MSPCA-Angell Halloween Safety Tips
Wednesday, October 21, 2009

How to Keep Your Pets Safe

This Halloween pet owners should ensure that their four-legged family members are kept inside, safe and happy. The following are several tips to help pet owners keep their pets safe during the Halloween season:

Children in costume can be frightening for pets. We urge families to keep companion animals inside, safe from Halloween crowds and pranks. We always encourage cats to be indoors only, but it's especially important at Halloween. Black cats can be especially at risk.

It's very easy for your cat or dog to run out the door when you open it to greet trick-or-treaters. Put up a baby gate or better yet, put your pet in a closed room. The activity and excitement of Halloween can be stressful and confusing for animals, which may cause loose pets to run away. Keep dogs on a leash when bringing them outside.

If you have rabbits in an outside hutch or have chickens, geese, or any farm animals, leave an outdoor light on illuminating their area. Check on them throughout the Halloween night.

Refrain from giving pets candy treats. Chocolate and other sweets can be harmful to a pet's sensitive stomach. Specially-made nutritious pet treats are better to give to your cat or dog.

Keep in mind that neighborhoods celebrate Halloween at different times, so you may want to find out the Halloween trick-or-treat date for your neighborhood.