Halloween Page Seven
HALLOWEEN & PETS DON'T MIX
by Rose Smith, Copyright 2002
Most children and adults look forward to Halloween fun, costumes
and trick-or-treating. But this particular holiday can prove to be a
stressful and potentially hazardous time for your beloved pets. Here
are some tips to keep your animals safe and sound during this
Halloween season
* Loud noises can easily excite and frighten pets. Dogs in
particular
can often feel threatened by strangers appearing at the door in
strange costumes. If possible, keep your pets secured in a separate
room in your house while young trick-or-treaters are ringing your
doorbell. If you decide to let your pets be "part of the action",
keep
a close eye on them so they don't suddenly make a break for the
open door and slip out into the great outdoors.
* Don't leave your pets outside on Halloween night. Cat's especially
should be kept indoors several days prior to (and on the night of)
Halloween. Pranksters can tease or hurt your animal at this time
of the year, and we've all heard the horror stories of cats being
killed by vicious people on this particular night.
* If dressing your pet up in costume, make sure it is lightweight
and
non-constricting. It should be loose enough that an animal can
easily get out of it. Don't use rubber bands, as they can constrict
blood flow if too tight and can become entangled in an animal's fur.
Also, get your pet used to the costume several days before Halloween
and don't force them to wear it if they rebel. Never leave a pet in
costume unattended. They could chew it up and ingest harmful
materials or become entangled and choke.
* Make sure your walk your dog earlier in the evening, before it
gets dark.
* If you are escorting children for trick-or-treating, leave your
pets
at home. Dogs get can excited and stressed when encountering
all these "strange laughing, squealing" creatures and may become
agitated enough to snap at a young child. If you must take your dog
with you, keep it on a short leash and away from large groups of
children and other pets.
* Halloween candy is for humans, not animals. Do not give your
pets any candy, especially chocolate. Candy in itself can make
your pet sick and chocolate is especially toxic to dogs.
* Cellophane wrappers, foil papers and lollipop sticks should be
discarded into the garbage. These items can hazardous to your
pet if swallowed by causing intestinal obstructions and even
perforating the intestines, which is life-threatening.
* Keep your pets away from lit candles and pumpkins. They can
easily knock them over causing a fire. Cats and kittens are
especially
curious and could accidently burn themselves if they get too close
to an open flame.
* Make sure your pets have collars and identification tags just in
case they do manage to get outside.
Remember, Halloween is a favorite "human" holiday. By following
the above tips your pet should remain safe and relatively happy
during the Halloween season.