Keep Your Pets Safe on Halloween

Halloween is always lots of fun for kids, and adults too, but it can be a pretty scary time for your pets. Dogs and cats can be easily upset by doorbells that continually ring and people in scary costumes at the door. The out-of-the-ordinary activity may cause even the friendliest of pets to act up.

Here are some things to think about to keep your pet safe on Halloween:

	Black cats have long been associated with Halloween, and may be the target of pranksters. Be sure to keep your cat, whether it is black or not, safely indoors and away from anyone who might harm it.
	Keep all of your pets safely inside, preferably in a quiet and safe room with the door closed. You do not want your pets to dash out the open door when you are giving out treats.
	Keep pets away from open doors and the trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities. Chances are that the noise, increased activity and the costumes may frighten them.
	If your dog or cat has an ID tag, be sure they are wearing it, just in case they have the opportunity to escape.
	Don't let your dog or cat near the Halloween decorations. Candles are especially dangerous because they can singe your pet's fur. Some decorations are small, and can be easily eaten. This can cause choking or intestinal blockage. You don't want your pet to chew on any colorful streamers - these are often colored with water soluble dye and will discolor your pets mouth and cause an upset tummy.
	Don't embarrass your poor dog or cat by dressing them up in a costume.
	It's probably best not to take your dog with you when trick-or-treating. Dogs that are normally the "best behavied little dog" can easily get upset by all of the kids running around in costumes. You wouldn't want your dog to escape or become scared, or even worse, bite someone just because it is overly excited.
	Many pets are just like children - they have a sweet tooth. Don't share your treats with your pets. Candy is not good for them, and if they eat some, it can lead to an upset tummy. Chocolate can be very dangerous if your pet eats it.
	Candy wrappers should be thrown away once the candy is opened. Dogs and cats both like the "crinkly" sound that wrappers make, so they are attracted to them, but if they eat them it could lead to an intestinal blockage which can be life-threatening.

Have fun on Halloween, keep your pets safe, and don't forget about our pictures to be colored, match game, jigsaw puzzles to be solved and our Halloween trivia.