TREATS MAY BE TRICKS FOR PETS

 Halloween may be fun for two-legged ghosts and goblins, but for our four-legged friends, it can pose some dangers. The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) offers the following tips to ensure you and your pet enjoy a safe and “trick” free Halloween.

1. Halloween treats are for people, not pets. Candy wrappers and lollipop sticks may be hazardous if swallowed and chocolate may, in fact, be poisonous. Best to err on the side of caution and save the human treats for the human tricksters.
2. Keep pumpkins and lit decorations away and out of reach from curious paws and noses. Pets may knock over a lit pumpkin or candle and injure themselves or even cause a fire.
3. Consider keeping your pet in a separate room, away from the door, during designated trick-or-treat hours. Strangers, especially in costume, may frighten pets, while some animals may become agitated by the unusual volume of visitors, and frequency of the doorbell. Make certain your pet’s kennel or favorite “safe spot” is readily accessible should a respite be required.
4. When answering the door to neighborhood ghouls, make certain your pet is secured and cannot run from the home. Also, check to be sure your pet is wearing proper identification. Animals with identification are more likely to be returned to their family when found.
5. Avoid leaving unattended pets outside on Halloween (and on the days preceding and immediately following the holiday). Halloween pranks committed against pets are often vicious in nature, and black cats are particularly at risk at this time of year.
6. If planning to have your pet participate in the festivities by dressing up, be sure the costume selected doesn’t interfere with the animal’s ability to breathe, see, hear, move and eat or drink.