Keep Pets Safe This Halloween: Tips From Denver Animal Protection

DENVER, CO — As Halloween approaches, Denver Animal Protection is recommending pet owners take a slew of precautions to keep their dogs and cats safe.

First, people should keep chocolate out of reach of their dogs and cats — veterinarians say one ounce of milk chocolate for every pound of a dog's weight can cause a poisonous reaction, DAP officials said.

Baking and dark chocolate are especially dangerous, DAP said, and Halloween candies containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener) can be poisonous to dogs as well, as can glow sticks.

Anyone who suspects their pet ingested something toxic should call their veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Though Halloween plants — such as pumpkins and decorative corn — are considered non-toxic, they can cause upset stomachs in the pets who eat them, officials said.

Additionally, DAP is urging caution when dressing pets in costumes.

The National Retail Federation is predicting 29 million people will dress up their pets this Halloween, but costumes can be stressful for some animals, officials said.

Costumes can restrict pets' movement, hearing, eyesight and/or ability to breathe, officials said, and some costumes have pieces that can be chewed off and become a choking hazard.

"Pets wearing a costume should always be supervised so if something goes wrong, you can address it right away. Remember, frightened pets are more likely to bite, scratch, or bolt from the house to escape the perceived danger," DAP wrote in a news release. "You can always play it safe and put a festive bandana on your pet instead."

Speaking of costumes, DAP said costumed visitors can be "scary and stressful" for pets, and could make them more aggressive in protecting their humans.

Therefore, officials recommend owners keep their pets in a separate room away from their front door during peak trick-or-treating hours, and that they put on a TV or soothing music and give them a toy bone to chew on.

And, since masks and costumes can change how people look, DAP is reminding pet owners that even people their dog knows may scare them and cause uncertainty.

DAP also pointed out hazards to pets — they could knock over a lit jack-o-lantern and start a fire, or be choked or entangled by fake cobwebs and strung lights.

Lastly, pet owners should use proper identification for their pets, in case they escape and get lost.

Collars and tags help, DAP said, and the department also offers ID tags that allow anyone with a smartphone to scan a QR code to find a pet owners' contact information.

Microchips, too, can offer permanent information.

"Just make sure the information is up to date by calling your microchip company or checking online. If you don’t know what company to call, your vet or shelter can scan the chip and verify the information," DAP said.

The department offers low-cost microchipping and pet vaccines to Denver residents on Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 a.m. at the Denver Animal Shelter.