A few pet safety tips for the spooky Halloween holiday in today’s blog post:

Pets in costumes—it’s become a fun new trend, well, fun for the humans anyway. Most pets simply tolerate our Halloween fun.  Last week the ASCPA posted some simple Halloween safety tips for pet owners to keep everyone safe and happy.

1. Candy is a treat for humans only. Chocolate—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous if ingested by dogs and cats. In addition, candies that contain the artificial sweetener Xylitol can cause intestinal problems. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, seek veterinary treatment immediately.

2. While popular Halloween décor and plants, such as pumpkins and decorative corn, are considered to be nontoxic, they may produce stomach upset in pets. Keep them out of reach.

3. Electrical wires and cords should also be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet may suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A burning candle in a jack-o-lantern can easily be knocked over and cause a fire. Please note, curious kittens run an especially high risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress up clothes may be stressful for your pet. Be aware your dog may prefer his/her “birthday suit.” If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or simplifying to a bandana.

6. If you do dress up your pet, ensure the costume is safe; it should not constrict movement or hearing, or impede his/her ability to breathe, bark, or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night.

 7. Inspect your pet’s costume and to ensure it does not have small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces that could be a choking hazard.  Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted or stuck on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. As the doorbell starts ringing with trick or treaters, secure your pets in a safe room. Strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for the little ghosts and goblins, ensure that your pet does not dart outside in the dark.

10. Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, and greatly increase the chances that he/she will be returned to you.

Happy Halloween!

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