September 2000, Our Visit to the Austin Zoo

Halloween Pet Safety

It’s that time again! The weather’s getting cooler and the younger set are beginning to think up the best costume for this year’s Halloween trip. The www.AustinPetClub.com has safety tips for children, parents and those who plan to treat the tricksters.

Halloween is also a time to think about pet safety. Unfortunately, Halloween is one of the key times that pets get lost and some fall into misguided hands. Other pets suffer from eating those lovely treats that the kids bring home. Here are some tips to help your pets through a somewhat confusing time for them:

Your pet should always wear a collar or tag. While certain times of the year are key times for pets to become lost, a pet can escape at any time. Wearing a collar or tag ensures that your pet makes its way back to you quickly.

For the Escape Artist

Now is a good time to look for loose boards in the fence or new escape holes. Also make sure there are no places where a dog can climb over the fence. The added noise and activities may make your normally calm dog very restless. He may look for avenues to escape.

Halloween is an especially dangerous time for cats. During the last half of October, cats are especially prone to become lost or stolen or tortured. The safest cat is always an indoor cat. But during this ALL cats should remain indoors throughout the end of October and a few days after Halloween.

Keep Treats Away from Pets

Many pets become ill from eating bad treats. Chocolate is especially toxic to dogs and should not be given to cats. Candy wrappers are an item of interest to both dogs and cats. Many will quickly swallow this hazardous treat.

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Pets can become frightened during the noise and antics of Halloween night. Also, costumes may scare your pet. On this night in particular it is best to bring pets indoors and secure them away from the festivities. Cats (especially black cats) should be secured so they can not escape through an open door. Dogs will probably be very vocal during this time due to the doorbell and the many visitors to the neighborhood.

It is never a good idea to take your pet trick or treating. Dogs may become uncontrollable. A frightened dog may unexpectedly bite a stranger. Cats can escape all too easily.

Your pet may enjoy Halloween more in a quiet room far away from the front door. A radio turned on low, may help to drown out the noise and help your pet feel more secure. It may also help to keep the barking level a bit lower.

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