Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is a time of fun and excitement for everyone. However, for many family pets, it can be a time filled with stress and anxiety. To ensure that your dog is safe and happy this Halloween, consider the following tips:

• Since children will be ringing your doorbell all night, plan ahead and give your dog a new treat or toy to play with in a room blocked off from the action. Play some music or turn on a television to drown out the noise. The last thing you want is a frightened or over-excited pooch.
• Consider keeping your pets at home while trick or treating. Halloween can be scary and stressful to many puppies and adult dogs.
• Costumes, while fun, can also be dangerous. Make sure your dog cannot get tangled, choked or otherwise injured in his Super Dog costume. Never leave a dog unattended in his or her costume.
• Use safe decorations and keep your dog away from electrical cords. If swallowed, string and ribbon can get caught in your dog's intestines and cause serious harm.
• Keep the sweets away from your pet. Chocolate can be toxic and hard candies pose a serious choking hazard. Have some extra special dog-friendly treats on hand to divert attention from the tasty temptations surrounding your dog on Halloween and always store candy on a high shelf. Many dogs can jump right up on a dining room table if the reward is great enough.