened, indoor-only cats may hide “for weeks” and will not respond to calling.  Always keep current identification on your pet.   Frequently opened doors are an opportunity for a frightened animal to escape.
	Avoid stimulating aggression in dogs by being aware that dogs can become agitated by a lot of strangers in unusual clothing at their house.  "Dogs don't like people in uniform, like policemen & the UPS delivery man.  Dogs are protective of their people & homes and when they see loud, excited, funny-looking people in costumes and masks, they may forget themselves.  It's a high risk situation for aggression," Dr. Connie says.
	All cats should be kept inside for two weeks before Halloween.  "This helps prevent them from being stolen or used in harmful ways.  People who are looking for animals to steal are not acting impulsively.  They look for animals ahead of the time they want them."  Solid colored animals are at highest risk, but all cats should be kept inside.
	Keep all candy out of reach of pets, especially dogs.  Chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets. Eaten wrappers can cause intestinal irritation.  Early signs of chocolate poisoning are vomiting & diarrhea.  Other signs are tremors & seizures and it can be fatal.  If you know or suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, call your veterinarian.  "This is not the time to take a wait and see attitude," Dr. Wright says.  Although dogs like chocolate more than cats do, don't assume that your cat won't eat it.
	Resist the urge to dress your pet in costume.  Tight elastics can cause swelling & pain and some animals may chew and swallow costume material.  "If the animal is not accustomed to being in a costume, it's cruel.  Animals don't enjoy it nearly as much as the people do," she says.  Most dogs shed the costume quickly, so it's a waste of money.
	Keep pets away from decorations and use particular care with candles.  Flames in lanterns and other Halloween decorations are a fire hazard.    Farm animals, particularly dark-colored livestock, are also at risk on Halloween.  Move these animals to barns or grazing areas away from roadsides.   For more information and tips about holiday safety for pets, call or visit your family veterinarian.