We all love to celebrate Halloween with spooky decorations, crazy costumes and tantalizing

treats. While enjoying all the holiday has to offer, make sure your pets stay healthy and safe

with these tips:

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NO TRICKS, NO TREATS!

While it might be tempting to share your cauldron of candy with your

furry friends, remember that many substances in the confections can be toxic to pets.

Chocolate, dark and baker’s in particular, is dangerous to both cats and dogs. Many candies

also contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can prove hazardous to pets. So, skip the

sweet treats and give them extra hugs and kisses instead. If you do suspect that your pet has

ingested something poisonous, call your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary clinic or the

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. ASPCA Poison Control Phone Number:

(888) 426-4435

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GUARD THE GOURDS

Although fall decorations such as pumpkins, hay and corn aren’t toxic

per se, they can cause tummy upset and intestinal blockage if consumed. So, keep

decorations away from curious canines and cats.

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WATCH FOR WIRES

Lights and moving lawn figures sure make for a spooky scene, but

exposed electrical wires are a definite hazard to our four-legged friends. Chewing on wires

can cause burns and even electrical shock, so make sure any wires are kept out of reach!

LOSE THE LANTERNS We’re all for Jack-O-Lanterns, but using real candles to light those

ghoulish grins isn’t just a fire hazard. Playful pets who knock over flickering flames could

easily get burned. Try battery powered candles instead!

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BE COSTUME CONSCIOUS

Dressing up is lots of fun for us two-leggers, but many pets find

costumes stressful. If your pets don’t enjoy the experience, please just let them be their

beautiful, unadorned selves. If you DO have pets who love to don a disguise, make sure that it

fits well and doesn’t restrict their movement or ability to breathe, meow or bark. Also, be sure

to remove any small, dangling parts that can be chewed off or become dangerously

entangled.

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DITCH DOOR DUTY

Many of our pets love to greet visitors while others strive to keep them at

bay. Whether your pet likes to welcome or deter, it’s probably best to keep them away from

the door as trick-or-treaters canvas the neighborhood. Not only can the barrage of strangers

cause stress and confusion, but frequent door opening gives frightened or overly excited

pets the perfect opportunity to bolt and become lost. Keep your pets in another room for the

evening and supply them with plenty of comfy bedding, toys and water to make their “time

out” pleasant and comfortable.

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ALWAYS ID

Pets should ALWAYS be properly identified with microchips, collars and tags. If

they should become lost, these simple and inexpensive measures can make the difference in

keeping them out of the shelter and in your arms!