Wayne County Humane Society offers tips on how to keep pets safe during Halloween
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on October 15, 2017 1:45 AM
Ghosts and goblins will be out in full force on Halloween for some scary good fun.
But it may not be so much fun for your pet. To keep your pet safe on Halloween, the Wayne County Humane Society offers these tips:
* No human Halloween treats for your pet.
Candies containing xylitol and chocolate can be poisonous to pets. Candy can often remain in the house for weeks after Halloween. Designate a cupboard that you pet can't reach for storing Halloween treats. Remind you children that candy is hazardous to pets. Candy wrappers can cause intestinal blockages.
* Safety first when decorating for Halloween.
The flicker of a lit candle inside a carved Jack-O-Lantern is very tempting to a pet. To reduce the risk of fire and burns from a pet overturning or getting too close to a lit Jack-O-Lantern, use a battery operated candle instead. While nontoxic, pumpkins can upset a pet's stomach if chewed on. Keep you Jack-O-Lantern out of reach of pets. Prevent your pets from chewing on decorations or cords by keeping them off the floor, and off the counter if your pet can reach it. Limit decorations to outside the home.
* Reduce stress for your pet.
Provide exercise for your pet before trick-or-treating starts. Keep you pet inside the house away from trick-or-treaters either in their crate or in a room far from the front door. Provide your pet with its bed and favorite toys to occupy them. Spray your pet's bed/blanket with lavender calming spray to help de-stress them.
* Always keep current identification tags on your pet. Whether you take your pet trick-or-treating with you or keep it at home, make sure your pet is wearing current identification tags should it get loose from you or your home. If you do plan to take your pet trick-or-treating, keep it leashed at all times.
* Choose a safe, comfortable costume for your pet if you dress it up. Make sure the costume doesn't impede your pet's ability to breathe, walk, drink or go to the bathroom. Check your pet's costume for any choking hazards, like buttons or bells. A bandanna is a nice comfortable alternative to a costume.
If you have any questions about safety for pets at Halloween, call the Humane Society at 919-736-PETS.