We hear a lot of safety tips for parents and children who go out trick-or-treating on Halloween night, but the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services reminds us the holiday can be stressful and even dangerous for pets, too. They’ve provided some tips “to keep the holiday safe and furry-friendly:
– Make sure your pet is licensed, micro-chipped, and wearing up-to-date identification. A dog license can help our Officers get your pet safely home in case he/she gets lost.
– Keep your companion animals in a room away from the front door when trick-or-treaters are visiting. Pets can become frightened by the “monsters” and “ghouls”; they may panic and slip out the door.
– Keep the sweet treats out of your pet’s reach. Chocolate and other seemingly harmless ingredients can be poisonous to dogs and cats. Dispose of the wrappers where pets can’t get to them. Also, remember that children may not understand why Fluffy can’t share their treats, so use this as a teaching opportunity.
– Tail wagging is a good thing – unless it’s done around a lit candle! Keep candles and lit Jack-o-Lanterns at an appropriate height where your pets can’t knock them over or get burned.
– A decorative collar is far more comfortable than a costume for your pet. Make sure your pet thinks a costume is as much fun as you do before you dress them up for Halloween.”
Have a pet-safe Halloween!
