A favorite holiday of many children andadults in the area is Halloween.  Whodoesn’t like sweet treats, costumes, and scary decorations?  However, our pets are often at risk when itcomes to Halloween for these very things we love.  Here are some important steps to take to keepyour pet safe during Halloween.

• Don’t feed pets Halloweentreats.  There are several substances inhuman treats that are toxic to our pets. Raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, gum and other candies cancontain xylitol (a sugar substitute) which is toxic.  Chocolate is also toxic to pets and should beavoided.
• Keep candles, jack-o-lanternsand other decorations away from pets.
• Make sure your pet’sidentification (collar, tag, microchip) is up-to-date and contains the correctinformation.  Pets may sneak out the opendoor when trick-or-treaters are distracting you.  
• Keep pets away from humancostumes as they often contain small parts, batteries, glow sticks or otherharmful material.  These can pose aserious risk to pets when chewed or ingested.
• If your pet will be wearing acostume, make sure it fits properly and is comfortable, doesn’t contain smallpieces that could be swallowed, and doesn’t block your pet’s sight, hearing ormovement.  Let your pet become accustomedto the costume before Halloween.
• Halloween can be overwhelmingand frightening for many pets.  Keep petsindoors and away from trick-or-treaters if your pet shows signs of anxiousnessor fear.

Our dogs andcats can enjoy Halloween as much as us as long as we following these safetyprecautions.  Happy Halloween!