Ready for Halloween?

Here are some tips to help you keep your pet safe this Halloween:

1.  Candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for pets. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Sweets containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems.

2.  Halloween plants, like pumpkins, are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3.  Wires and cords from electric lights should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4.  If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal’s movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, better to skip it.

5.  Make sure the costume does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

6.  All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

7.  When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn’t dart outside.

8.  Ensure your pet has an ID. Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.